A decades-old murder investigation in Ohio has taken another major turn with the arrest of a second man in connection with the deaths of a young mother and her toddler son.
Johnny Ball, 64, was indicted in Washington County in connection with the 1995 deaths of 28-year-old Kimberly Fulton and her 17-month-old son, Daniel. The pair were discovered dead inside their mobile home in rural Prairie Township after the residence was destroyed by fire.
Ball now faces several charges, including aggravated murder, murder, perjury, obstruction of justice, evidence tampering and obstructing official business.
Mother and Son Found Dead After 1995 House Fire
Kimberly Fulton and her young son were found inside their mobile home on March 5, 1995. Their bodies were located in separate bedrooms after the property was consumed by fire.
The deaths were initially considered accidental. However, members of Fulton’s family questioned the circumstances surrounding the incident, prompting investigators to take another look at what had happened.
Authorities eventually obtained permission to exhume the bodies in May 1995. A second autopsy indicated that Kimberly and Daniel had died before the fire began.
Investigators also found evidence suggesting that the victims may have been strangled or suffocated. Because the bodies had been severely burned, determining the exact circumstances of their deaths presented significant challenges.
Investigation Reopened Decades Later
The case remained unresolved for years before investigators revisited it in 2019. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office worked with the Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation as authorities sought to identify those responsible.
The renewed investigation eventually led to charges against Scott Hickman. He was indicted in October 2021 and was later convicted in 2025 on multiple murder-related charges.
Hickman received a sentence of 20 years to life in prison for his involvement in the deaths of Kimberly and Daniel.
Ball’s arrest marks another development in the investigation and indicates that authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the killings.
Authorities Continue Looking for Answers
Washington County investigators have said that the case has provided the Fulton family with additional answers and a measure of closure, while emphasizing that the investigation remains active.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed a motive for the killings.
Ball is scheduled to appear for arraignment on September 22, 2026. The charges against him are allegations, and the case will proceed through the legal process.
