Woman Sentenced to 25 Years to Life After Conviction of Brutal Killing of Mother

Cortland County District Attorney, Patrick Perfetti, has announced the sentencing of 33 year old Ariela M. Thran. Thran was found guilty of Murder in the 2nd Degree of her mother, Patricia “Allison” Halverson earlier this year. Thran was sentenced by Cortland County Judge David C. Alexander to 25 years to life in state prison.

“My Office is satisfied with the Court’s sentence to the maximum penalty permitted by state law. Today’s sentence is proportional to the extreme nature of how Ms. Halverson was killed. Though nothing will bring Ms. Halverson back, this sentence demonstrates that our system of justice works;” said D.A. Perfetti. DA Perfetti went on to state: “I applaud the work of Assistant District Attorneys (ADA) Richard Van Donsel and Zachariah Zallo for their work in presenting this case. This case was challenging, due to no murder weapon being recovered; however, ADAs Van Donsel and Zallo demonstrated that all the other evidence reconciled itself to the conclusion of the defendant’s guilt. This fully supports the jury’s verdict and the Court’s sentence.”

Back on January 3rd of 2024, State Police were dispatched to Halverson’s residence for a welfare check in the Town of Solon. While arriving, Troopers found Halverson’s body near farm equipment outside in the freezing weather. State Police Troop C Major Crimes Unit launched an investigation which led them over three states and several counties in New York. According to the DA’s Office, the most compelling proof was digital evidence in the case supporting a compelling timeline.

Thran was convicted in March after an 8 day trial.