Wichita Falls, TX – A Texas woman will serve more than two decades in prison for failing to protect her 2-year-old daughter from being brutally beaten to death by her boyfriend, marking the tragic end to a case that has haunted the community for years.
Sarah Elizabeth Newsom, 30, pleaded guilty to injury to a child by failing to protect resulting in serious bodily injury, according to court documents reviewed. On Monday, Judge Trish Coleman Byars of the 97th Judicial District Court sentenced Newsom to 22 years in state prison.
The Tragic Death of 2-Year-Old Scarlette “Olivia” Newsom
The horrifying events began on October 18, 2018, when Newsom brought her unconscious daughter to the emergency room at Clay County Memorial Hospital, wrapped in a blanket. She told medical staff the child “had the flu,” but it was quickly evident the situation was far more severe.
Doctors and nurses were shocked by the child’s condition. Olivia’s face and body were covered in bruises, and she was described as “limp and floppy.” One witness later testified, “There was not a surface on the child that had no injuries.”
Olivia was transferred to Cook Children’s Hospital in Fort Worth, where she succumbed to her injuries. Her death was ruled a homicide caused by severe blunt-force trauma.
Boyfriend Convicted of Capital Murder
Investigators soon turned their attention to Joshua Thomas Fulbright, 30, Newsom’s boyfriend at the time. Fulbright was found guilty of capital murder in March 2024, following two previous mistrials due to jury issues and defense misconduct.
During Fulbright’s trial, prosecutors detailed how he subjected the toddler to escalating punishments, starting with time-outs and later forcing her to squat against the wall for up to 10 minutes. When the little girl could no longer comply, Fulbright beat her across her body, causing fatal injuries.
Mother’s Testimony and Admission of Guilt
On the stand, Newsom admitted she left her daughter in Fulbright’s care while she went to work, claiming she never expected such violence.
“I never witnessed her mad with anyone,” she testified. “It was new and different.”
When District Attorney Katie Boggeman asked why she allowed the abuse, Newsom replied, “I didn’t have a choice.”
Court documents revealed Newsom even slapped her daughter once during a seizure-like episode, showing how deeply control and fear had consumed the household.
Sentencing and Aftermath
After being out on bail since 2022, Newsom was taken into custody immediately after sentencing and transferred to the Wichita County Jail to begin her 22-year term.
District Attorney Boggeman said the plea deal was not made lightly but ultimately provided closure for the family.
“As a mom, I don’t know any amount of time is enough,” she said. “But it was the right move for our county and to finally let that baby rest in peace.”
Meanwhile, Fulbright’s defense has filed an appeal, claiming the trial court excluded favorable testimony and that prosecutors acted vindictively.
Community Mourning and Final Reflections
The case has devastated both Clay and Montague counties, where Olivia’s memory has been honoured in vigils and online tributes. A family member wrote on GoFundMe, “These evil acts on this angel have absolutely stopped the family’s world from spinning.”
With Newsom’s sentencing now complete, prosecutors say the case represents a hard-fought step toward justice for Olivia.
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