New York – In a somber conclusion to a distressing family conflict in New York, a 33-year-old woman, identified as A. Thran, was convicted of second-degree murder for the death of her mother, identified as P. Halverson. The verdict was delivered after an intensive eight-day trial, culminating in a decision that could put Thran behind bars for a minimum of 10 years to a potential maximum of 25 years to life. She will learn her fate on May 6.
The case unfolded when law enforcement responded to a welfare check on January 3, 2024, at Halverson’s residence. Upon their arrival, officers discovered 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 over three states and multiple counties, piecing together a narrative of domestic discord turned deadly.
During the trial, the prosecution, led by Assistant District Attorneys R. Van Donsel and Z. Zallo, presented a case that on December 27, 2023, Thran appeared at her mother’s home while the children were visiting their grandmother, where an argument ensued about rental income. It escalated to violence, resulting in Halverson sustaining 14 blows to the back of her head. The defense contended that Halverson’s injuries were the result of an accident involving horses that allegedly knocked her down and trampled her, a claim that the jury ultimately did not accept. According to reports, Thran and her mother clashed over financial matters, specifically the control and income of a rental property, which Thran managed but Halverson sought to oversee.
The trial featured significant digital evidence that played a crucial role in linking Thran to the crime, despite the absence of a recovered murder weapon. This evidence, alongside the strategic use of virtual testimony of a key witness who was unable to travel for medical reasons, facilitated by a District Attorney’s Office in California, helped solidify the case against Thran. The prosecution expressed satisfaction with the jury’s verdict, acknowledging the diligence of their team and the law enforcement officers involved. ADA Van Donsel remarked on the sadness of the family’s dissolution and the hard work by the State Police that brought 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 is scheduled for May 6, 2025, before Judge D. Alexander. This case leaves a community mourning the complex dynamics that led to a brutal act of violence within a family. As it draws to a close, the focus shifts to the lasting impact on the family and friends of both the defendant and the victim, as they grapple with the aftermath of a devastating tragedy.
