A Cuban illegal immigrant living in Minnesota has been found guilty of first-degree premeditated murder after the gruesome beheading of his girlfriend in public.

According to court records, Alexis Saborit, 44, waived his right to a jury trial, and Judge Caroline H. Lennon declared him guilty on Thursday, May 11.

A review hearing for Saborit is set for June 1, and he is likely to be sentenced to life in prison without parole. The court records reveal that Saborit had caused the death of America Thayer, 56, beyond a reasonable doubt.

Witnesses reported seeing the couple together at Shakopee’s Memorial Park before the horrifying incident took place about a mile away. Saborit attacked Thayer with a large machete and a dumbbell, resulting in her decapitation.

Police officers discovered Thayer’s body with “stab wounds” and captured Saborit near his hotel shortly after he fled the scene.

The court document described the couple’s relationship as tumultuous, with frequent arguments, allegations of abuse, and previous threats. Thayer had wanted to end the 12-year relationship, and Saborit was aware of her intentions.

Charles Thayer, the victim’s son, expressed relief at the verdict and emphasized that his mother did not deserve such a brutal death.