“I Believed His Parents Were Missing”: Cathryn Mellender’s Brave Court Testimony Against Chandler Halderson
Cathryn “Cat” Mellender was like any other young woman in love. She had been dating Chandler Halderson since 2019. Over time, she had grown close to his parents, Bart and Krista Halderson. They welcomed her warmly. Together, they shared family moments and even talked about planning a girls’ trip.
But in July 2021, her world changed overnight. Bart and Krista disappeared. What followed was a heartbreaking chain of events that thrust Cat into the center of one of Wisconsin’s most shocking murder cases. Her courage—and one small digital clue—would help bring the truth to light.
The Beginning: Trust, Love, and Small Doubts
At first, Cat believed everything Chandler told her. He claimed he was finishing his IT degree. He talked about a paid internship and a new job offer from SpaceX. Cat trusted him. She never asked for proof. Why would she? They were building a future together.
She was also close to Chandler’s mom, Krista. They texted often. They had plans. But when Bart and Krista suddenly went “away” for the Fourth of July weekend, things didn’t feel right. Krista wasn’t sending her usual cheerful messages. No pictures. No check-ins. The silence was unsettling.
An Odd Request Raises Red Flags
Then came the first odd request. On July 2, Chandler asked Cat to bring over hydrogen peroxide and a Swiffer mop. He said he’d stepped on glass. The story sounded strange. He’d never asked for such things before.
As the weekend unfolded, Chandler kept mentioning “chores” he had to do. He even told Cat not to stay the night, which was unusual. Cat’s instincts told her something was off. And her doubts were about to grow stronger.
A Simple Screenshot That Changed Everything
On July 3, Cat opened Snapchat’s map feature. It showed her friends’ real-time locations. That’s when she spotted Chandler, far from where he said he’d be. He was near the Wisconsin River, in a remote spot.
Alarmed, she took a screenshot. That simple action—saving a single image—would later become a key piece of evidence in the case. But at the time, Cat didn’t know the full horror that had already unfolded.
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Encouraging Chandler to Go to the Police
By July 6, Bart and Krista were still missing. Cat was increasingly worried. She texted Chandler, urging him to check with his brother and file a missing persons report. Finally, on July 7, Chandler told her he had gone to the police.
Cat, distressed and confused, even left work early to be with Chandler. When she arrived at the house, local reporters were already there. Soon, both she and Chandler were taken in for questioning.
Anxious But Determined: Cat’s Emotional Testimony
During the trial in January 2022, Cat bravely took the stand. The courtroom was silent as she spoke. Tears welled up as she recalled those awful days. “I believed his parents were missing,” she said softly. “And I wanted them to be found.”
She described her growing unease—Chandler’s strange behavior, his obsession with “chores,” and the unusual requests for cleaning supplies. She explained how she had saved the crucial Snapchat screenshot that showed Chandler at the river.
Facing Her Fears and Telling the Truth
Cat admitted the experience had been overwhelming. When first questioned by police, she had been so anxious she vomited. But even through the fear, she chose to help.
“I wanted to give police everything they wanted to see,” she told the jury. Her voice shook with emotion, but her words were clear.
When asked if she had helped clean anything or had anything to do with the disappearance, she answered firmly: “No.” The truth mattered more than her fear.
The Power of One Voice
Cat’s testimony painted a vivid picture of Chandler’s web of lies. She shared messages where Chandler seemed desperate. In one, he wrote: “I had a great future planned, and it’s falling apart.”
She told the jury about the false job at SpaceX, the fake college plans, and the made-up medical problems Chandler had shared with her. Piece by piece, her honesty helped reveal the truth to the court.
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The Verdict and Its Impact
Thanks in part to Cat’s brave testimony—and her vital Snapchat clue—the jury found Chandler guilty. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Though some minor charges were later vacated on procedural grounds, the main convictions remain.
Through it all, Cat remained strong. Her words helped give Bart and Krista a voice when they could no longer speak for themselves.
Cathryn Mellender’s Life After the Trial
After the trial ended, Cat chose to step away from the public eye. She remains in Wisconsin, living quietly with her beloved pet. The experience changed her life forever. But many see her as a quiet hero—someone who dared to do the right thing, even when it was hard.
Her actions remind us that sometimes, truth comes from the most unexpected places. And that even in the darkest times, one person’s voice can make all the difference.
Final Words
Cathryn Mellender’s story is one of quiet bravery. She didn’t seek attention or fame. She wanted to help. Her courage in the courtroom—and her willingness to share painful truths—helped bring justice to Bart and Krista Halderson.
Today, her words still echo: “I believed his parents were missing. And I wanted them to be found.” In those words lies a powerful message about standing up for what is right, even when your world is falling apart.
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