The Dane County Sheriff’s Department
Bart and Krista Halderson were living a calm life in Windsor, Wisconsin in July 2021. They were the delighted parents of two sons and had a wonderful home. Mitchell, 24 years old, worked in technology and was engaged. Chandler, 23 years old, was pursuing a degree in IT at Madison College and stated he was looking forward to a position at SpaceX.
A good friend
The Dane County Sheriff’s Department
Daniel Kroninger, her coworker and friend, became concerned when Krista Halderson did not show up for work on July 2. He attempted to contact Krista, but received no response. Kroninger visited the Halderson residence and met their kid, Chandler.
Chandler, who resided at home, informed Kroninger that his parents spent the Fourth of July weekend at their family cabin.
Obtaining police assistance
Barbi Townsend
Daniel Kroninger pushed Chandler to contact the police when Bart and Krista Halderson did not return from the cabin following the Fourth of July holiday and did not respond to phone calls or text messages. Chandler reported his parents missing to the Dane County Sheriff’s Office on July 7, 2021, informing police that they were picked up and driven to a cabin by an unknown couple.
“Have you seen my parents?”
The Dane County Sheriff’s Department
As detectives began investigating Bart and Krista’s odd absence, Chandler Halderson went door-to-door inquiring about his parents’ whereabouts.
The family cabin sheriff’s office in Dane County
On July 8, 2021, the eldest son of Bart and Krista Halderson, Mitchell, drove three hours north of Windsor to the family cabin to look for them. Together, he and deputies from the Langlade County Sheriff’s Office searched the property. It became evident that no one had visited the cabin in a very long time. There were no indications that Bart and Kristin Halderson were present.
Further questions
The Dane County Sheriff’s Department
The detectives interviewed Bart and Kristin’s neighbors and acquaintances. They desired to understand more about Chandler’s holiday weekend locations. The authorities began to think that Chandler’s tale did not add up, so they detained him for interrogation.
Chandler’s narrative
The Dane County Sheriff’s Department
The interview lasted almost two hours. Chandler informed detectives that he assisted his parents with packing tools for the plumbing repairs before they left for the cottage.
A gruesome discovery made by the Dane County Sheriff’s Office
While speaking with Chandler, police acquired information that altered the tone of the interview. Apparently, deputies received a tip from a farm owner stating that she had seen Chandler walking on her land from the edge of the woods a few days before he reported his parents missing. When deputies conducted a search of the area, they uncovered a male torso. Investigators began testing quickly to identify the bodies.
Chandler was arrested, according to Dane County Jail Records
Simultaneously, detectives interrogated Chandler about his missing parents. When he requested a lawyer, however, the interview terminated. Chandler Halderson was arrested for supplying false information regarding a missing individual.
The remains discovered on the site were recognized as belonging to Bart Halderson two days later. Chandler was accused of murdering his father. Additionally, he was charged with dismembering and concealing a body.
A Snapchat clue for the Dane County Clerk of Courts
Chandler’s use of the social networking application Snapchat provided an unanticipated turning point.
Cathryn “Cat” Mellender, the girlfriend of Chandler, gave investigators permission to extract data from her phone.
Mellender, according to detectives, would track her boyfriend’s location using a Snapchat feature that enabled users to do so in real time. She spotted Chandler on Snapchat on July 3 near the Wisconsin River. Mellender had captured a screenshot of the area and stored it on her mobile device.
Upon searching the Snapchat location, detectives discovered human remains. The medical examiner eventually confirmed that they were Krista Halderson’s remains. Chandler was accused of murdering his mother.
A familiar spot
Court Clerk of Dane County
Chandler recognized the Snapchat area where Krista’s remains were discovered.
Near Chandler’s favorite swimming site in a rural area with access to the Wisconsin River, according to detectives. This photograph of Chandler was taken there around one year before he was accused with the murder of his mother.
Bart and Krista Halderson
Maria Falconer
Chandler Halderson pled not guilty to murdering, dismembering, and concealing the corpses of his parents Bart and Kristina in September 2021.
The trial commenced in January of 2022. Prosecutors in Dane County told the jury that Chandler murdered his parents after they found he had lied to them about his college enrollment and career prospects.
Fake emails
Court Clerk of Dane County
The prosecution provided evidence that Chandler failed to graduate from college. They claim he created a series of bogus emails to convince his parents he was still enrolled in school.
The Dane County Sheriff’s Office is buying a tarp.
In addition, prosecutors presented evidence that Chandler purchased a tarp and 20 pounds of ice.
Authorities determined that the tarp purchased by Chandler resembled a tarp located in the garbage on the farm where his father’s remains were discovered.
Cutting devices
Court Clerk for Dane County
On the farm where Bart Halderson’s remains were discovered, authorities discovered hidden cutting tools inside a rusted oil drum. Blood on the tools matched Bart and Kristina’s DNA, according to a forensic analyst’s testimony.
Broken glass
Court Clerk of Dane County
The prosecution displayed a photograph of broken glass from the Haldersons’ fireplace to the jurors. A footage from a neighbor’s security camera captured a flickering light emanating from a window at the Halderson residence. Prosecutors said they suspect Bart and Kristin were murdered on the same day.
A forensic expert testified at trial that over 200 bits of human bone were discovered in the fireplace.
Blood traces
Court Clerk of Dane County
A forensics expert stated that blood looked to be present in the Halderson residence’s basement. The expert also informed the jury that it appeared there had been a cleanup. In this photograph, the floor appears clean, yet in the blue light of the night, blood stains are visible.
Weapon discovered in barn
Court Clerk of Dane County
On the farm where Bart Halderson’s bones were discovered, a concealed gun was discovered in a barn. Authorities suspect that Bart was killed using this weapon. The medical examiner was unable to determine Krista Halderson’s cause of death.
A jury decides WISC
Jury deliberations lasted two hours. All charges against Chandler Halderson were proven true, and he was condemned to life in jail without the possibility of parole.