The story of Lacey Fletcher

2023-06-19 08:43:32 Written by ALEX

Lacey Ellen Fletcher, a woman hailing from Slaughter, Louisiana, led an extraordinary life that diverged greatly from the norm. Living with severe autism and potentially afflicted by a condition known as locked-in syndrome, Lacey's existence revolved around a couch within the confines of her parents' residence.

For approximately 12 years, she remained in an unchanging state, her prolonged immobility causing her body to gradually merge with the couch. Acting as her primary caregivers, Sheila and Clay Fletcher, aged 64, dedicated themselves to Lacey's well-being.

Lacey Fletcher's life took a tragic turn when her body was discovered in a distressing state within her parents' residence. Found partially unclothed, seated upright, and partially immersed in a cavity within the couch, the 36-year-old woman, who lived with autism, had remained immobile on the sofa for an extended period of 12 years.

A collection of disturbing images, including the one described above, was presented to a recently convened grand jury during a closed session. These photographs unveiled the unimaginable magnitude of Lacey's anguish, as she had disappeared from public sight approximately 15 years prior. Lacey, who lived with autism, was discovered nearly buried in the couch, with her upper body exposed and immersed in a depression, while surrounded by her own waste, a truly harrowing and tragic circumstance.

Lacey was found in a slouched position, leaning towards her left side, with her right arm draped across the upper part of her extremely thin body near her neck. She was unclothed except for a small blue patterned t-shirt, which was pulled up on her chest, leaving her breasts exposed. Her eyes were wide open, fixed in a gaze. Her mouth was also open, displaying a complete set of front teeth.

The couch where Lacey Fletcher's body was found stuck for 12 years

Lacey's face was marked by sizable and inflamed red patches, indicating distress and discomfort. Excrement was extensively smeared across nearly her entire body, including her hair, and even found inside her ears. The room emitted a foul odor reminiscent of a latrine, while Lacey's body had become infested with maggots. Her undernourished frame weighed less than 100 pounds, highlighting the severity of her physical deterioration.

The presentation of the photographs had such a profoundly disturbing and distressing impact on the grand jury that medical personnel were prepared and available to assist the 12 panel members. The images left those present in the courtroom utterly speechless, with some jurors audibly gasping in horror and others gazing in disbelief.

According to the coroner, Dr. Ewell Bickham, the cause of Lacey's death was attributed to severe medical neglect. This neglect resulted in chronic malnutrition, acute starvation, immobility, the development of acute ulcers, osteomyelitis (a bone infection), and ultimately, sepsis.

After the discovery of Lacey's body, her parents faced charges of second-degree murder.

The grand jury was presented with compelling evidence, including explicit photographs depicting the deplorable living conditions and Lacey's severe physical deterioration. These images were so repugnant that medical professionals were on standby to provide support during their viewing.

The Fletchers were granted release upon posting a $300,000 bond each.

In a surprising turn of events, District Judge Kathryn Jones dismissed the murder charges against Clay and Sheila Fletcher, Lacey's parents. The judge cited a technicality related to the wording of the indictment as the reason for this decision. Consequently, the trial, initially scheduled for June 2023, was no longer required.

Back in May 2022, a grand jury in Clinton, Louisiana, had indicted the parents on charges of second-degree murder, to which they pleaded not guilty in July 2022.

Despite the charges being dropped, District Attorney Sam D'Aquilla intends to present the case once again to a different grand jury on June 19. His objective is to pursue new charges against the parents and aims to bring the case to trial by the end of the year.

According to reports, the parents were not present at the time of Lacey's death as they were out of town. They claimed that Lacey had refused to leave the house and had never expressed any dissatisfaction with staying at home. The couple stated that Lacey would relieve herself either on the couch or on a nearby towel, and Sheila would regularly attend to cleaning her daughter's sores.