On a recent episode of the renowned podcast "Hidden Killers," hosts Tony Brueski and retired FBI Special Agent Jennifer Coffindaffer delved into the complex, disturbing case of Taylor Schabusiness. This name seems to epitomize the bizarre and horrific nature of her crimes. Brueski had been closely following the case, even appearing on court TV to discuss its peculiarities.

 

Despite being married with a child, Schabusiness was not known by her husband's original surname, Shabo, but rather by a self-chosen name, "Schabusiness," reportedly adopted in a meth-fueled moment. Schabusiness's case involves murder, mutilation, and the argument of mental incompetence.

 

Throughout the trial, the defense aimed to establish Schabusiness as mentally unstable and thus unaware of her actions at the time of the murder. Brueski and Coffindaffer discussed this argument at length, with the latter reflecting, "It was certainly a card that had to be played, that was their best bet." Despite this, Coffindaffer firmly believes the crimes committed were choices Schabusiness made, likely exacerbated by meth use.

 

The former FBI agent emphasized the destructive nature of meth addiction, stating, "It is unbelievable what happens to people... involved with meth. Not only in trafficking but using it." Coffindaffer shared a harrowing anecdote about a man who, high on meth, jumped out of a three-story building, displaying the drug's capacity to drive users to extreme actions. She added, "And meth and sex go hand in hand. It's a drug that fuels very bizarre sexual behavior."

In just 30 minutes, the jury delivered their verdict. While the hosts agreed that Schabusiness likely suffers from serious mental health issues, they considered whether her drug use had exacerbated these pre-existing conditions. They noted her abnormal reactions in court, suggesting her detachment could be symptomatic of her diagnosed disorders.

 

However, Coffindaffer suggested the key point is whether her mental illness compelled her to commit the crime. She expressed her disbelief at a photo of Schabusiness with Jeffrey Dahmer, indicating a certain admiration for the infamous serial killer. Coffindaffer inferred, "For me, that was a window into the soul, if you will."

 

The jury's main task was to determine if Schabusiness could discern right from wrong at the time of the crime. Coffindaffer believes she could, stating, "And I think she did." The hosts agreed that regardless of her drug use and mental illness, Schabusiness exudes an ominous aura, creating a chilling sense of pure evil that seems irredeemable.

 

Coffindaffer revealed that she was recently contacted by a forensic psychologist about a project examining the fine line between mental incompetence and evil in individuals who commit mass murders. She expressed excitement about the project, stating, "I'm looking forward to working with her because she was explaining to me, the distinction between truly being crazy and being evil... and just using that sort of as an excuse to commit crime."

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