On January 3, 2022, emergency services received a report from 66-year-old Sheila Fletcher and her husband, Clay Fletcher, regarding the discovery of their 36-year-old daughter, Lacey Ellen Fletcher, deceased on their couch. Investigations revealed that Lacey had suffered from neglect by her parents for a minimum of 12 years, following a decline in her cognitive health that rendered her unable to leave their home. It was uncovered that, during this period, Sheila and Clay had left their daughter on the couch, allowing her to endure suffering in her own waste and permitting insects to infest her body, while neglecting to seek medical assistance for her condition.

As a result of Lacey's death, Sheila and Clay Fletcher faced murder charges. In February 2024, they accepted a plea deal for a reduced charge of manslaughter. Subsequently, on March 20, 2024, both were sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Neglect and killing

Lacey Fletcher, who was diagnosed with autism, faced bullying during her high school years. Subsequently, her parents, Sheila and Clay Fletcher, opted to withdraw her from the traditional school system in favor of homeschooling. It was noted that Sheila and Clay often expressed dissatisfaction with their role as caregivers, indicating that they had not anticipated such responsibilities when they became parents.