Schenectady, New York – The tragic death of 11-month-old Halo Branton has shocked the community, with new details emerging about the circumstances surrounding her demise. Originally charged with second-degree manslaughter, Persia Nelson now faces an upgraded charge of second-degree murder, depraved indifference to human life, according to Schenectady County District Attorney Robert Carney.
The upgraded charge comes after an autopsy revealed that Halo died of exposure and hypothermia after being dropped into a utility tunnel on the General Electric campus. Carney described the harrowing scene where Halo was found standing in water up to her chest, but not her face, in a situation that was deemed deliberate and callous.
Nelson, the child’s mother, was discovered in a GE heated building and subsequently arraigned with a bail set at $500,000. According to prosecutor Matthew Nobles, Nelson allegedly dropped her child down an access pipe, leaving her to die without seeking help.
The search for Halo began on Saturday night when police were alerted to her disappearance. Despite efforts to locate her, it wasn’t until Sunday afternoon that Halo was found in the utility tunnel by members of the police department’s SWAT team. Efforts to save her were unsuccessful, and she was pronounced dead at the hospital.
An Amber Alert was issued with a slight delay due to a system error, prompting officials to work on resolving the issue for future alerts. During Nelson’s arraignment, Nobles argued for her to be held without bail, citing her flight risk as she has limited connections to the area.
As the investigation continues, the community gathered at the Hudson Boat Launch to remember Halo, releasing balloons in her honor. The loss of the young child has deeply affected those who knew her, with many coming together to celebrate her short but impactful life.
The case has garnered significant attention, with prosecutors moving swiftly to present the matter to the grand jury. The shocking details of Halo Branton’s death have left the community mourning and seeking justice for the senseless tragedy.