In a heartbreaking turn of events, Persia Nelson, 24, is now facing upgraded charges of second-degree murder, depraved indifference to human life, in the death of 11-month-old Halo Branton. The announcement was made by Schenectady County District Attorney Robert Carney during a press conference on Monday.

The decision to upgrade the charges came after an autopsy revealed that Halo died from exposure and hypothermia. According to Carney, the baby girl was dropped into a utility tunnel on the General Electric (GE) campus, where she was submerged in chest-high standing water. Although she did not drown, the harsh conditions ultimately proved fatal.

Nelson was found in a heated building on the GE campus and was subsequently arraigned on Monday morning. She was ordered to be held on $500,000 bail. During Nelson's arraignment, prosecutor Matthew Nobles described the chilling allegations, stating that she had dropped the child down a deep hole and left her there without seeking any help.

The investigation into Halo's disappearance and subsequent death was a collaborative effort between the Schenectady Police Department and other agencies. The sequence of events began on Saturday night when General Electric security reported finding Nelson, who claimed to have lost her child and had no knowledge of her whereabouts.

Authorities launched an extensive search operation, utilizing K9 units, drones, and personnel on foot. As the morning progressed, the possibility of abduction or the child being exposed to further danger prompted the issuance of an Amber Alert. Tragically, Halo was discovered at around 12:30 p.m. inside a utility tunnel located on the GE campus. Despite efforts to save her, she was declared dead at 1:24 p.m.

Schenectady Police Chief Eric Clifford expressed his condolences to Halo's family during the press conference, acknowledging the difficulties faced by the first responders involved in the search efforts. Officials also addressed an error in the Amber Alert system, which caused a delay in its public dissemination, and measures are being taken to rectify the issue.

In court, prosecutor Michael Nobles argued for Nelson to be held without bail, stating her flight risk due to her lack of connections to the area. Nelson, who hails from Columbia County, has another child there but does not have custody and has limited contact with them. The judge ultimately set Nelson's bail at $500,000 cash and $1,000,000 bond.

Looking ahead, Carney indicated that the upgraded charge could lead to a delay in Nelson's next court appearance, as prosecutors aim to present the case to the grand jury promptly. The investigation into Halo Branton's tragic death remains ongoing.

The community mourns the loss of a young life that ended far too soon. It serves as a painful reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable members.