A Slaughter, Louisiana couple faces renewed murder charges following the tragic death of their 36-year-old daughter. Clay and Sheila Fletcher were re-indicted by an East Feliciana Parish grand jury, after the original charges were dismissed due to a technicality. The couple's daughter, Lacey Fletcher, was found deceased at their home in early 2022, her body reportedly covered in maggots and human waste, sunken into a couch.
The grim discovery was made after Sheila Fletcher called 911, reporting that her daughter was not breathing. Emergency responders arrived to a horrifying scene. According to a police report, Lacey's body was found embedded in a soiled section of the couch. Reports indicate signs of severe neglect, including malnutrition, skin ulcers, and the presence of maggots.
Sheila Fletcher allegedly told authorities that Lacey had been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, which contributed to her social withdrawal. She also claimed that Lacey developed phobias that made it difficult for her to leave the couch. The Jefferson Parish Forensic Center's report documented the young woman's dire physical condition. The original murder charges against the Fletchers were dropped in May 2023 due to discrepancies between the indictment papers served to the defendants and those filed with the Clerk's office. However, the District Attorney swiftly pursued a re-indictment, leading to the couple's re-arrest. They have since been released on bond.
