New York – In a somber conclusion to a distressing family conflict in New York, a 33-year-old woman 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 could 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 began on January 3, 2024, when police responded to a welfare check at Halverson’s home. When officers arrived, they found Halverson’s body near farming equipment, tragically “exposed to the elements.”
The investigation, led 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 deadly.
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 while the children were visiting their grandmother, and an argument erupted over rental income.
It escalated into violence, and Halverson received 14 blows to the back of her head. The defense claimed that Halverson’s injuries were caused by an accident involving horses, which allegedly knocked her down and trampled her, but the jury rejected this claim.
According to reports, Thran and her mother disagreed on financial matters, specifically 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 significant digital evidence that helped to link Thran to the crimes. This evidence, combined with the strategic 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 solidify the case against Thran.
The prosecution was pleased with the jury’s decision, recognizing the diligence of their team and the law enforcement officers involved. ADA Van Donsel expressed sadness 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 discussed the significance of the verdict, which provided justice for Halverson’s grandchildren, family, and friends.
Thran’s sentencing date is set for May 6, 2025, before Judge Daniel Alexander. This case leaves a community in mourning over the complex dynamics that resulted in a brutal act of violence within a family.
As the case comes to a close, the focus shifts to the long-term impact on the defendant’s and victim’s families and friends as they deal with the aftermath of a devastating tragedy.
