Insufficient Evidence to File Charges in March Death

05/28/2010
CONTACT INFO: Charles Branson Douglas County District Attorney 785-841-0211 cbranson@douglas-county.com Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson announced today no criminal charges will be filed in the death of Lawrence resident Douglas O. Fleming. "After an exhaustive review of investigative reports, recorded interviews, coroner reports, and medical records and finally a meeting with the coroner, there was insufficient facts to establish probable cause that a crime was committed," Branson said. Mr. Fleming called and asked the Lawrence Police Department (LPD) for assistance in the evening hours of Sunday, March 28. Mr. Fleming advised he was injured when he was involved in a physical fight with an acquaintance that had been staying at his home. Mr. Fleming told police officers he struck the acquaintance first and a fight ensued. The acquaintance later told investigators he was attacked by Fleming and he defended himself. Mr. Fleming refused medical treatment when officers were at the residence. LPD officers were again dispatched to Mr. Fleming's home on Tuesday, March 30 after another party requested a welfare check. Officers attempted to reach Mr. Fleming by phone and by knocking on the door. When a response was not received, officers entered the home through an unsecured door and found Mr. Fleming deceased. Given Mr. Fleming's admission to law enforcement that he was the initial aggressor and the inability of law enforcement to determine what, if anything, happened to Mr. Fleming between Sunday evening and Tuesday afternoon there is insufficient evidence to form probable cause for a crime. "Mr. Fleming's death was a terrible event and my thoughts and concerns have been and still are with his family," advised Branson. -30-

Media Contact:
Cheryl L. Wright - Assistant to the District Attorney
District Attorney's Office
785-841-0211
cwright@douglas-county.com