Son Condemns Father as Coward in Decades-Old Murder Case
The son of a man convicted of murdering his wife four decades ago has publicly denounced his father as a coward and a liar, expressing doubt that he will ever reveal the location of his mother's remains. Maxwell Robert Fulton, who adopted the name Raymond Reddington from a television character, was sentenced to life in prison on Monday for the 1986 killing of his wife, Sharon Fulton. The court heard that the mother of four likely died in terror, knowing she was being killed by her own husband.
Family's Relentless Search for Closure
Heath Fulton, the youngest son of the convicted killer, spoke to the media outside the court after witnessing his father's sentencing. He emphasized that the siblings' primary goal is to find their mother's body. "It is the only thing we pretty much live for, to bring her home," he stated. On ABC radio, Heath expressed skepticism about his father's willingness to assist in the search, describing him as too weak and cowardly to acknowledge his actions or provide comfort to his children.
Heath recounted a visit to his father in prison, where he and his brother repeatedly asked for information, only to be met with more lies. "He's lied to us constantly. He knows nothing more than to tell a lie," he said. The Western Australian police cold case team continues to actively investigate leads, with Heath expressing gratitude for their ongoing efforts.
Details of the Tragic Disappearance
Sharon Fulton was last seen on March 18, 1986, leaving her Duncraig home. That morning, she dropped her three-year-old son Heath at a preschool event in Wangara and called a friend to say she would be late for a social gathering. She was never heard from again. Her husband, Reddington, reported her missing three days later, providing inconsistent accounts of her whereabouts, including claims that he dropped her at train stations in central Perth.
The trial revealed that Sharon had applied for divorce a year before her disappearance, seeking custody of the children and a property settlement. In an affidavit, she described her husband's controlling behavior, such as denying her a bank card and threatening to cut off utilities. Although she did not pursue the divorce, the couple had argued the weekend before she vanished, with Sharon threatening to leave.
Legal Proceedings and Motive
Justice Joseph McGrath stated that Reddington killed Sharon during a confrontation at their home after returning from work at Pearce air base. While there was no premeditation, the judge noted Reddington was prepared to commit the act. The prosecution suggested Sharon either died in a surprise attack or with the terror of knowing her husband was killing her. Justice McGrath cited the acrimonious marriage and potential loss of assets as motives, noting that Reddington had taken out a life insurance policy in Sharon's name worth $120,000 shortly before she disappeared.
An inquest in November 2021 proved pivotal when Reddington sent an anonymous letter to the Coroner's Court, claiming to know where Sharon's body was buried. Forensic testing revealed his DNA on the envelope, leading to his conviction. The letter falsely alleged she was murdered by a lover and buried under a concrete slab in Scarborough, but police excavations found no trace of her.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal
With Reddington suffering from a rare form of bile duct cancer and given a limited life expectancy, time is running out for him to disclose the whereabouts of Sharon's body. WA Police have issued a public appeal for information, with Acting Inspector Jessica Securo of the Major Crime Division stating that the family deserves answers. Anyone with information is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers.
The case highlights the enduring pain of cold case investigations and the relentless pursuit of justice by families and law enforcement. As the Fulton children continue their search, they hold onto hope for closure and the chance to finally lay their mother to rest.
