Halo Braton death: Internet calls 11-month-old's mom ‘evil’ for allegedly dropping child into utility tunnel
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SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK: Persia Nelson, 24, is facing murder charges following the tragic death of her 11-month-old child, Halo Branton, Daily gazette reported.
The infant was discovered deceased on Thursday after being dropped into a utility tunnel on the General Electric campus.
Subsequently, Nelson's initial charge of second-degree manslaughter has been elevated to second-degree murder, as announced by Schenectady County District Attorney Robert Carney during a press conference.
The decision to upgrade the charge was prompted by the autopsy results indicating that Halo Branton succumbed to exposure and hypothermia while in the standing water within the tunnel.
What happened during Persia Nelson's arraignment?
During the mother Nelson's arraignment, prosecutor Matthew Nobles stated, “The allegations are that she dropped that child down pipe-access — a hole in the ground, essentially — on the GE plant grounds,”
He added, “That was approximately 10-feet deep and left the child there essentially to die, without seeking any help whatsoever.”
Prosecutor Michael Nobles urged Judge Carl Falotico to detain Nelson without bail, citing her potential to flee due to her lack of ties to the area. Nobles informed the judge that Nelson arrived in Schenectady in November, having previously stayed temporarily in an Albany County shelter. Nelson, originally from Columbia County, has another child there with whom she has limited contact and no custody, Nobles added.
Nobles emphasized that Nelson's case differs from typical manslaughter cases, indicating a heightened risk of flight. Nelson was represented by Schenectady Public Defender Stephen Signore, who stated that Nelson has no criminal record.
The judge set Nelson's bail at $500,000 cash and $1,000,000 bond, with her next court appearance scheduled for Thursday at 1:30 pm in Schenectady City Court. However, Schenectady County District Attorney Robert Carney mentioned that the upgraded charge might postpone this, and prosecutors will expedite proceedings to the grand jury.
What did police chief Eric Clifford report?
During Monday afternoon's press conference, Schenectady Police Chief Eric Clifford outlined the events from Saturday night, when Halo was reported missing, to the issuance of an Amber Alert and the subsequent discovery of Halo.
Clifford expressed condolences to Halo's family on behalf of the Schenectady Police Department and all involved agencies.
The first call came in at 11:04 pm Saturday from General Electric security, reporting a female trespasser, identified as Nelson, claiming to have lost her child. Police interviewed Nelson and began searching for the child. Authorities refrained from commenting on Nelson's state at the time.
Following additional resources, police connected Nelson to an address and commenced a search using various methods. After hours of searching, assistance from New York State Police and state forest rangers was requested. Concerns of abduction led to the issuance of an Amber Alert.
At 12:30 pm, members of the police department found Halo inside a utility tunnel on the GE campus. Despite efforts by medics, Halo was declared dead at 1:24 pm
Internet feels 'hurt' amid death of 11-month-old child
Following the revelation of the child's murder, numerous individuals took to Facebook to express their emotions.
One user claimed, "These stories hurt my heart every time. How do people hurt children like this ? It seems to be happening more and more 😭 A child should NEVER go through such pain and fear !"
Another said, "So sad !! How can anyone hurt or kill a child breaks my heart" The third claimed, "This is why I hate social media. These stories are so so heartbreaking and unbelievable"
The other requested, "Oh my gosh you can see the sadness in this babies eyes. Good lord lock her in jail and throw away the key"
While the fifth commented, "This is so heartbreaking, the evil in this world is just mind boggling. This precious baby deserved better. Rest in peace little angel you are in God's hands and a much better place. Justice for this precious little baby."
The last claimed, "What a horrible way to die. That baby girl died of hypothermia after being dropped in a cold, dark, wet hole. She must have been so scared. This woman needs the death penalty."
