Lacey Fletcher.
A Louisiana couple pleaded no contest Monday to a reduced charge of manslaughter stemming from the death of their adult daughter who was found dead and fused to a couch in their home.
Clay and Sheila Fletcher.East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office
East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office
According to authorities, Lacey had been diagnosed with autism and was non-verbal, WBRZ reported.
The parents have said their daughter was “of sound mind” and claimed they brought her meals and a portable toilet but she was afraid to leave the couch,The Advocatereported.
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“The things that happened to Lacey are horrible in the way it worked out, but they cared for her daily,” Moore added, per the outlet.
In a statement sent to PEOPLE on Wednesday, West Feliciana District Attorney Sam D’Aquilla said, “We want to stand for children, elderly and infirm persons that cannot speak for themselves and bring attention to these situations to prevent further abuse, mistreatment or neglect.”
“We consider letting a person under your care, custody and control deteriorate to the point that her untreated wounds expose her bones is a very serious crime and the penalty should be life imprisonment,” he added.
source: people.com
