Man Sentenced To 40 Years In Woman's Slaying

Thomas Fuller, convicted of second-degree murder in the death of a young mother who disappeared from Jacksonville, was sentenced Thursday to 40 years in prison.

The body of 21-year-old Mary Frances Pickett was found floating in the St. Johns River in January 2005, several days after she disappeared from the South Metro area of Jacksonville.

Four months later, Fuller was arrested after he admitted to killing Pickett to his girlfriend and she called the Clay County Sheriff's Office.

Fuller, who was in the jail on a previous arrest, was charged with Pickett's murder. He was convicted last month.

Previous Stories:

• March 5, 2007: Man Found Guilty Of Young Mother's Murder
• February 26, 2007: Trial Begins For Man Accused In 2005 Killing
• 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