Mary Jane (Crabtree) Fulton, 64, was found dead in a residential fire at her home on Old Springs Road in Monticello, Kentucky, on November 8, 2024. Firefighters discovered her remains after a partial collapse of the house; an autopsy later confirmed she died of a gunshot wound and the death was classified as a homicide. Fulton was a lifelong resident of the Murl community in Wayne County and was described as a devoted mother and grandmother who loved travel, animals and music and attended Faith Baptist Church.

Police focused on her son, 43-year-old Joseph Kaine Fulton, who lived with her and was not at the scene when responders arrived. Kentucky State Police said he reportedly told others he had shot his mother and set the house on fire. An arrest warrant was issued and a manhunt began; he was believed to be driving his mother’s 2008 gray or tan Dodge Nitro and was considered armed and dangerous. That evening, at about 8:30 p.m., Wayne County deputies located and arrested Joseph Fulton in the Slickford community on Hog Hollow Road without incident. He was jailed on charges including murder, first-degree arson, tampering with physical evidence and abuse of a corpse. The motive remains under investigation.

If anyone has information about Mary Jane Fulton, her movements that morning, or the vehicle described, please come forward.