Wisconsin Man Found Guilty of Killing and Dismembering His Parents

Last Thursday, a jury in Dane County, Wisconsin found Chandler Halderson guilty for the murder of his parents, 50-year-old Bart and 53-year-old Krista Halderson last July. Jurors deliberated for little over two hours before delivering their verdict.

Authorities believe Chandler shot his father, then proceeded to kill his mother after they found out Chandler was lying to them about attending Madison Area Technical College. After murdering them both, Chandler placed their bodies in the fireplace at their home.

Chandler scattered their bodies in various places around Dane County. Chandler scattered some of Bart’s remains on his girlfriend’s property. Investigators found his torso first, with a gunshot wound present. Bart was identified through DNA testing.

Krista’s remains were found in the nearby town of Roxbury, according to People. Police had to use DNA to determine whether the remains they found were indeed Krista’s. Additional remains of both Bart and Krista were found on the Halderson property in Windsor.

Chandler reported his parents missing on July 7th, telling investigators his parents never returned from their cabin in Langlade County, Wisconsin after a Fourth of July getaway. He was arrested the next day by police in Dane County.

Chandler showed no emotion as the jury read their verdict. Halderson was convicted on two counts each of first-degree murder, intentional homicide, mutilating a corpse, and falsifying a missing persons report, according to the Associated Press.

A first-degree intentional homicide conviction carries a mandatory life sentence, according to the Wisconsin State Journal. There will be a sentencing hearing in March to determine whether Halderson will ever be eligible for parole.

Photo: Dane County Sheriff’s Office