Locked-in Syndrome victim Lacey Fletcher, 36, was discovered dead in her parents’ Slaughterhouse on January 3, 2022. Her malnourished, bloody, and faeces-smeared corpse was discovered “melted” into the sofa by the police. Fletcher’s parents, Sheila and Clay, may be charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter for her death, according to sources. Sam D’Aquilla, the district attorney for East Feliciana Parish, told NOLA that Fletcher probably died after “serious chronic neglect” caused his suffering to last for years.
Dr Ewell Dewitt Bickham III, the coroner for East Feliciana Parish, has pronounced Lacey Fletcher’s death a murder and established that she died as a result of “at least a decade of medical negligence.” On the other hand, D’Aquilla said that Fletcher’s parents were “adamant” that their daughter was “of sound mind to make her sort of judgements.” D’Aquilla is pursuing charges against Sheila and Clay, Fletcher’s parents.
What is meant by the term Locked-in Syndrome?
The brainstem injury that causes locked-in syndrome (LiS) is very uncommon and devastating. The syndrome is characterised by paralysis of voluntary muscles, except for those responsible for vertical eye (up and down) movements, as described by the Cleveland Clinic. Despite their paralysis, persons with LiS are nevertheless fully aware and able to think as they normally would. The vast majority of people who have LiS can enjoy fulfilling lives, even if they can only communicate using eye movements.
Despite the immobility, mental abilities are unchanged. They can understand what others are saying and communicate with them through directed eye movement. Individuals with LiS maintain normal sleep-wake patterns, intact senses of hearing and vision, and a heightened state of awareness. After waking up, they’re immobilised and unable to talk. In contrast, the locked-in syndrome affects the continuity of grey matter in the brain, spinal cord, and muscle fibres throughout the body.
Facial control and language areas in the brainstem are also affected. Several diseases and other situations besides amyotrophic lateral sclerosis may lead to locked-in syndrome (ALS). Therapeutic approaches that focus on providing emotional and practical assistance to those affected by Locked-in Syndrome include observational and supportive therapy and communication training.
Exploring Lacey Fletcher’s illness and unexpected death
Lacey Fletcher’s corpse was discovered in a hole in the family’s living room sofa on January 3, 2022. Sheila, Fletcher’s mom, contacted 911 that morning, and that’s when the cops arrived to find the “horrific” situation. According to authorities who spoke with NOLA, the lady was discovered to weigh barely 96 pounds. Her bare feet were tucked beneath her and buried into the couch’s crevice. There were faeces, pee, and other body fluids in the sofa’s foam cushioning. Her bottom was “rotten to the bone” from the extensive sores they discovered.
According to reports, Lacey Fletcher also tested positive for COVID-19 and did not seek treatment. Fletcher’s parents informed police on January 18 that despite her Locked-in Syndrome, their daughter was cognitively intact up to her death. In addition, Attorney D’Aquilla said that Lacey Fletcher acquired “some degree of Asperger’s syndrome” and suffered from extreme social anxiety.
