Woman killed in Shakopee beheaded, suspect in custody

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America Thayer, 55, was found beheaded in Shakopee, Minnesota on Wednesday afternoon. (FOX 9)

SHAKOPEE, Minnesota (FOX 9) – Police identified the woman who was allegedly beheaded Wednesday in Shakopee, Minnesota as America Mafalda Thayer, 55. A suspect is in police custody in connection with his death.

At approximately 2:30 p.m., officers responded to a report of a stabbing at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Spencer Street. Upon arrival at the scene, police saw a headless body lying on the ground next to a car, according to a search warrant. The victim’s head was lying next to the body.

The victim, identified as Thayer, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officers found what appeared to be a sheath for a large knife in a nearby yard. They found a knife in a trash can in a neighborhood alley.

Officers quickly apprehended a 42-year-old man on suspicion of second degree murder, the Shakopee Police Department said. He is being held at Scott County Jail pending charges. Police said the suspect knew Thayer and the stabbing was not a random act.

Several people witnessed the attack, according to the search warrant.

A colleague said Thayer works at Dollar Tree in Shakopee as well as MyPillow. They said the victim had a long-term relationship with the suspect and domestic violence was a constant problem.

A memorial to America Thayer grows at the intersection where she was found dead in Shakopee, Minnesota.

Court records show the suspect had previously been convicted of a serious domestic violence offense. FOX 9 generally does not identify suspects until they are formally charged.

Shakopee Police and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are investigating Thayer’s death.

Anyone with information regarding the fatal stab wounds is urged to contact the Shakopee Police Department at 952-233-9400.