Gary Cox, a 7-year-old boy from Mattoon, Illinois, tragically died on April 27, 1968. On that fateful Saturday, Gary had asked his father to take him fishing, but plans were postponed. Instead, Gary spent the day at home with his siblings. The day began normally, with the family engaged in various activities around their farm. However, the tranquility was shattered when a fire broke out in the kitchen, severely burning one of Gary's sisters.
While his mother rushed the injured child to the hospital, Gary and his siblings continued their day under the supervision of Charles Fuller, an 18-year-old family friend who often visited the farm.
As the day progressed, Charles Fuller, who had been helping around the house, exhibited increasingly erratic behavior. He claimed to have killed five birds and invited Gary's sister to see them, but she declined. Later, Fuller asked for a ride back to town, which Gary's mother provided. It was only after his departure that the family discovered the true extent of the tragedy. Gary Cox was found dead, and the circumstances surrounding his death pointed to foul play.
The investigation into Gary's death revealed that Charles Fuller was the prime suspect. Fuller was arrested and charged with the murder of Gary Cox. The case garnered significant attention due to the young age of the victim and the brutal nature of the crime. Fuller was eventually convicted and sentenced for his actions, bringing some measure of justice to the Cox family. The case remains a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the impact of violence on a community.
