On May 24, 2023, Lakesha Thompson was found dead inside the Clayton County, Georgia, home of her fiancé, Nathan Fitten, just three days after the couple became engaged. Investigators initially concluded that Lakesha died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Her daughter, Ondrea Fluker, immediately questioned that conclusion. Then a private investigator started digging into the evidence: the position of the gun, Lakesha being left-handed, the bullet trajectory, gunshot residue testing, a previous police call, missing digital evidence, and statements that appeared to change over time.
In 2024, after Lakesha’s family presented additional investigative context to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the medical examiner changed her manner of death from its original ruling to undetermined. But the Clayton County Police Department still considers the case closed.
In this episode of Crime Junkie, Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat examine the mysterious death of Lakesha Thompson and the evidence her family believes deserves another look. You’ll hear about, the early-morning phone call Nathan Fitten made to Ondrea Fluker on May 24, 2023, Nathan’s 911 call approximately two and a half hours later, what responding officers documented when they entered the Clayton County home, questions surrounding the position of the firearm and Lakesha’s dominant hand, the bullet trajectory investigators documented inside the living room, gunshot residue evidence that raised additional questions for the family’s private investigator, and why the Georgia Bureau of Investigation ultimately changed Lakesha’s manner of death to undetermined.
The investigation also examines what happened at Nathan Fitten’s home just three months before Lakesha’s death. On February 24, 2023, another woman called 911 from outside the same Clayton County residence and reported that Nathan had pointed a firearm at her during a dispute. According to records reviewed for this episode, the firearm she described was consistent in appearance with the one later recovered with Lakesha. Nathan was not charged in connection with that incident.
Then, approximately a year after Lakesha’s death, Nathan unexpectedly called Ondrea. During the recorded conversation, he described what happened to Lakesha in a way that included details Ondrea and her investigative team say differed from statements documented immediately after her death.
This episode also explores Lakesha’s relationship with Nathan Fitten before her death, the body-camera footage from the morning she was found, why Nathan’s phone data became an important unanswered question, the Ring doorbell and interior camera investigators obtained warrants to collect, what Lakesha’s private investigator, Walter Reddick, discovered after reviewing police reports, crime-scene evidence, and other records, the family’s November 2024 meeting with Dr. Keith Lehman, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation medical examiner who performed Lakesha’s autopsy, and why Clayton County Police declined to reopen the investigation after the medical examiner changed the manner of death.
Lakesha Thompson was a mother of four who was making plans for her future. She had recently completed a mental health retreat, was preparing to stand beside her longtime best friend Tonya Malone at her wedding, and had already purchased her bridesmaid dress and planned her trip.
Her daughter Ondrea isn’t asking investigators, or anyone else, to jump to a conclusion about what happened. She’s asking for answers. Because if the evidence conclusively explains Lakesha’s death, her family wants to see it. And if it doesn’t, they believe her case deserves another investigation.
If you or anyone you know is thinking about self-harm, please know that emotional support can be reached by calling or texting the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
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Crime Junkie is created anAmerican Idol Contestant Arrested For Murder!? The Case Of Ashley Flynn d hosted by Ashley Flowers.
About Ashley Flowers
Ashley Flowers is the top female podcaster in the U.S. and the host of Crime Junkie, the #1 podcast among women and the #1 true crime podcast globally. As the Founder of Audiochuck, she has built a top-tier podcast production company that has garnered over 2.6 billion downloads, captivating audiences with its gripping storytelling through 10+ chart topping podcasts. Ashley and her team are dedicated to creating responsible true crime content that respects victims and their families.
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Watch Crime Junkie true crime podcast dedicated to covering the cases we just can’t get out of our heads. Every Monday, host Ashley Flowers on SloppBoxx.Com.
May I ask why he’s not being held responsible for the fact that his gun was unlocked and she was able to get access to it I’m confused is that not a law in that state where you guys are from? Why is he not being liable and also was that gun registered and also was he allowed to have it?
This is sickening how shoddy the “investigation” was. They do not want to do the leg work of a murder investigation. I’m wishing her justice. Hopefully they reopen the case.
So sick of every case being a conspiracy. I do believe conspiracies happen, but now it is every bloody case people are saying conspiracies are taking place. You people are out of control.
This is ABSOLUTE INSANITY!!
Only one inconsistency. Just one and then I’m like a dog with a bone. I’m not letting go.
Pi did his thing!! Ladies thank you, where is the phone record, why was he naked unless he was washing, why are the police lazy and she is left handed.. why did yall let that mother, woman, left handed life just be a closed case! Justice for her and her family. This is the first episode i watched, because of the show beyond the gates, last loves your podcast, so yes I’m hooked now
13:20 I got premium so I wouldn’t get ads 😑.