Wisconsin Appeals Court Upholds Conviction of Windsor Man Who Killed and Dismembered His Parents, Judges Reject Claims of Unfair Trial
MADISON, WISCONSIN — The Wisconsin Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction of Chandler Halderson, the Windsor man sentenced to life in prison for killing and dismembering his parents, Bart and Krista Halderson, in 2021. The ruling, issued Wednesday, concludes that Halderson’s trial was fair and that his claims of ineffective counsel lacked merit.
Judges Reject Claims of Unfair Trial, Ineffective Counsel
Halderson, now 27, filed an appeal in 2023 arguing that his trial was compromised by poor legal representation and biased jurors. The appeals court reviewed a no-merit report submitted by his appellate attorney, Michael Covey, along with Halderson’s own written response.
The no-merit report found no legitimate grounds to challenge the conviction. Halderson claimed his defense team failed to call crucial expert witnesses and that “key evidence was unjustly regarded,” but the court found no supporting facts to substantiate those claims.
After completing its review, the appeals panel formally relieved Covey of further representation.
Court Upholds Use of “Other-Acts Evidence” at Trial
One of the central issues examined on appeal was the decision to allow other-acts evidence—information about Halderson’s history of lying to his parents and others. Prosecutors had introduced these details during trial, arguing that they were relevant to establishing motive and intent.
The appeals judges agreed.
In their decision, they wrote that the evidence was properly admitted because it helped demonstrate Halderson’s pattern of deception, his strained relationship with his parents, and the chain of events leading up to the murders.
The court ruled that the material was relevant to:
- Intent
- Motive
- Identity of the perpetrator
Sufficient Evidence Supported Jury’s Verdict, Court Says
The appeals court also reviewed the trial record to determine whether the evidence presented was sufficient to support the convictions. Judges pointed to several key elements:
- Halderson’s false report claiming his parents were missing
- The discovery of human remains at the family home
- Additional remains found in other locations linked to the investigation
- His documented pattern of lying about employment, schooling, and daily activities
After full review, the court found the evidence against Halderson overwhelming.
Halderson Will Continue Serving Life Sentence Without Release
Halderson is currently serving a life sentence without the possibility of release for the murders. The appeals court ruling means his conviction and sentence remain fully intact.
The murders, which shocked Wisconsin and drew nationwide attention, were discovered after Halderson fabricated a story that his parents had gone on a weekend trip and never returned. Investigators uncovered a far darker reality after inconsistent statements and suspicious behavior led them to search the Halderson property.
The court’s decision brings the latest chapter of the case to a close.
As Wisconsin courts reaffirm one of the state’s most widely followed murder convictions, more legal developments may arise if Halderson pursues additional appeals. For continuing coverage of major court decisions, public safety updates, and statewide news, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.