CORTLAND, NY (607NewsNow) – A jury has found Oswego County woman Ariela Thran guilty of second-degree murder in Cortland County Court.

On March 7, the verdict was returned after just an eight-day trial.  The 33-year-old Thran, of Granby, faces up to life in prison for her role in the December 2023 killing of her mother, Patricia Halverson, of Solon. The verdict comes just days after pathologists offered conflicting reports as to what could have caused Halverson’s injuries.

“My office is gratified by today’s jury verdict,” said Cortland County District Attorney Patrick Perfetti. “Though nothing will bring back Ms. Halverson, the outcome of this trial demonstrates that our system of justice works.”

On January 3, 2024, Halverson’s body was discovered outside her home. Perfetti said the case was challenging due to the amount of circumstantial evidence and the lack of a murder weapon, and that the most compelling proof was the timing of digital evidence.

“I applaud the work of Assistant District Attorneys Richard Van Donsel and Zacariah Zallo for their work in presenting a clear and concise case,” added Perfetti. “I also wish to thank Sacramento County, California, District Attorney Thien Ho for their assistance of his office in securing testimony for a key witness who was permitted to testify virtually due to the inability to travel for medical reasons.”

Thran’s sentencing is scheduled for May 6, 2025. According to the DA’s Office, she faces a minimum prison sentence of 10 years to life and a maximum of 25 years to life.