Photo: Jantanee Phoolmas / Moment / Getty Images
The murder trial of Persia Nelson concluded with a guilty verdict on Thursday (October 16) in Schenectady. Nelson, a 26-year-old mother, was convicted of murder, manslaughter, and acting in a manner injurious to a child in connection with the death of her nearly 11-month-old daughter, Halo Branton. The tragic incident occurred last March when the infant was found abandoned in a utility pipe access tunnel near the General Electric campus in Schenectady.
Despite efforts to save her, the child succumbed to hypothermia after being rushed to a hospital. During the trial, witnesses provided testimony about Nelson's state of mind and health, as well as the search efforts for her daughter. Nelson's attorney argued that the incident was a tragic accident, but the jury did not agree, leading to her conviction.
Nelson now faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison, with sentencing scheduled for January. The case has drawn significant attention due to the circumstances surrounding the child's death and the legal proceedings that followed.