Suvechha Sarkar
In the summer of 2021, the quiet suburban neighborhood in Windsor, Wisconsin, was shaken by a gruesome tale of betrayal. Bart Ashley and Krista Rae Frater Halderson, a loving couple and supportive parents, were reported missing by their son. The search quickly spiraled into a murder investigation when their remains were miles away from home. This horrific crime left the family and the community completely shocked. CBS’ ’48 Hours: The Snapchat Clue’ and ABC’s ’20/20: Road Map To Murder’ revisit the case in detail, shedding light on the events that led to their untimely demise. It also explores the evidence, the investigation timeline, and exclusive interviews with officials and their loved ones.
Bart and Krista Halderson’s Life Revolved Around Their Children
Born on May 14, 1971, in the lakefront city of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Bart Ashley Halderson arrived as a beacon of light in the life of his parents, Blake and Kayleen Halderson. He grew up surrounded by the love and support of his parents and his brother, Brett. After graduating from Valders High School in 1989, he continued his studies and earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Krista Rae Frater was welcomed into this world by her parents, Andrew and Betty Frater, on January 25, 1968, in Madison, Dane County, Wisconsin. Growing up, she never felt short of affection, not only from her parents but also from her brother, Norm, and her sisters, Marcia Gilpin and Ardyce Stowell. She graduated from Madison East High School in 1986 before earning a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Bart and Krista’s relationship had bloomed into something more before they eventually shared their forever vows on July 30, 1994. Soon after, they welcomed their two sons, Mitchell and Chandler, into their lives. Bart was a certified accountant for BDO and loved immersing himself in woodwork. On the other hand, Krista served as an Administrative Assistant for Zimbrick Automotive and often found solace in art projects and interior decoration. The couple loved giving to the community and supported organizations like the Optimists, Kiwanis, and many more. They were living a perfect family life with their sons and two adorable pups, Izzy and Rizzo. However, everything changed when they went missing on July 1, 2021. When Krista did not show up for work the following day, her co-worker and friend, Dan, grew concerned.
Bart and Krista’s Remains Were Found Just Six Days Apart
When Dan’s texts and calls to Bart and Krista went unanswered, he visited their home only to find that their cars were still in the garage. He met Chandler, who claimed that his parents had gone to their family cabin in Langlade County, Wisconsin. On July 4, he told Dan that he had spoken with the couple, and they would allegedly return the next day. However, when Krista did not show up for the next few days, on July 7, her co-worker urged Chandler to file a missing persons report. When police searched the family cabin at first, they reportedly discovered that no one had been there for a while. However, the missing person’s case turned into a homicide investigation on July 8, when they received a tip that led them to a farm near Cottage Grove, Wisconsin.
After searching the area, investigators discovered matted-down grass and a trail leading to the discovery of an adult male torso. It was covered with twigs and sticks for concealment. On July 12, 2021, it was identified as Bart’s remains. The autopsy revealed that he was shot twice in the back before being dismembered. Another major clue from a social media application led them to a wooded area along the Wisconsin State Lower Riverway in Roxbury. The search eventually uncovered two legs on July 14. On July 30, it was formally confirmed that DNA tests determined it to be Krista’s remains. However, her cause of death reportedly remained undetermined due to the nature of how her remains were found.
Multiple False Accounts and Evidence Led the Officials to the Killer
The official investigation began on July 7, 2021, when Chandler filed a missing person report for Bart and Krista. When he was initially questioned, he alleged that his parents had left with an unknown couple for their family cabin due to a plumbing emergency. A tip came in from the farm owner near Cottage Grove. She reportedly informed the officials that Chandler and his girlfriend, Cathryn Mellender, AKA Cat, had visited the location on July 4. Detectives discovered that the owner was Cat’s friend. She further revealed that Chandler had returned the next day alone, and she had reportedly seen him coming out from the woodline. It was during the search of the property on July 8 that Brat’s remains were discovered. In the area, investigators found cutting tools like scissors and pruning shears.
Additionally, officials found a semi-automatic rifle hidden in the farm’s barn. When Chandler was brought in for questioning, he claimed that Bart was working at home when he last saw him. He alleged that he had dinner with his parents, who informed him about their visit to the cabin. He became the primary suspect and was arrested for providing false information on a missing persons case. Shortly after, they searched Bart and Krista’s home and discovered a shell casing in the basement. Multiple areas inside also tested positive for blood traces. Furthermore, forensic results from the fireplace reportedly revealed more than 230 bone fragments. On July 15, 2021, Chandler was formally charged with first-degree intentional homicide of Bart, hiding a corpse, and mutilating a corpse, alongside his initial charge.
The Fear of the Revelation of Long-Held Lies Proved to be the Killer’s Motive
Further investigation revealed the motive behind the murder. Chandler had lied to his parents about being a student at Madison Technical College. He had claimed to be doing an internship at an insurance company, besides alleging to have bagged a job at SpaceX. Detectives found that Chandler had created several fake emails to make his parents believe he was studying in college. However, the lies were reportedly exposed when, in June 2021, Bart called the college pretending to be his son. He and Chandler were supposed to meet with the college officials, prompting the latter to send some worried texts to Cathryn on July 1. She came forward and consented to the police accessing her phone. She reportedly informed them that she used Snapchat to track his locations.
Cathryn found him near the Wisconsin Riverway around 9 am on July 1, where he frequented for swimming. She further told the detectives how he had asked her to bring cleaning supplies to his home the following day because he had allegedly hurt himself on the broken fireplace glass. He was then charged with the murder of Krista, bringing all four of his charges to two counts. Chandler’s jury trial began in January 2022, and he pleaded not guilty. The jury found him guilty on all four charges. On March 17, 2022, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. In April 2023, two of Chandler’s convictions for hiding his parents’ remains were canceled because of a technical issue in the legal process. However, his original sentencing was not changed. Although he has initiated the appeals process, no recent developments have occurred. Chandler is serving his time at Dodge Correctional Institute in Waupun, Wisconsin.
Read More: Mitchell Halderson: Where is Chandler Halderson’s Brother Now?
