Fulbright pleads guilty in OC

Joshua Michael Fulbright pled guilty Thursday in Oconee General Sessions Court to voluntary manslaughter for the death of Richard Marszalek in December of 2013. The Honorable Lee Alford sentenced Fulbright to 22 years. Richard Marszalek was first reported missing on Jan. 11, 2014. On Jan. 17, acting upon their investigation and tips, deputies with the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office searched the rubble of a burned home in Seneca and found the body of Marszalek wrapped in a blanket under the home. Post-mortem examination determined the cause of death to be cerebral edema and brain stem herniation due to blunt force trauma to the head. Further investigation revealed that the victim was an acquaintance of Fulbright with a history of ill will between them. On Dec. 27, Marszalek and Fulbright had an argument that resulted in a fight. Later in the day, Fulbright came to the residence where the victim was staying and further arguments ensued. Fulbright, along with two others, fought with Marszalek. Witness statements indicate Fulbright inflicted the fatal blows. Marszalek’s body was subsequently wrapped in a blanket and placed under the home. “Joshua Fulbright has a history of drug use and violent behavior,” said Solicitor Chrissy Adams. “Given the facts of this case, we have had lengthy discussions with the victim’s family about how to best ensure they see justice is served and believe that today’s plea and subsequent sentence does just that while protecting our community from further violence by the defendant.”