Authorities in Schenectady rushed to locate 11-month-old Halo Branton, who was eventually found submerged in water at the GE campus. Prosecutors now present their case against defendant Persia Nelson as the community grapples with the unsettling details of this discovery.
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Prosecution details frantic search for baby Halo as Nelson trial begins
Photo by Dailygazette.com
Key Takeaways:
- 11-month-old Halo Branton was found on March 10, 2024
- The baby was discovered in a water-filled utility tunnel at the GE campus
- State park rangers and Schenectady police collaborated on the search
- The trial for defendant Persia Nelson is taking place in Schenectady County Court
- Prosecutors are focusing on how and why the child ended up in the tunnel
The Frantic Search
When state park rangers and Schenectady police joined forces in March 2024, they were following reports of a missing 11-month-old named Halo Branton. Prosecutors describe the effort as “frantic,” underscoring the urgency to locate a child so young. As time ticked by, authorities combed the area around the GE campus, hoping for a quick resolution.
Discovery at the GE Campus
The search led officials into a utility tunnel on March 10, 2024, where water had pooled. According to the original report, the officers could only see one unmistakable feature of the child—“Halo’s striking blue…” At that moment, the focus turned from a search to a rescue.
Entering Schenectady County Court
Shortly after the child’s discovery, questions arose about how Halo came to be in such a perilous spot. Answering those questions is now the focal point of the trial against defendant Persia Nelson in Schenectady County Court. Opening arguments emphasize the events leading up to the rescue and the role the defendant may have played in Halo’s journey to that water-filled tunnel.
Key Parties and Their Roles
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Persia Nelson | Defendant in the trial |
| Halo Branton | 11-month-old baby found on March 10 |
| Schenectady County Court | Venue for the legal proceedings |
| State Park Rangers | Assisted in the frantic search |
| Schenectady Police | Collaborated in locating the child |
Looking Ahead
With the trial underway, the community in Schenectady closely follows each new detail, anticipating further insight into the events of March 10. Prosecutors aim to piece together a timeline that explains the baby’s whereabouts leading up to her discovery. As the proceedings continue, the search for answers remains as urgent to the public now as the search for baby Halo was that day in the GE campus tunnel.
