Sarah Elizabeth Newsom, a 30-year-old Texas woman, has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for her role in the death of her 2-year-old daughter. This verdict concludes a lengthy legal process aimed at holding accountable those responsible for the toddler’s demise. Newsom pleaded guilty to a single count of injury to a child by failing to protect, resulting in serious bodily harm, as per Clay County court records.
Newsom, who had been out on bail since 2022, was immediately taken into custody by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office to commence her sentence. She was detained in the Wichita County Jail as of Tuesday morning. The tragic incident that led to this conviction took place on October 18, 2018, when the toddler, Scarlette “Olivia” Newsom, was brutally assaulted by Joshua Thomas Fulbright, 30.
Newsom initially took Olivia to the emergency room at Clay County Memorial Hospital, claiming that the child was suffering from the flu. However, the reality was far more sinister. Olivia’s face was marred by bruises, and she was unresponsive, leading a witness to describe the situation as “horrific.”
Fulbright, who was not Olivia’s biological father, was convicted of capital murder on March 10. His conviction followed two previous attempts to try him, both of which ended in mistrials. The first mistrial was declared in 2019 due to the inability to seat a jury, while the second occurred in 2022 after Fulbright’s attorney was arrested.
During Fulbright’s trial, Newsom testified about leaving Olivia in his care while she was at work. She detailed how Fulbright’s discipline methods escalated from time-outs to forcing the child to squat against a wall for extended periods. When Olivia couldn’t complete these punishments, Fulbright would resort to physical abuse.
Newsom admitted to slapping her daughter once in an attempt to rouse her from seizure-like behavior. She claimed she felt she had no choice but to allow Fulbright’s abusive behavior. Newsom’s plea deal included waiving her right to appeal.
Fulbright, however, is currently appealing his conviction and sentence, alleging that the court improperly excluded testimony favorable to his defense and that the prosecution was vindictive. The prosecutor, Katie Boggeman, stated that the plea agreement with Newsom was reached after much deliberation, adding that it was the right move for the county and would allow the child to finally rest in peace.