by Wichita Falls, TX – A harrowing case of child abuse has culminated in a significant legal verdict, shedding light on the tragic death of a 2-year-old girl, Scarlette Olivia Newsom. Sarah Elizabeth Newsom, the child’s mother, was sentenced to 22 years in prison following her guilty plea related to the severe injuries and death of her daughter.
The young child’s fatal injuries surfaced after she was brought to the hospital under the guise of having the flu, but medical staff uncovered extensive and horrifying bruising covering her entire body.
Uncovering the Abuse Behind the Tragic Death
On October 18, 2018, at a Clay County home, Olivia Newsom suffered brutal abuse inflicted by Sarah Newsom’s friend, Joshua Fulbright. Olivia died after being taken off life support at Cook Children’s Hospital, five days later. Fulbright was sentenced earlier this year to life in prison without parole after being found guilty of capital murder.
Newsom was present during the attack and pleaded guilty on November 10, 2025, to one count of injury to a child for failing to protect Olivia from serious bodily harm. She also waived her right to appeal the sentence, signaling acceptance of her responsibility.
Medical Staff’s Revelations and Testimony
During the trials, a former EMT and ER technician testified about the condition of Olivia when Newsom brought her to the hospital wrapped in a blanket, claiming she only had the flu. The witness described seeing bruises covering the girl’s entire body, emphasizing:
“Not a surface on the child that had no injuries.”
Newsom later claimed Olivia had fallen out of a bathtub, but this explanation failed to account for the severity of the injuries documented by medical professionals.
Investigative Insights and Legal Proceedings
A former Clay County Sheriff’s Office investigator detailed conversations with Fulbright at the hospital. Fulbright admitted to feeling overwhelmed due to Olivia’s condition, specifically noting the distress caused by her dirty diaper and smell, which he cited as pushing him “over the edge.”
- Sarah Elizabeth Newsom: Sentenced to 22 years for injury to a child.
- Joshua Fulbright: Found guilty of capital murder; sentenced to life without parole in March.
- Olivia Newsom: Passed away October 2018 at Cook Children’s Hospital.
- Legal actions and trials: Sentences handed down in 2025 and 2024 respectively.
District Attorney Katie Boggeman reflected on the sentencing, remarking:
“As a mom, I don’t know any amount of time is enough, but it was the right move for our county and to finally let that baby rest in peace.”
Read Also: Florida 11-Year-Old Arrested Over School ‘Kill List’ Sparks Debate on Juvenile Justice
Raising Awareness and Seeking Justice
This case brings critical attention to the abuse and neglect some children suffer in their own homes, underscoring the importance of vigilance and reporting.
If you suspect child abuse, help is available 24/7 through the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453. Calls are toll-free, confidential, and supported in more than 170 languages.
More information can be found at PEOPLE.com.
What Can We Learn From This Tragedy?
This heartbreaking story is a powerful reminder of the need for community, medical professionals, and authorities to remain alert to signs of child abuse. Early intervention can save lives.
What do you think about this devastating case and its outcome? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
