After nearly three decades, Justice Served at Last. Scott Hickman, 53, has been convicted on multiple counts of aggravated murder and murder in connection with the 1995 deaths of Kimberly Fulton, 28, and her 17-month-old son, Daniel. The verdict, delivered after a two-week trial in Washington County, Ohio, marks the resolution of a cold case that has haunted the community for years.
The Verdict: Guilty on All Counts
Scott Hickman now faces sentencing after being found guilty on four counts of aggravated murder and two counts of murder. These charges stem from the tragic deaths of Kimberly Fulton and her young son, Daniel, in 1995. According to reports from the Marietta Times, the jury deliberated before reaching their decision, bringing a sense of closure to a case that has remained unsolved for decades.
A Cold Case Reopened
The Fulton case remained dormant for many years until it was reopened in 2019. Cold-case detectives from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) took a fresh look at the evidence, ultimately leading to Hickman’s indictment in 2021, as reported by WOUB. This renewed investigation proved crucial in bringing the case to trial and securing a conviction.
Key Developments in the Investigation
- Reopening of the Case: In 2019, cold-case detectives revisited the evidence, uncovering new leads and insights.
- Hickman’s Indictment: Based on the reinvestigation, Scott Hickman was indicted in 2021 for the murders of Kimberly and Daniel Fulton.
- Trial Proceedings: A two-week trial took place in Washington County, Ohio, presenting evidence and testimony related to the 1995 murders.
The Crime: A Mother and Son Lost
On March 5, 1995, Kimberly Fulton and her 17-month-old son, Daniel, were found dead inside their Palmer Township mobile home. Investigators determined that the victims were murdered before a fire was intentionally set, according to the Scioto Post, in an attempt to cover up the crime. The brutality of the crime shocked the small community and left many unanswered questions for years.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Following the guilty verdict, Scott Hickman is scheduled to be sentenced on October 14. The severity of the charges suggests a significant prison sentence. Meanwhile, another individual, Johnny Ball, has also been indicted in connection with the case on charges of perjury and obstructing justice. WTAP News reports that Ball’s trial is still pending, indicating that the legal proceedings related to this case are not yet fully concluded.
The Involvement of Johnny Ball
Johnny Ball’s indictment on charges of perjury and obstructing justice adds another layer of complexity to the case. His alleged involvement suggests a potential attempt to conceal information or mislead investigators, further delaying justice for the victims and their families. The outcome of Ball’s trial could shed more light on the events surrounding the murders and the extent of any conspiracy.
Community Impact and Closure
The conviction of Scott Hickman brings a sense of closure to the community of Palmer Township and the families of Kimberly and Daniel Fulton. After nearly 30 years of uncertainty and grief, the victims’ loved ones can finally see justice served. The dedication of the cold-case detectives and the perseverance of the legal system have been instrumental in resolving this long-standing case.
Justice Delivered After Decades
The successful prosecution of Scott Hickman underscores the importance of never giving up on unsolved cases. The advancements in forensic technology and the commitment of law enforcement agencies can bring closure to even the most challenging cold cases. This case serves as a reminder that justice can prevail, even after decades of waiting.
Looking Ahead
As Scott Hickman awaits sentencing and Johnny Ball prepares for trial, the legal process continues to unfold. The focus now shifts to ensuring that justice is fully realized and that those responsible for the deaths of Kimberly and Daniel Fulton are held accountable for their actions. The community will continue to follow these developments closely, hoping for a final resolution to this tragic chapter in their history.
The guilty verdict against Scott Hickman represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for Kimberly and Daniel Fulton. The unwavering efforts of law enforcement, combined with advancements in investigative techniques, ultimately led to the resolution of this nearly 30-year-old cold case, providing a measure of closure for the victims’ families and the community.
