Podcast Summary: Small Town Murder

Title: Bloody Headless Mess - Shakopee, Minnesota
Host/Authors: James Pietragallo & Jimmie Whisman
Release Date: June 27, 2025

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "Bloody Headless Mess - Shakopee, Minnesota" of Small Town Murder, hosts James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman delve into a harrowing case that unfolded in the suburban landscape of Shakopee, Minnesota. Through meticulous research and their characteristic comedic flair, the duo explores the tumultuous relationship, escalating violence, and eventual tragic demise of America Thayer at the hands of her partner, Alexis Soberit.

Background: Shakopee, Minnesota

Shakopee, a rapidly growing suburb of Minneapolis, has witnessed its population skyrocket from 8,000 in 1990 to approximately 45,000 by 2025. With a median household income of $96,473 and median home prices around $349,900, it stands as a prosperous community. The town’s history dates back to the 1700s, named after Chief Shekopee II of the Mdewakanton Dakota tribe.

James: “[...] it’s now just tied in intrinsically to the Minneapolis area. [...]”

The town boasts attractions like Valley Fair Amusement Park, a 90-acre Six Flags-owned park with numerous rides, including the infamous Wild Thing roller coaster, which experienced a significant accident in 2006.

The Central Figures

• America Thayer: Born in 1966 in Cuba, America immigrated to the United States and, by 2021, was juggling two jobs at the MyPillow factory and Dollar Tree. Described by peers as "very soft-spoken" and "genuinely kind," America maintained a cheerful demeanor despite her challenging circumstances.

• Alexis Soberit: Born March 30, 1979, also from Cuba, Alexis arrived in the U.S. in 2007. His history is marred by aggressive behavior, including multiple charges of domestic abuse and alarming incidents that suggest escalating mental instability, particularly following a traumatic brain injury sustained in a car accident in 2017.

James: “He's insane also, is also a thing. [...]”

Escalation of Violence

Their relationship took a dark turn in 2014 when America and Alexis, despite their tumultuous pasts, rekindled their partnership. Alexis's violent tendencies were evident, with multiple arrests for domestic abuse, including instances of strangulation and armed violence.

Alexis's Abuse:
In 2009, Alexis was charged with severe domestic abuse, including battery and false imprisonment. By 2014, their relationship was fraught with continuous violence, leading to police interventions and restraining orders, which America eventually sought to overturn, indicating a complex and possibly manipulative dynamic.

The Traumatic Incident: Car Accident and Its Aftermath

In July 2017, Alexis was involved in a severe DUI-related car accident that left him in a coma. This incident exacerbated his mental health issues, leading to auditory hallucinations and paranoid delusions.

James: “[...] after the car accident in 2017, he began experiencing auditory hallucinations and paranoid delusions.”

Post-accident, Alexis's behavior became increasingly erratic. He was diagnosed with multiple psychiatric disorders, including manic psychosis and delusional disorder, yet he frequently refused to adhere to his prescribed neuroleptic medications, further destabilizing his mental state.

Climactic Events: July 2021

On a fateful day in July 2021, Alexis's behavior reached its peak:

1. Courts and Disabilities: Despite multiple incarcerations and a history of violent outbursts, Alexis was conditionally released multiple times, each time with increased bail amounts due to his ongoing threats and violent actions.

2. The Murder:

   • Incident: Alexis attacked America Thayer in their shared vehicle at approximately 2:15 PM. Witnesses reported a terrifying scene where Alexis, armed with a dumbbell and a machete, violently assaulted America.

   • Decapitation: In a horrifying twist, Alexis used a machete to decapitate America, leaving her head disembodied and bleeding at the scene.

   James: “[...] he used both an 8 pound dumbbell and a machete during his assault. [...]”

3. Aftermath and Arrest:

   • **Discovery: Passersby found America’s decapitated body and head scattered near the vehicle at the intersection of 4th Avenue and Spencer Street.

   • **Evidence: Bloodied clothing and a machete sheath were found, linking Alexis directly to the gruesome crime.

   • **Capture: Police swiftly apprehended Alexis near Shenandoah Parkway and Highway 101. Despite his attempts to evade, including fleeing on foot, Alexis was subdued and taken into custody.

   James: “[...] he demonstrated significant symptoms of psychosis evidenced by disorganized thought processes, paranoia, and bizarre delusions.” (Time Stamp: 54:04)

Legal Proceedings and Verdict

The trial of Alexis Soberit was fraught with complexities due to his mental health status:

• Defense Argument: The defense contended that Alexis was not mentally competent at the time of the murder, suffering from severe psychosis and delusions that impaired his understanding of his actions' moral and legal wrongness.

• State Argument: Contrarily, the prosecution argued that the meticulous nature of the crime—using both a dumbbell and a machete—indicated deliberate intent, challenging the notion of his innocence due to mental illness.

• Verdict:
  On July 12, 2023, the court ruled Alexis guilty of first-degree murder. However, recognizing his severe mental illness, he was found not guilty by reason of mental illness and was subsequently committed to a psychiatric care facility.

  James: “[...] he's guilty of first degree murder.” (Time Stamp: 66:56)

Impact on the Community and Victim’s Family

America Thayer was widely regarded as a beloved member of the Shakopee community. Her son, Charles, expressed profound grief and confusion at the court's verdict, struggling to reconcile the premeditated nature of the crime with the legal acknowledgment of Alexis's insanity.

Charles Thayer: “I cannot tell you how many times the cops were called for him beating the crap out of her and leaving her bloody.”

The community remains in shock, grappling with the tragedy of a seemingly ordinary suburban life shattered by extreme violence and mental instability.

Conclusion

The "Bloody Headless Mess - Shakopee, Minnesota" episode of Small Town Murder presents a chilling narrative of love, violence, and the tragic consequences of untreated mental illness. James and Jimmie adeptly weave together the complex layers of Alexis's descent into madness, the relentless suffering of America Thayer, and the unwavering impact on their small community. This episode serves as a sobering reflection on the intersection of mental health and justice, leaving listeners both horrified and contemplative.

James: “I just don't know what world or society we're living in anymore.”

Notable Quotes

• James Pietragallo (00:28): “...it’s just 10 pounds of murder in a two-pound bag.”

• Jimmie Whisman (03:35): “Yeah, most of those peas. Are birds.”

• James Pietragallo (14:05): “Or, I mean, delusions are the only thing that make you crazy in the eyes of the law. And he fucking had him for sure.”

• James Pietragallo (66:57): “He's nuts, obviously.”

Final Thoughts

The Small Town Murder hosts balance the gravity of the case with moments of levity, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the events while maintaining engagement through their unique dynamic. This episode underscores the importance of mental health awareness and the dire consequences when it intersects tragically with personal relationships.

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