5 shocking details about Bart and Krista Halderson's murders

Bart and Krista Halderson
48 Hours on ID to revisit Bart and Krista Halderson's murders and dismemberment case this Monday (Image via Oxygen)

In the summer of 2021, Bart and Krista Halderson, a couple from Wisconsin, were reported missing by their younger son Chandler, who claimed they left on a weekend getaway to their family cabin for the fourth of July weekend, but never returned.

An extensive investigation into their strange disappearances led investigators to make harrowing discoveries, including finding multiple bone fragments in their home's fireplace. Their 23-year-old son, Chandler, was placed in remote locations where the couple's remains were eventually found.

Bart and Krista Halderson's murders received significant media attention due to their shocking and gruesome details. The case is now set to feature on 48 Hours on ID in an episode titled The Snapchat Clue this Monday, May 8, at 10 pm ET.

The synopsis says:

"After married couple Krista and Bart Halderson suddenly disappears, clues on the social media app Snapchat point to a culprit that no one would ever suspect."
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Chandler Halderson was found guilty of multiple charges including first-degree murder and dismemberment of the corpse. He was then sentenced to life in prison without parole.


Bart and Krista Halderson's murders: The motive, and 4 other keys details about the Wisconsin parents' slaying

1) Bart and Krista Halderson were last seen on July 1 and were reported missing a week later

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Reports state that the working couple and parents-of-two, Bart and Krista Halderson, were last seen alive on July 1, 2021. They were reported missing on July 7 by their son, Chandler Halderson, who told police that the couple left to go on a trip with a few friends to their family cabin during the fourth of July weekend, but never returned home.

After authorities began investigating their disappearance, they found evidence that led them to believe that the couple may have been murdered. Within days, Chandler was arrested on unrelated charges and was eventually charged with the murder of his parents.

Over the next several days, police discovered dismembered remains of the couple dumped at various remote locations.


2) Chandler's girlfriend was able to provide the most significant clue in Bart and Krista Halderson's case

Cathryn "Cat" Mellender, the missing couple's younger son Chandler's girlfriend, gave authorities access to her phone data when they found the most crucial piece of evidence in the case that led to a breakthrough. Chandler supposedly had a history of cheating on Cat, so she used Snapchat to keep tabs on him.

Authorities discovered that Chandler was spotted in a rural area early on July 3 near the Wisconsin River, according to a screenshot taken from his girlfriend's phone. He was placed there by the app somewhere around the time his parents went missing. Detectives searched the area in question and discovered Krista Halderson's remains there.


3) Bart Halderson's remains were found on a farm located miles away from their house

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Sources state that some of Bart Halderson's body parts, including his torso, were discovered at a farm located about 20 miles away from their Windsor, Wisconsin, family home.

A witness at the farm informed investigators that she had allegedly seen Chandler coming out of the farm's wood line where they eventually found Bart's remains. He died of at least two gunshot wounds to the back of the head.


4) Chandler Halderson was arrested and charged in Bart and Krista Halderson's murders and dismemberment

Within days after he reported his parents missing, Chandler Halderson was arrested on charges of providing false information to the police and obstructing an officer.

He was eventually charged with two counts of first-degree intentional homicide in connection with the deaths of his parents. The police believe that he killed his parents sometime between July 1 and July 4.

While Krista Halderson's cause of death was never determined, Bart died of gunshot wounds. Reports state that forensic experts found at least 200 bone fragments, including facial and knee bones as well as pieces of human skulls, in the fireplace at their family home. Police also found evidence of blood in the house.


5) Authorities believed Chandler murdered his parents after they found out he was lying to them

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Chandler Halderson was found guilty of two counts each of first-degree intentional homicide, mutilating a corpse, hiding a corpse, and falsifying information about a missing person during his January 2022 trial.

He was later sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Authorities believed he murdered Bart and Krista Halderson after they found out he had been lying to them.

Reports state that the 23-year-old had flunked out of college and lied to them about attending classes. He even told them about a made-up job opportunity at SoaceX. Moreover, Chandler's father was scheduled to meet the college officials on the day of the murders.


A new episode of 48 Hours on ID airs on the channel this Monday at 10 pm ET.

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