Monticello, Kentucky: Arrest Made in Arson and Murder Investigation

Monticello, Kentucky – Authorities have arrested Joseph Fulton, a person of interest, following the discovery of a woman’s body inside a burning home. The arrest occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Friday, with Fulton facing charges of murder and first-degree arson.

Emergency responders were alerted early Friday morning to a house fire on Old Mill Springs Road in the Mill Springs community. Firefighters arrived to find the residence engulfed in flames. Chief Gabe Weatherly of the Monticello Fire Department stated, “We arrived on scene, found the house with heavy fire involvement, there were reports that possibly someone was inside the structure.”

As the fire was extinguished, responding crews discovered the body of Mary Fulton, Joseph’s mother, in the charred remains of the home. The local coroner confirmed her death, prompting an investigation by the Kentucky State Police.

Joseph Fulton emerged as a person of interest after he allegedly made incriminating statements regarding the incident, claiming he shot his mother and subsequently set the house on fire. Authorities received several calls from concerned neighbors and family members indicating the possibility that someone was trapped inside the burning structure.

Longtime neighbors expressed shock over the tragedy. One resident shared that he had known Joseph since childhood and found it difficult to comprehend the events that transpired. “We never saw this coming,” he stated.

Joseph Fulton is described as 6 feet tall, weighing approximately 150 pounds, with brown eyes. At the time of his disappearance, he was reportedly wearing a dark-colored shirt and blue jeans. He may be driving his mother’s 2008 grey or tan Dodge Nitro, bearing the Kentucky plate BHH801.

The Kentucky State Police have classified Fulton as armed and dangerous and are actively seeking his whereabouts. A warrant for his arrest has been issued. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact KSP Post 11 at 606-878-6622, call 911, or text the anonymous tip line at 67283.

This investigation remains ongoing as authorities piece together the details surrounding this tragic incident.