In a melancholy climax to a traumatic family battle in New York, a 33-year-old lady named A. Thran was found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of her mother, P. Halverson. The verdict was delivered following an intense eight-day trial, culminating in a decision that may land Thran in prison for a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 25 years to life. She will find out her fate on May 6.
The case unfolded on January 3, 2024, when police responded to a welfare check at Halverson’s home. When cops arrived, they found Halverson’s body amid farming equipment, unfortunately “exposed to the elements.” The investigation, directed by the New York State Police Troop “C” Major Crimes Unit, spanned three states and several counties, piecing together a story of domestic strife turned fatal.
During the trial, the prosecution, led by Assistant District Attorneys R. Van Donsel and Z. Zallo, alleged that on December 27, 2023, Thran appeared at her mother’s house when the children were visiting their grandmother, and an argument erupted over rental revenue. It degenerated into violence, and Halverson received 14 strikes to the back of her skull. The defense claimed that Halverson’s injuries were caused by an accident involving horses, which supposedly knocked her down and trampled her, but the jury rejected this argument. According to accounts, Thran and her mother disagreed about money problems, notably the control and income from a rental property that Thran managed but Halverson sought to oversee.
Despite the lack of a recovered murder weapon, the trial included considerable digital evidence that helped to link Thran to the crimes. This evidence, together with the clever use of virtual testimony from a key witness who was unable to travel due to medical reasons, facilitated by a District Attorney’s Office in California, helped to consolidate the case against Thran. The prosecution was pleased with the jury’s decision, recognizing the thoroughness of their team and the law enforcement officials involved. ADA Van Donsel expressed grief over the family’s dissolution and praised the State Police for their efforts to bring closure to those who cared for Halverson. ADA Zallo also reflected on the gravity of the verdict, which served to deliver justice for Halverson’s grandchildren, family, and friends.
Thran’s sentencing date is set for May 6, 2025, before Judge Daniel Alexander. This story leaves a community in mourning at the complex dynamics that resulted in a horrible act of violence within a family. As the case comes to a close, the attention switches to the long-term impact on the defendant’s and victim’s families and friends as they deal with the consequences of a horrific catastrophe.
