Parole Board Weighs Release for 2008 Child Abuse Convict
The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole is deciding whether to grant parole to the man convicted in a 2008 infant homicide.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Babies
Gregory Todd Fullerton, who was convicted of child abuse homicide after killing a 4-month-old infant in 2008, appeared before the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole for his first parole hearing. The five-member board will now vote on whether to grant parole or schedule a future hearing date.
Why it matters
This parole hearing marks a significant legal milestone for a case involving the death of an infant that shocked the community eighteen years ago. The board’s upcoming decision will determine whether the offender, now 49, remains incarcerated at the Utah State Prison.
Fullerton, currently 49, received a sentence of up to life in prison following his 2016 conviction for child abuse homicide. The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole consists of five members who are now evaluating his recent disciplinary record and conduct in prison.
The players
Gregory Todd Fullerton
A 49-year-old incarcerated individual convicted of child abuse homicide in 2016.
Utah Board of Pardons and Parole
The state authority responsible for determining the release of individuals sentenced to prison in Utah.
The details
The conviction stems from a 2008 incident where the offender killed an infant by applying excessive force to the child's back. During the hearing, he attributed his actions to a lack of parenting knowledge and an inability to cope with the infant's crying, describing his state at the time as a fit of rage. While incarcerated, he has participated in parenting and anger management classes and reported only one disciplinary write-up in the last six years.
Timeline
July 23, 2008: The date the infant was killed.
December 2, 2016: The date Fullerton was convicted of child abuse homicide.
January 2017: The date Fullerton was sentenced to up to life in prison.
October 20, 2026: The date Fullerton attended his first parole board hearing.
The Home Front
This hearing operates within the state's indeterminate sentencing structure, which allows for parole consideration after a minimum period of incarceration. Such proceedings serve as a reminder of the legal pathways for long-term offenders within the Utah correctional system.
Parents or guardians feeling overwhelmed by a crying infant should seek support from local pediatric resources or family crisis lines before reaching a breaking point. Professionals recommend establishing a support network or identifying childcare relief options to help manage high-stress moments.
The takeaway
The parole board’s decision will determine the immediate future of an individual convicted of a severe crime against a child. Families navigating high-stress infant care should prioritize securing local professional help, such as pediatric counseling, to ensure home environments remain safe.
Further reading
For more information on family safety and support resources, visit Babies.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KSL.
