On September 12, 2023, after a six-day trial before the Honorable Christylee Peck, a Cumberland County jury convicted Wesley Brunson of Criminal Homicide – Murder of the Third Degree, Aggravated Assault, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and Recklessly Endangering Another Person. The convictions result from the 2020 murder of his 5-month-old son, Holden. On March 19, 2020, Brunson killed his son by forcibly asphyxiating him while the child’s mother was out. This act caused multiple traumatic injuries to Holden’s brain and other internal organs, including his liver. The verdicts came after days of emotional testimony including testimony from Holden’s mother and grandmother.

First Assistant District Attorney Courtney Hair LaRue commented after the verdict: “I am thankful to the jury for taking the time to listen to all the evidence. While this case was emotionally difficult for all involved, I hope that the verdicts bring a sense of peace and justice to Holden’s family.”

This case was prosecuted by First Assistant District Attorney Courtney Hair LaRue. Charges were filed by Trooper Krista Miller of the Pennsylvania State Police in Carlisle.  The District Attorney’s Office is forever grateful for the efforts and diligence of Trooper Miller in seeking justice for Holden. A sincere thank you to Victim Advocate Adrianne Vaughn for her work in this case.