Fugitive sought for murdering his wife found dead in Port Charlotte woods
A body discovered in a wooded area of Port Charlotte, Florida, last week has been positively identified by the Medical Examiner’s Office as the remains of a wanted homicide suspect, Fidel Fletcher.
On the afternoon of Friday, January 19, deputies with the Port Charlotte Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) responded to the area of Guild Street and Peachland Boulevard in Port Charlotte to investigate the report of a dead body which had been discovered by a resident of the area. The Sheriff’s Office reported that the human remains were already in a state of decomposition, making an immediate identification impossible. The PCSO Major Case Unit conducted an investigation, and the body was ultimately positively identified as 47-year-old Fidel Fletcher. According to the Sheriff’s Office, evidence found at the scene suggests that Fletcher took his own life, but the cause and manner of death are still pending at this time.
A warrant had been issued for Fletcher in connection with the December 26, 2023 murder of his wife, Nicole Gates. Fletcher fled on foot before deputies could arrive to the scene, prompting a statewide search, as tips received by the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Marshal’s Service suggested that he was in hiding in the DeSoto and Hillsborough County areas.
“I know that this outcome does not bring justice to the friends and family of Nicole, but I hope that it at least brings closure. And to the children who witnessed this horrific incident, I offer my deepest sympathies and this message: Please do not lose sight of what your mother would have wanted for you. Honor her by living a good life and by being a beacon for others who may one day be hurting as you are now. Charlotte County is with you.” ~ Sheriff Bill Prummell
The Sheriff’s Office also stated that since Fletcher has been confirmed to be deceased, their criminal case against him would now be closed.
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(Source: Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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