Trial Begins For Man Accused In 2005 Killing

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. – Jury selection is under way in Clay County Court for the trial of Thomas Fuller, who is charged with second-degree murder in the death of 21-year-old Mary Frances Pickett just over two years ago.

Pickett's body was found floating in the St. Johns River on Jan. 12, 2005, 10 days after she disappeared from the South Metro area of Jacksonville.

Fuller was arrested four months later after authorities said he admitted to the killing to his girlfriend and she called the Clay County Sheriff's Office. Clay County investigators asked another witness to wear a hidden microphone and recorded Fuller admitting to the killing.

Fuller, who was in the Clay County jail on a previous arrest, was charged with Pickett's murder.

Pickett's body was spotted by a fisherman off Governor's Creek Boat Ramp near Green Cove Springs. Pickett, who was also known as Mary Grace Melton, was last seen Jan. 2 on Philips Highway.

Previous Stories:

• May 19, 2005: Clay County Arrests Suspect In January Slaying
• January 18, 2005: Body Pulled From River Identified As 21-Year-Old Woman
• January 14, 2005: Clay Authorities Ask For Help Identifying Body Pulled From River
• January 12, 2005: Clay Deputies Investigate After Fisherman Spots Body In River