Texas Court Declines Review for Two Convicted Killers
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has denied appeals from Joshua Fulbright and Anthony Kienlen, finalizing their respective convictions.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Crime — General
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals refused to hear discretionary review petitions for Joshua Fulbright and Anthony Kienlen. This decision upholds the previous convictions of both individuals, ensuring their sentences remain in place.
Why it matters
The denial of these petitions serves as the final procedural step, effectively ending the appeal process for both defendants. Their cases are now considered closed within the state judicial system.
Joshua Fulbright is serving a life sentence without parole for capital murder, while Anthony Kienlen serves a 30-year sentence for attempted capital murder plus 10-year terms for 15 counts of aggravated assault.
The players
Joshua Fulbright
He is a convicted murderer currently serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Anthony Kienlen
He is a convicted offender serving a multi-decade sentence for the attempted capital murder of a peace officer.
Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
This is the highest state court for criminal cases in Texas and the final authority on petitions for discretionary review.
The details
Joshua Fulbright was convicted in March 2025 for the 2018 murder of two-year-old Scarlette Olivia Newsom, and Anthony Kienlen was convicted in May 2025 of attacking a peace officer. Fulbright remains at the Ferguson Unit, while Kienlen is held at the Bill Clements Unit.
Timeline
Joshua Fulbright killed Scarlette Olivia Newsom in 2018.
Joshua Fulbright was found guilty on March 5, 2025.
Anthony Kienlen was found guilty on May 27, 2025.
The Court of Criminal Appeals rejected the petitions on October 29, 2026.
Anthony Kienlen becomes eligible for parole in 2038.
Legal Context
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals manages its caseload by choosing which appellate decisions to review, a process governed by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 44.45. This court frequently limits its docket to cases that present significant questions of law.
The finalization of these convictions ensures that both defendants will remain incarcerated as ordered by the district courts in Montague and Wichita Counties. Local residents are no longer subject to ongoing legal proceedings or potential retrials involving these individuals.
The takeaway
The end of this appeals process provides definitive closure for the legal proceedings of both convicted defendants. Families and communities affected by these crimes are no longer required to participate in further appellate hearings.
Further reading
For more information on state judicial proceedings, visit the Crime — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Texomashomepage.com - KFDX, KJTL.
