Woman, who went to her mother’s home while her children were visiting her only to beat her to death, hitting the woman 14 times in the back of the head after an argument over rental income, was sentenced
New York – In a shocking case in New York, a 33-year-old woman, identified as A. Thran, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the second-degree murder of her mother, identified as P. Halverson. The sentencing, that took place lat week, followed an eight-day trial that concluded with Thran’s conviction in March 2025.
Thran had faced a minimum of 10 years to life and a maximum of 25 years to life for the December 2023 killing, which stemmed from an argument over rental income at Halverson’s residence. Prosecutors said Thran, who was managing the property at the time, clashed with her mother during a visit while Halverson’s grandchildren were staying at the home. The dispute escalated violently, resulting in Halverson sustaining multiple fatal blows to the head.
The case unfolded when law enforcement responded to a welfare check on January 3, 2024, at Halverson’s residence. Upon their arrival, officers discovered Halverson’s body near farming equipment, tragically “exposed to the elements.” The investigation, led by the New York State Police Troop “C” Major Crimes Unit, spanned over three states and multiple counties, piecing together a narrative of domestic discord turned deadly.
During the trial, the prosecution, led by Assistant District Attorneys R. Van Donsel and Z. Zallo, presented a case that on December 27, 2023, Thran appeared at her mother’s home while the children were visiting their grandmother, where an argument ensued about rental income. It escalated to violence, resulting in Halverson sustaining 14 blows to the back of her head. The defense contended that Halverson’s injuries were the result of an accident involving horses that allegedly knocked her down and trampled her, a claim that the jury ultimately did not accept. According to reports, Thran and her mother clashed over financial matters, specifically the control and income of a rental property, which Thran managed but Halverson sought to oversee.
The trial featured significant digital evidence that played a crucial role in linking Thran to the crime, despite the absence of a recovered murder weapon. This evidence, alongside the strategic use of virtual testimony of a key witness who was unable to travel for medical reasons, facilitated by a District Attorney’s Office in California, helped solidify the case against Thran. The prosecution expressed satisfaction with the jury’s verdict, acknowledging the diligence of their team and the law enforcement officers involved. ADA Van Donsel remarked on the sadness of the family’s dissolution and the hard work by the State Police that brought closure to those who cared for Halverson. ADA Zallo also reflected on the gravity of the verdict, which served to deliver justice for Halverson’s grandchildren, family, and friends.
Lead prosecutors Assistant District Attorneys R. Van Donsel and Z. Zallo expressed gratitude for the jury’s careful attention and the hard work of investigators. “This was a sad case,” Van Donsel said in March. “The breakdown of a family like this is tragic.” District Attorney P. Perfetti echoed the sentiment after sentencing, calling it a challenging case with no physical murder weapon recovered. “Significantly, some of the most compelling proof was digital evidence and its timing,” he said. “This was largely a circumstantial evidence case, but all signs pointed to Ms. Thran.”
As the case draws to a close, the shockwaves of violence and loss continue to ripple through the community. Prosecutors noted that the verdict delivered a measure of justice for Halverson’s grandchildren and other loved ones affected by the tragedy. The sentencing of Thran not only concludes a complex legal battle but also leaves behind a fractured family forced to grapple with the devastating consequences of a conflict that spiraled fatally out of control.
