Louisiana parents accused of letting autistic daughter die plead no contest to manslaughter

Editor's Note: The couple pleaded no contest to the charge, instead of guilty, which would carry an admission of guilt.

CLINTON, La. (BRPROUD) — The parents of a special needs Louisiana woman who was found dead on the family couch have pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Shelia and Clay Fletcher plead no contest to manslaughter on Monday, Feb. 5, in the death of their daughter, Lacey Fletcher, 36. The Fletchers will be out on bond until Feb. 20.

The judge noted that they have no previous criminal records, have shown up to all court dates and don't seem to be a threat to the community.

"We need justice for Lacey," Dana Lovett, a victims advocate, said.

Lacey was found dead, sitting in urine and feces after what prosecutors alleged was neglect from her parents. Investigators think she was left to wither away for at least 12 years.

"Lacey's not here to speak for herself. There's just so many conflicting statements that I've heard in this case, and they had so many resources at their fingertips, especially Mrs. Fletcher," Lovett said.

"There's just so many unanswered questions," said former East Feliciana Parish Coroner Dr. Ewell Bickham.

He said Lacey was severely autistic and her parents neglected her for years.

"She hadn't seen any provider, any health care, anybody until I walked into that house when she was 36 years old, deceased," he said.

The Fletchers' defense attorneys said they are good people and are no threat to the public, and they never wanted to hurt Lacey.

"They loved their daughter to a fault," said attorney Steven Moore.

"There's no evidence that she was tortured, no evidence that she was fused to a couch or chained to the couch, and we're going to put all that out there March the 20th," said lawyer John McLindon.

"We're in disagreement to that. And we objected to that," said East Feliciana District Attorney Samuel D'Aquilla. "It was a very heinous crime. And we request they be incarcerated." 

He's asking for the maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.

The next court hearing is at the East Feliciana Courthouse at 9:30 a.m. March 20.

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