Mum of kidnapped baby charged with manslaughter after 'dropping her down a pipe'

11 March 2024 , 13:35

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Mum of kidnapped baby charged with manslaughter after 'dropping her down a pipe'

The mum of kidnapped baby Halo Branton has been charged with manslaughter.

Persia Nelson, 24, faces one count of second-degree manslaughter, after she allegedly “dropped the victim (her child) down an approximate ten foot deep pipe access area," according to court filings.

According to the records, the area where the baby was dropped was filled with mud and water which caused the poor child's death.

An Amber Alert for the missing 11-month-old was abruptly cancelled with news later emerging that Halo had been found and rushed to hospital. Sadly Lieutenant Ryan Macherone of the local police later confirmed she had passed away.

Persia Nelson was taken into custody on Sunday (cbs 6news albany)

Read more: Family of kidnapped Halo Branton mourns death of 'beautiful' baby who 'didn't make first birthday'

Nicola Bulley's children 'cried their eyes out' after being told 'mummy's lost'

The baby girl went missing from Schenectady in New York State, US, March 9 evening with police saying she had been abducted. Officers were alerted at around 11pm when 911 was called.

After being asked by a reporter what it feels like to announce a baby dying, the lieutenant said: "It's probably the worst thing that will ever happen (in his career). Most likely."

The baby's mum was arraigned in Schenectady City Court on Monday morning and remanded on $500,000 cash bail or $1 million bond.

Schenectady baby Halo was just 11-months-old (Facebook)

When he announced the girl's death, Macherone appeared about to cry. He said: "I'm standing here before you to announce the death of an 11-month-old child. There's nothing good about that."

Speaking to reporters, Lieutenant Ryan Macherone confirmed she had passed away at a conference today regarding the incident. At times looking at the edge of tears, Macherone said: "I'm saddened to report today that she passed away this afternoon."

The charge against Nelson is based on the investigation and “video footage,” according to the allegations.

Lieutenant Ryan Macherone got emotional while telling reporters of the girl's death (WNYT NewsChannel 13)

Before going missing, Halo was seen on 12th Street at Campbell Ave. in Schenectady at around 9.15pm on Saturday, March 9, 2024. She was wearing white sweatpants with brown & tan flowers, a long-sleeve, light pink shirt with a butterfly design, and had a Minnie Mouse blanket.

A previous update from the police: "The Schenectady Police Department has activated the New York State AMBER Alert and is investigating a child abduction that occurred near Campbell Avenue and 12th Street, in Schenectady at about 9:15 PM on 3/9/2024."

Charlie Jones