It’s important to remember that much of the technology we carry around with us these days tracks everything we do, from locations to usage. In one case Snapchat map feature snitched on a user, solving a murder.
When Chandler Halderson reported his parents missing, a full investigation was launched into their whereabouts. According to the 23-year-old, they had gone to a family cabin for 4th of July celebrations, but never returned.
Suspicions were raised, however, when he claimed that they had mentioned they would visit the local casino. The Haldersons weren’t the type to visit casinos and were known for being tight with money. “He mentioned they were maybe going to a casino. We learned that it’s out of character for them to go gambling, and that the Haldersons, especially Bart, were pretty frugal with money,” Dane County Sheriff’s Detective Sabrina Sims told ABC News.
On further investigation, it turned out the cabin hadn’t been used either. The family’s cars were both still at their home, too. Nothing in the story the young man had told made any sense. A Snapchat feature ended up being the turning point for the murder case.
Missing Case Turns Into Murder Claim
Before the Snapchat revelation, another piece of evidence came forward. A neighbour had seen the son, Chandler, parked by some local woods not long before their reported disappearance. Investigations revealed the dismembered torso of Bart.
Chandler was arrested and charged with providing false information and a tentative murder charge. But it wasn’t until his girlfriend at the time came forward with Snapchat evidence that the murder case could be closed.
Cathryn Mellender used the Snapchat Map feature on her phone to show police where Chandler was on the night of the murder. The ‘Snap Map’ placed him at the Wisconsin River on July 3, 2021. The police headed to the location where they found eight more body parts, this time belonging to the suspect’s mother.
His girlfriend was cleared of any suspicion. However, the son is facing multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree intentional homicide, mutilating corpses, and providing false information about missing persons.
He has since been found guilty and given life imprisonment with no chance of parole. The only place he will be posting Snapchat stories from is jail.