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The murder trial of Persia Nelson, a Schenectady mother accused of killing her 10-month-old daughter, Halo Branton, is set to begin today (September 29) in Schenectady County Court. Nelson faces charges of second-degree murder, second-degree manslaughter, and endangering the welfare of a child.
The case dates back to March 2024, when an Amber Alert was issued after Halo was reported missing. According to police reports, Nelson left a family gathering with her daughter and was later found alone in a heated shed near the General Electric campus. She claimed to be unaware of how she got there or where her daughter was.
The following day, security personnel at General Electric discovered Halo in a drainage pipe, submerged up to her neck in water. Despite efforts to save her, she succumbed to hypothermia and exposure at Ellis Hospital. Prosecutors allege that Nelson intentionally placed her daughter in the pipe, leading to her death.
Nelson's attorney argues that she was intoxicated and disoriented at the time, believing she was placing Halo in a safe location. If convicted, Nelson could face a prison sentence of 25 years to life.
WNYT reports that Nelson's defense plans to challenge the murder charge, claiming it was not intentional. The trial is expected to draw significant attention due to the tragic nature of the case and the serious charges involved.
CBS6 Albany notes that the trial will focus on whether Nelson acted with depraved indifference, a key component of the second-degree murder charge.