Sharon Nelson Harrelson's Dark Descent Revealed

What drives a person to commit heinous crimes against their loved ones? How can someone hide such dark secrets behind a facade of normalcy?

In American Black Widow, author Gregg Olsen delves into the chilling story of Sharon Nelson Harrelson's life and crimes. You'll discover how a troubled childhood in a strict religious environment led to a series of failed relationships and ultimately, murder.

Keep reading to uncover the shocking details of Sharon Nelson Harrelson's descent into darkness and the devastating impact of her actions on her family and community.

A Troubled Childhood in a Strict Religious Environment

Sharon Nelson Harrelson's story begins in a highly restrictive Seventh-Day Adventist household. Growing up, Sharon Nelson Harrelson and her siblings faced strict discipline and physical punishment from their parents, Josephine and Morris Douglas. The children were often made to choose the branches that would be used to discipline them, leaving bruises and scrapes from everyday objects like hairbrushes and ice cube trays.

The family put on a facade of perfection, hiding their true feelings both in public and at home. This lack of emotional openness had a profound impact on Sharon's upbringing. She learned to attribute good deeds to a higher power while taking responsibility for any wrongdoings.

Sharon's desires were often stifled in this oppressive environment. When she appealed to her parents to cancel her impending marriage to Mike Fuller, her father prioritized the family's social reputation over her mental well-being. Despite feeling a bond with her father, their relationship was hindered by her mother's emotional coolness.

Sexual Abuse and Secrecy

Tragically, Sharon's childhood was marred by incidents of sexual abuse within her religious community. She experienced inappropriate physical contact during a charity event and was subjected to improper behavior by an older employee at a Seventh-Day Adventist school.

The response from those responsible for Sharon's well-being was disturbingly lacking in compassion and protection. Her mother's implication that Sharon's increased maturity could have prevented the attack reveals a skewed understanding of blame and responsibility.

The secretive environment and closed channels of communication further hindered Sharon from expressing or addressing her distressing experiences. Children were under strict instructions to keep family issues confidential, leaving Sharon with no outlet for her trauma.

A Series of Troubled Relationships

Sharon's adult life was characterized by a succession of unsatisfying relationships and complex involvements with various men. Her first marriage was to Minister Mike Fuller, known for his frugal lifestyle. However, Sharon grew increasingly dissatisfied with him, citing his lack of empathy, gentleness, and affectionate care.

Their marriage was marked by conflict, with Sharon reportedly using harsh and offensive language during disputes over parental responsibilities for their children, Rochelle and Denise. Her portrayal as a neglectful mother ultimately led to the revocation of her parental rights.

Seeking emotional fulfillment, Sharon began an affair with a man named Craig. This extramarital relationship was a complex mix of guilt, shame, happiness, and affection. Eventually, Sharon's infidelity led to the end of her marriage to Mike Fuller.

The Wealthy Ophthalmologist

After her split from Mike in 1976, Sharon set her sights on Perry Nelson, a wealthy ophthalmologist. She carefully examined church records to identify Perry as a potential target, considering his financial situation and responsibilities.

Sharon skillfully manipulated Perry into divorcing his wife Julie to pursue a relationship with her. They married in 1977, but their union was far from perfect. Financial strains were exacerbated by Sharon's mismanagement of Perry's business finances and her evident unfaithfulness.

Throughout her marriage to Perry, Sharon continued to juggle multiple romantic and sexual partners. She entered into a relationship with Buzz Reynolds, a man with established ties to Perry, showing little concern for the potential consequences of her actions. Sharon also had an affair with a carpenter named Gary Starr Adams.

The Black Widow Emerges

Sharon Nelson Harrelson's true nature began to reveal itself through the mysterious deaths of her two husbands, Perry Nelson and Glen Harrelson. The circumstances surrounding these deaths raised suspicions and ultimately led to her downfall.

Perry Nelson's Suspicious Disappearance

Perry Nelson's death was initially ruled an accident, allowing Sharon to receive a significant payout from his life insurance policy. However, numerous dubious conditions called this verdict into question.

On the night of his disappearance, Perry was sober, which thwarted a planned attack involving a tire iron. Sharon's detached demeanor and absence from search activities aroused suspicions. Before Perry vanished, rumors of Sharon's affair with Gary were already circulating in the community.

Sharon's quick decision to dispose of Perry's firearms after his disappearance, despite financial difficulties and rumors that he may have fled to Mexico, added further suspicion. The swift investigation and prompt cremation of Perry's remains led to skepticism about Sharon's claims concerning his death.

The Firefighter's Tragic End

Sharon's next husband, firefighter Glen Harrelson, also met a tragic end under suspicious circumstances. In collusion with her lover Gary, Sharon orchestrated events leading to Glen's demise. They devised a scheme to portray Glen's death as a botched burglary, using a metal pipe provided by Sharon and Gary's knowledge of their shared home.

Despite Glen's valiant resistance, Gary ultimately emerged victorious, shooting Glen twice. Sharon and Gary's efforts to disguise the murder through a staged burglary and attempted arson only served to increase suspicions.

The Truth Comes to Light

As investigations into the deaths of Perry Nelson and Glen Harrelson intensified, Sharon Lynn Nelson became the prime suspect. Insurance companies began to recognize Sharon's role in Perry's passing, leading to significant payouts.

Rumors spread questioning Sharon's honesty, with accusations of greed and more serious charges mounting against her. A police officer suspected her of wrongdoing but lacked the necessary proof to substantiate it.

The Pizza Hut Confession

In a surprising turn of events, Sharon's facade finally cracked during an unguarded moment at a Pizza Hut. In an emotional outburst, she admitted to her involvement in the killings, revealing that Gary Starr Adams had convinced her that Perry was "out of the picture."

Following her confession, Sharon was apprehended by the Thornton Police Department. She later confessed to orchestrating the deaths of her two husbands at a Best Western Motel, resulting in both her and Gary Adams being imprisoned.

The Aftermath: A Family and Community Shattered

Sharon Nelson Harrelson's actions had far-reaching consequences, deeply affecting her family and the broader community. Her children and step-children experienced profound betrayal and disturbance, grappling with grief and a search for justice.

The emotional toll was evident in courtroom confrontations, such as Lorri Hustwaite's accusation that Sharon had robbed her family of a beloved father, grandfather, and son. Sharon's deceitful behavior severely weakened family ties, particularly through conflictual interactions with her daughter Rochelle Mason, whose life was marked by bitterness, abandonment, and sibling rivalry.

The community at large regarded Sharon with distrust, disgust, and resentment due to her insensitive and manipulative character. The Philippi family's disparaging remarks about her, community warnings against assisting her, and doubts about the unusual sequence of her husbands' deaths all reflect the collective sentiment of distrust and disdain.

Members of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church and Julie Nelson, who initially believed Sharon was the right match for Perry, found themselves grappling with shock, disenchantment, and betrayal. Sharon's impact extended beyond her immediate circle, casting a shadow of gloom and deep-seated uncertainty over the wider community.