In the quiet community of Monticello, Kentucky, the life of 64-year-old Mary Jane Fulton, a white female, was brought to a tragic and violent end on November 8, 2024. A lifelong resident of the Murl community in Wayne County, she was known for her love of travel, animals, and music. Those who knew her described her as a devoted mother and grandmother who was deeply cherished by her family and friends.
A woman of faith, she had been baptized at a young age and was a member of Faith Baptist Church.
The horrifying events unfolded in the early morning hours when the Monticello Fire Department was dispatched to a residential fire at Fulton's home on Old Springs Road. As firefighters battled the blaze that caused a partial collapse of the house, they made a grim discovery inside the burning structure: a deceased person. The remains were later identified as Mary Jane Fulton. The subsequent investigation by authorities would reveal a sinister act had preceded the fire; an autopsy confirmed that she had sustained a fatal gunshot wound. The case was immediately classified as a homicide.
Suspicion quickly fell upon her 43-year-old son, Joseph Kaine Fulton, who resided with his mother. He was notably absent from the scene when emergency responders arrived. According to the Kentucky State Police, Joseph Fulton had reportedly made statements claiming he had shot his mother and then intentionally set the house on fire. An arrest warrant was issued, and a manhunt ensued for Joseph, who was considered armed and dangerous. He was believed to be driving his mother's 2008 gray or tan Dodge Nitro.
Later that same evening, at approximately 8:30 p.m., the search for Joseph Fulton came to an end. He was located by Wayne County Sheriff's deputies in the Slickford community on Hog Hollow Road and was taken into custody without incident. Following his apprehension, he was lodged in the Wayne County Detention Center. He faces multiple serious charges, including murder, first-degree arson, tampering with physical evidence, and abuse of a corpse. While an arrest has been made, the investigation into the motive behind the shocking death of Mary Jane Fulton is ongoing.
