Podcast Summary: "Road Map to Murder"

Title: Road Map to Murder
Host/Author: ABC News
Podcast: 20/20
Release Date: May 31, 2025

Introduction: The Halderson Family

"Road Map to Murder," an episode of ABC News' 20/20, delves into the mysterious disappearance and subsequent murder of Bart and Krista Halderson from Windsor, Wisconsin. The Haldersons were perceived as a quintessential American family—dedicated parents, involved community members, and loving towards their two sons, Mitchell and Chandler.

Bart Halderson, an accountant, and Krista Halderson, an administrative assistant for a local auto shop, were known for their well-maintained home and active participation in neighborhood activities. Their commitment to family was evident through regular family nights and community involvement, such as their participation in the local horseshoe league.

"Bart and Krista, they weren't rich, but they were comfortable. Yeah, they were just regular people trying to do their best."
— Friend of the Haldersons, 03:45

The Disappearance: July 1, 2021

The tranquility of the Halderson household was shattered on July 1, 2021, when Bart and Krista vanished without a trace. Initially, there were fears of a potential kidnapping, especially after the couple had informally brought an unknown pair to assist with repairs at their family cabin—a place they frequented for weekends.

Krista's unexplained absence from work on July 2 heightened concerns. A coworker’s visit to their home revealed their cars remained in the garage, but the family was nowhere to be found.

"The Haldersons have a family cabin they love to go to on weekends. And initially, there's some speculation that this is where Bart and Krista are. But none of the neighbors saw them leave."
— Law Enforcement Official, 12:15

Investigation Launches: Unraveling the Mystery

Chandler Halderson, the younger son, reported his parents missing six days after their disappearance. Detectives Sabrina Sims and Brian Schunk spearheaded the investigation, uncovering inconsistent statements and suspicious activities. Surveillance footage revealed a white van on the morning of July 2, which investigators believed might belong to the couple who assisted the Haldersons.

Chandler's efforts to canvass the neighborhood for additional camera footage and his proactive approach raised red flags among investigators.

"My mind goes to what the worst happened? So, what happens next?"
— Law Enforcement Officer, 22:30

Breakthrough: Discovering Bart's Remains

A pivotal moment in the investigation occurred when a body was discovered on a farm in Cottage Grove, linked to Chandler's girlfriend's family. The remains were identified as Bart Halderson, revealing a gruesome scene of murder and dismemberment. This discovery shifted the case from a missing persons investigation to a homicide.

"He was determined that this is a homicide. But where is Krista?"
— Detective Sabrina Sims, 35:20

Chandler Under Scrutiny: Evidence Mounts

As the investigation deepened, evidence pointed towards Chandler. Forensic analysis found traces of blood belonging to both Bart and Krista in the Halderson home. Additionally, surveillance footage indicated Chandler's presence at suspicious locations on the day of the murders, contradicting his alibis.

Chandler’s attempt to deceive authorities—through fake emails and fabricated stories about his circumstances—further implicated him.

"I have to imagine your mind starts to terrible places."
— Detective Brian Schunk, 45:10

The Trial: Prosecution vs. Defense

The trial of Chandler Halderson became a focal point for the community and true crime enthusiasts. Prosecutors painted Chandler as a deceitful individual who meticulously planned his parents' murders to conceal his fraudulent activities and personal issues.

Prosecutors' Opening Statement:

"Chandler Halderson murdered his parents, dismembered their bodies, and hid them around southern Wisconsin. How does this happen? How does this kid, with everything in the world going for him, a promising new job, school, a girlfriend that loves him, willing to move across the country for him. How does this happen?"
— Prosecutor, 01:05:30

Defense's Opening Statement: The defense acknowledged Chandler's dishonesty but argued it did not equate to guilt in murder. They emphasized the lack of direct evidence linking him to the crime scene's physical acts.

"Chandler Halderson is a liar, but they say that doesn't make him a killer."
— Defense Attorney, 01:10:15

Key Witnesses and Evidence

Omar Jobe, a Madison College enrollment officer, testified about a phone call initially believed to be Chandler but later identified as Bart Halderson attempting to verify his son's enrollment. This deception indicated Bart's growing suspicion towards Chandler.

Kat Melander, Chandler’s girlfriend, provided critical testimony about Chandler's apparent distress and suspicious activities around the time of the murders. Her Snapchat evidence placed Chandler at significant locations during critical times, contradicting his stated alibis.

Verdict and Sentencing

After seven days of intense testimony and overwhelming evidence, the jury convicted Chandler Halderson on all eight charges related to first-degree intentional homicide, dismemberment, and concealing his parents' remains. Chandler received a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

"I would like to say it was relief. It really wasn’t because it’s still sad, it’s still grotesque. Everything about it, there was some closure for the family. To me, it was just and fair."
— Family Member, 02:45:50

Aftermath: Lingering Questions

Despite Chandler's conviction, Krista Halderson remained missing, leaving the community with unresolved questions about her fate. In April 2023, two of Chandler's convictions for hiding his parents' remains were vacated on appeal, though his murder convictions and sentence remained in place.

The Halderson case remains a chilling example of how a seemingly perfect family can harbor dark secrets, leaving friends and neighbors grappling with the inexplicable nature of the tragedy.

"If there were more Bart and Kristas in the world, it would be a better world. If Chandler would have just asked for help, what do you think Bart and Krista would have done? They would have given everything, anything to help him."
— Friend Reflecting on the Case, 03:55:25

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps:

• Friend of the Haldersons, 03:45: "Bart and Krista, they weren't rich, but they were comfortable. Yeah, they were just regular people trying to do their best."

• Law Enforcement Officer, 12:15: "The Haldersons have a family cabin they love to go to on weekends. And initially, there's some speculation that this is where Bart and Krista are. But none of the neighbors saw them leave."

• Law Enforcement Officer, 22:30: "My mind goes to what the worst happened? So, what happens next?"

• Detective Sabrina Sims, 35:20: "He was determined that this is a homicide. But where is Krista?"

• Detective Brian Schunk, 45:10: "I have to imagine your mind starts to terrible places."

• Prosecutor, 01:05:30: "Chandler Halderson murdered his parents, dismembered their bodies, and hid them around southern Wisconsin. How does this happen? How does this kid, with everything in the world going for him, a promising new job, school, a girlfriend that loves him, willing to move across the country for him. How does this happen?"

• Defense Attorney, 01:10:15: "Chandler Halderson is a liar, but they say that doesn't make him a killer."

• Family Member, 02:45:50: "I would like to say it was relief. It really wasn’t because it’s still sad, it’s still grotesque. Everything about it, there was some closure for the family. To me, it was just and fair."

• Friend Reflecting on the Case, 03:55:25: "If there were more Bart and Kristas in the world, it would be a better world. If Chandler would have just asked for help, what do you think Bart and Krista would have done? They would have given everything, anything to help him."

Conclusion

"Road Map to Murder" meticulously unpacks the layers of deception, betrayal, and tragedy surrounding the Halderson family. Through thorough investigation and compelling courtroom drama, the podcast underscores the complexities of familial relationships and the profound impact of hidden truths. For listeners seeking an engrossing true crime narrative, this episode offers a comprehensive exploration of one of Wisconsin's most baffling and heartbreaking cases.