Francis Kelley had no idea that his desire to be a great dad would ultimately end his life...
Out in the suburbs of Carmel, Indiana, Francis Kelley dreamed of a quiet life.
Working in public finance, he lived comfortably and peacefully – focused on working hard for his firm and his family.
Known affectionately as Fran by his friends and family, he was a devoted father to his two young daughters and would never miss a birthday or Christmas.
Despite not being in a relationship with either mother of his two girls, Fran, 46, was determined to keep custody rights and be a good dad to them.
However, this was proving quite tricky.
Caught up in a vicious custody war with ex-girlfriend Heidi Maire Littlefield, now 43, Fran was due in court on 27 January 2021 for a custody hearing, concerning the couple’s two-year-old daughter.
Heidi had made it clear she wanted to be the only one with custody, but Fran was prepared to fight her in court.
Heidi would often moan to her friends and family about Fran’s presence in her life, implying her life would be easier with Fran out the way.
It was clear they were both dreading the upcoming hearing.
Texting Fran about the upcoming court date, Heidi noticed he was becoming more agitated and paranoid.
Did you do something to the oatmeal that was in my fridge? Fran wrote.
What the actual f**k are you talking about???? Heidi responded angrily.
You were in my fridge last night and it tasted funny after a couple bites and now I am lightheaded, Fran continued.
He didn’t show up that day
Heidi wrote several messages asking Fran to explain further. Only he never responded. On 17 January 2021, Fran was supposed to pick up his nine-yearold daughter, ready for his upcoming 47th birthday.
Except he never came.
It was strange – Fran never missed an opportunity to celebrate.
Fran’s ex-girlfriend, Courtney Nugent, became increasingly concerned – he would never have forgotten to pick his daughter up, nor would he not offer any explanation for not showing up.
She decided to call the police, asking them to go over to Fran’s home at 14000 Howe Drive for a welfare check.
Police arrived, but there was no answer at the home and they were forced to enter without consent.
They were not prepared for what they found.
Inside, Francis Kelley was slumped on his own couch, lifeless – his favourite tie left limply around his neck.
He was dead.
But it didn’t seem suspicious at first.
Investigators noted bruising around Fran’s eye, elbows, knees and hands, but noted down those observations did not indicate obvious signs of foul play.
Nearby they found a bag of cocaine under the coach.
Finishing up at the scene, Fran’s body was taken away for an autopsy.
