Who was Lacey Fletcher?
Lacey Ellen Fletcher was a 36-year-old woman from Louisiana who was allegedly suffering from “Locked in Syndrome”. Lacey was found deceased with her body melting into the couch she was supposedly “locked in” for 12 years. Reports from the case suggest that Lacey was completely paralysed, making her recluse and depend on her parents for her day-to-day needs.
Lacey’s body was discovered on her couch, one that she was bound to for the last 12 years before her death. Reports claim that Lacey was extremely emaciated, weighing 96 lbs and covered in sores and faecal matter, with Lacey’s hair matted and her body infested with maggots. It was also alleged that Lacey had been neglected for many years before her death.
What was Lacey’s life like?
Reports suggest that Lacey was diagnosed with severe Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism spectrum disorder that can leave people with awkward social skills. After Lacey’s condition reportedly got worse, her parents pulled her out of school, cutting her out from the outside world completely.
Testimonies from Lacey’s mother – Sheila Fletcher after her death reveal that Lacey suffered from severe social anxiety when she was a teenager. The mother claims that Lacey refused to leave the couch despite her parents’ repeated requests. It was also stated that Lacey’s parents had to set up a portable toilet and toiletries for Lacey to clean herself up.
Sheila added that as the years passed by, she would have to give Lacey a towel for her to relieve herself on and that the mother was left to clean it because Lacey refused to leave the couch. The mother adds that she had to clean Lacey’s sores from time to time and that she never complained about being in pain due to that.
How did Lacey Fletcher die?
Shiela also that she and her husband, Clay Fletcher had gone out for a Christmas trip only to return two days before Lacey’s death. According to Shiela, Lacey ate half a sandwich and a bag of Cheetos before she passed. However, autopsy reports reveal that Lacey had nothing but Sofa foam and her excreta in her stomach. It was alleged that Lacey’s couch had a hole worn out through it as Lacey used the furniture as a bathroom.
Lacey’s body was found with ulcers and sores, and some reports indicated that she had “melted” into the couch. A report was issued from Lacey’s coroner – Dr. Ewell Dewitt Bickham that stated that Lacey’s death was caused by medical neglect. She had also tested positive for COVID-19 and was suffering from bacterial infections.
What happened to Lacey’s parents?
According to Law and Crime, Lacey’s parents, Sheila and Clay, were formally arrested in May 2022 only to be released on bail. The parents were indicted again in June 2022 only to be released again on bond. The case is still ongoing with a possible trial in in the months to come.
District Attorney Sam D’Aquilla said in an official statement, “We will ensure there is justice for Lacey, and the public knows that caregivers will be charged for neglecting or abusing a person in their care.”
What do you think of Lacey Fletcher’s death? Do you think Lacey was being neglected or do her parents’ actions tell a tale of abuse? Let us know in the comments below.