In a shocking turn of events, an illegal immigrant from Cuba, Alexis Saborit, who was previously convicted of murdering his girlfriend by decapitation, has been found not guilty due to his mental illness. The ruling, made by Judge Caroline Lennon, cited expert opinions from psychologists who determined that Saborit’s mental illness prevented him from understanding the moral implications of his actions. This decision has sparked controversy and raised questions about the relationship between mental health and criminal responsibility.
Saborit, 42, was initially found guilty of first-degree premeditated murder in May for the brutal killing of his 55-year-old girlfriend, America Mafalda Thayer, in Minneapolis in July 2021. The gruesome broad-daylight attack was witnessed by several people, one of whom saw Saborit pull Thayer’s body out of the car and then lift her decapitated head by her hair. The motive for the crime was revealed to be Thayer’s desire to end their tumultuous 12-year relationship, which reportedly triggered Saborit’s lethally violent outburst.
Following the guilty verdict, Saborit’s defense team filed a motion on July 12th arguing that he should be found not guilty due to his mental state. The motion highlighted Saborit’s history of hospitalizations for “bizarre delusions” in 2013 and a traumatic brain injury from a car crash in 2017, which led to hallucinations. He was also diagnosed with psychosis and delusions. The defense argued that since the court-ordered psychologists’ opinions were not disputed, the guilty verdict should be overturned.
Judge Lennon ultimately agreed with the defense’s argument and reversed the guilty verdict. However, she ordered him to remain in the Scott County Jail until he could be transferred to another facility. This decision has left the victim’s son, Charles Thayer, deeply dissatisfied, as he believes that Saborit should face the consequences of his cold-blooded murder.
Charles Thayer expressed his frustration during his victim statement, emphasizing the years of abuse his mother endured at the hands of Saborit. He questioned the justice system, stating that it was difficult to understand how someone who planned and executed a murder could be considered insane. Thayer held up a large photo of his mother during his statement, noting that Saborit showed no remorse or emotion when confronted with the image.