Wanted Murder Suspect’s Body Found In Woods: Charlotte County Sheriff

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, FL — The body of a man wanted for the murder of his wife was found in the woods Friday afternoon, according to a Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office news release.

A resident found the body of 46-year-old Fidel Fletcher in the area of Guild Street and Peachland Boulevard.

Because his body was decomposing, an immediate identification was “impossible,” the sheriff’s office said. Deputies with the agency’s Major Case Unit investigated and eventually identified Fletcher.

Evidence at the scene suggests that he took his own life, though the cause and manner of death are pending, CCSO said.

A warrant had been issued for Fletcher in connection with the Dec. 26 murder of his wife, Nicole Gates.

Fletcher ran away before deputies could arrive at the scene, prompting a statewide search. Tips received by the sheriff’s office and U.S. Marshal’s Service suggested that he was hiding in both 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 said.