Dr. Ewell Bickham, the coroner who examined Lacey Fletcher after her body was found “melted” into a sofa, advocates for making the graphic photos public.
Lacey Fletcher, a 36-year-old woman from Louisiana, had been diagnosed with autism. Her parents claimed they tried to feed her, but she refused, leading to her being unable to leave the couch and ultimately causing her death.
Shelia and Clay Fletcher pleaded “no contest” to reduced manslaughter charges on Monday. They remain out on bond until February 20.
Lacey Fletcher was found dead, sitting in her own urine and feces after what prosecutors alleged was years of neglect by her parents, reports NewsNation affiliate WVLA. Investigators believe she was left to deteriorate for at least 12 years.
Former coroner Dr. Ewell Bickham told NewsNation’s Ashleigh Banfield that he struggled to process the scene. “I’ve seen every kind of death there is,” he said on “Banfield.” “I’ve never seen a homicide like this. I’ve never seen a human being literally tortured and allowed to die while she is alive. Lacey did not decompose. She rotted in her own body, in that hole, in that sewer, in the couch.”
The next court hearing for Shelia and Clay Fletcher is scheduled for March 20 at the East Feliciana Courthouse.
Frequently Asked Question
Who was Lacey Fletcher?
Lacey Fletcher was a 36-year-old woman from Louisiana diagnosed with autism. She was found dead in her home under severe neglectful conditions.
What were the conditions in which Lacey Fletcher was found?
Lacey Fletcher was discovered sitting in her own urine and feces, reportedly neglected for at least 12 years, resulting in her body being “melted” into a sofa.
What did the coroner, Dr. Ewell Bickham, say about Lacey’s death?
Dr. Ewell Bickham described Lacey’s death as unlike any he had seen before, noting she was tortured and allowed to die slowly. He emphasized that she did not decompose but rather rotted in her own body on the couch.
What charges were brought against Lacey Fletcher’s parents?
Shelia and Clay Fletcher were charged with manslaughter and pleaded “no contest” to the reduced charges.
What do Lacey Fletcher’s parents claim about her condition?
Lacey Fletcher’s parents claimed they tried to feed her, but she refused to eat, which they say led to her being unable to leave the couch and ultimately resulted in her death.
When is the next court hearing for Shelia and Clay Fletcher?
The next court hearing for Shelia and Clay Fletcher is scheduled for March 20 at the East Feliciana Courthouse.
Why does Dr. Bickham want the graphic photos of Lacey Fletcher’s body shown to the public?
Dr. Bickham believes that showing the graphic photos of Lacey’s body will highlight the severity of her neglect and the need for justice in her case.
Conclusion
The tragic case of Lacey Fletcher highlights the devastating consequences of severe neglect. Despite her parents’ claims of attempting to care for her, the conditions in which she was found paint a harrowing picture of prolonged suffering. Dr. Ewell Bickham’s call to publicize the graphic photos underscores the urgency for awareness and justice. As the legal proceedings continue, the case remains a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by those who cannot advocate for themselves. The upcoming court hearing on March 20 will be a critical step in seeking accountability and closure for Lacey’s untimely and tragic death.
