Trust is the foundation of family. But what happens when the person you trust most leads you into a nightmare you can’t escape?
This is the heartbreaking true story of Tyler Edmonds, a 13-year-old boy who was sentenced to life in prison for a murder he did not commit — a crime masterminded by his own sister, Kristi “Sharon” Fulgham.
For years, Tyler lived behind bars, accused of killing his brother-in-law, Joey Fulgham. He confessed to the crime, was convicted, and the world believed he was guilty. But the truth, buried under manipulation and lies, would eventually come to light — revealing betrayal, greed, and the devastating consequences of blind loyalty.
The Family and the Beginning of a Dark Plan
Tyler Edmonds grew up in Mississippi, surrounded by family troubles and instability. His older half-sister, Kristi Fulgham, was someone he adored and trusted. But what he didn’t know was that Kristi was plotting something horrifying.
Kristi was married to Joey Fulgham. Their marriage was strained — filled with financial stress, arguments, and separation. Kristi began telling family members that Joey was abusive, that she feared for her life. But secretly, she had another motive: a life insurance policy reportedly worth $100,000.
She began to talk openly to coworkers and friends, saying things like:
“One way or another, I’m going to kill Joey.”
Most brushed it off as anger — not knowing how serious she was.
The Murder of Joey Fulgham
On May 11, 2004, Joey Fulgham was found dead in his home in Ackerman, Mississippi, shot in the head while he slept.
The crime scene was disturbing:
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No sign of forced entry
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No robbery
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Joey was shot at close range with a .22-caliber rifle
Police didn’t have many leads — until Kristi pointed the finger at her 13-year-old brother, Tyler.
She claimed Tyler had acted alone. But when authorities questioned Tyler, the story changed.
The Confession — Manipulation or Murder?
Tyler, just a child, sat in an interrogation room. Under pressure, terrified, and emotionally controlled by his sister, he confessed to what Kristi told him to say.
He claimed:
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Kristi and he both entered Joey’s home while he slept
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They both held the rifle together and pulled the trigger
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They left the house and went home like nothing happened
It was shocking — a boy admitting to murder.
But his confession was influenced, rehearsed, and driven by the only person he trusted: his sister.
Why Would a Sister Do This?
Motive:
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Life insurance money
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Desperation
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Hatred toward Joey
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Belief she could manipulate Tyler into taking the blame
Kristi believed Tyler was too young to receive a harsh punishment. But she was wrong.
Trial and Conviction — A Child Sentenced to Life
In 2005, Tyler Edmonds stood trial. He was just 14 years old.
The prosecution argued:
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He willingly participated in murder
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His confession proved guilt
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He was not under duress
The jury didn’t take long — Tyler was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
At the same time, Kristi was also convicted and sentenced to death for planning her husband’s murder.
Years in Prison — A Life Stolen
Tyler, once a quiet child who loved video games and fishing, was now in a maximum-security prison.
He later said in interviews:
“I didn’t even understand life sentences. I thought maybe if I said what they wanted, I could go home.”
He suffered bullying, isolation, and depression — all before his 18th birthday.
But the Truth Refused to Stay Buried
Five years later, the case took a dramatic turn.
New attorneys and the Innocence Project began reviewing Tyler’s case. They discovered:
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His confession was inconsistent and possibly coerced
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Forensic testimony used against him was scientifically flawed
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It was physically unlikely that two people could fire one rifle at the same time
In 2007, the Mississippi Supreme Court overturned his conviction, stating:
“A 13-year-old boy cannot be held to the same legal standards as an adult in such circumstances.”
Tyler was granted a new trial.
The Retrial — Freedom at Last
In 2008, Tyler stood before the court again. This time:
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The false forensic testimony was removed
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Experts testified that his confession was unreliable
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His defense argued he was manipulated by his sister
The jury reached a new verdict:
Not Guilty.
After six years behind bars, Tyler walked out of prison a free man.
Where Are They Now?
| Person | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Tyler Edmonds | Freed in 2008; advocates for juvenile justice reform. |
| Kristi Fulgham | Still on death row in Mississippi. |
| Justice System | Heavily criticized for allowing a 13-year-old to be interrogated without protection. |
Lessons from the Case
This story highlights powerful questions:
| Question | Reflection |
|---|---|
| Can a child truly confess to murder knowingly? | Children are vulnerable to manipulation — especially by family. |
| Should juveniles receive life sentences without parole? | Many argue it violates basic human rights. |
| Can family be both love and danger? | In this case — heartbreakingly, yes. |
Conclusion
The story of Tyler Edmonds and his sister Kristi is one of betrayal, tragedy, and eventual justice. A child trusted his sister, confessed to a crime he didn’t fully understand, and nearly lost his life to a system that failed to protect him.
But the truth won — even if it took years.
And today, their story stands as a haunting reminder:
Family can save you — or destroy you.