Gentry Woman Admits To Killing Husband

Susan Fleck is escorted into the Benton County Jail by Benton County Deputy Ted Arhangelskyon Monday, March 4, 2013, in Bentonville.
Susan Fleck is escorted into the Benton County Jail by Benton County Deputy Ted Arhangelskyon Monday, March 4, 2013, in Bentonville.

BENTONVILLE -- Rick Fleck stood near his son's killer -- his former daughter-in-law -- on Monday.

Susan Fleck, 33, had moments earlier admitted she shot her husband to death. She was sentenced to 40 years in prison through a plea deal.

Evan Fleck, 44, was found dead in his bed after Gentry police went to the couple's home following a 911 call at 4 a.m. March 3, 2013. Police found the couple's children in the basement, according to court documents. Evan Fleck filed for divorce Feb. 19, 2013, according to court documents. The couple had been married since July 13, 1997.

Susan Fleck, wearing a black and white blouse with black pants, stood quietly nearby as Rick Fleck addressed the court. Other family members sat on a front row in the courtroom.

Rick Fleck told a silent courtroom that he lost one of his best friends when his son was killed. He said the murder has impacted the lives of his four grandchildren and other family members.

The children now live with their grandparents in Colorado and some of them require counseling, Rick Fleck said.

"It placed a black cloud over every family event for decades as we have a huge, empty chair at our table," Rick Fleck said. said.

Susan Fleck pleaded guilty Monday to murder in the first degree, a Class Y felony punishable with a prison sentence ranging from 10 years to 40 years or life imprisonment. Jay Saxton, Fleck's attorney, was able to reach a plea agreement with prosecutors.

Carrie Dobbs, deputy prosecutor, told Circuit Judge Robin Green that Susan Fleck entered the bedroom and shot Evan Fleck in the head while he was asleep.

Green accepted the plea agreement and the guilty plea.

Susan Fleck was sentenced to 40 years in the Arkansas Department of Correction. She must serve 28 years in prison before she will be eligible for parole.

A tearful Susan Fleck professed her love for her children in a prepared statement she read in court.

"I am sorry for everything," she said. "First, I want to apologize to my children Ivy Rose, Lily, Aspen and Teddy for taking their father away. I pray every day to be able to change that one moment and take away all the pain. I love my children very much. Please, I pray you all forgive me."

Susan Fleck also apologized to Evan Fleck's family.

"I am so sorry I did not seek the help that Evan wanted me to get for my depression," she said. "I was so sad and so hurt. I was desperate to bring my family back together. I will forever live in the past wishing I would go back and change that one moment.

"Please, please, I hope one day all of you will find it in your heart to forgive me."

Susan Fleck was ordered not to have any contact with her children or Evan Fleck's family.

NW News on 05/20/2014

Upcoming Events