Remains found confirmed to be those of missing teacher and mom of two, Eliza Fletcher
(Cleotha Abston, Eliza Fletcher, Image credit: Twitter)
Tragic news coming out of Memphis after it was announced by several news outlets that Eliza Fletcher, the 34-year-old mother of two that was seen being violently abducted on surveillance video while out jogging in the early morning hours of September 2 has been found deceased. The kindergarten teacher’s lifeless body was discovered in a residential neighborhood in South Memphis, and only a few miles from where she was kidnapped.
Career criminal Cleotha Abston, who had already been arrested and charged with “especially aggravated kidnapping and tampering with evidence” in connection with Fletcher’s abduction, is scheduled to be back in court today to face additional charges of first-degree murder, premeditated murder and first-degree perpetration of kidnapping, according to ABC News.
Ace News Today’s original report regarding Eliza’s kidnapping is available below, immediately beneath the video accompanying this article.
(See: Arrest made in the abduction of Eliza Fletcher, but she still has not been found (Sept.4, 2022)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Follow Richard on Facebook and Twitter
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(Sept. 4, 2022)
Arrest made in the abduction of Eliza Fletcher, but she still has not been found
On September 2, the Memphis Police Department (MPD) announced that at approximately 7:45 a.m., officers were dispatched to assist the University of Memphis police regarding a missing person that occurred in the area of Central and Zach Curlin. Upon arriving on the scene, officers were advised that a female, later identified as the still missing Eliza Fletcher, was jogging in the area at approximately 4:20 a.m. when an individual, now identified as Cleotha Abston, approached her. Fletcher was reportedly forced into an SUV and taken from the scene.
Abston has since been taken into custody and formally charged with Fletcher’s abduction.
Eliza Fletcher was described by authorities as a White female, 34 years old, 5’6” weighing 137 pounds with brown hair and green eyes. At the time of her abduction, she was wearing a pink sports top, blue shorts, and tennis shoes.
She is a mother of two and a kindergarten teacher at St. Mary’s Episcopal School.
In cooperation with authorities, we are asking for your help locating our beloved JK Teacher Liza Fletcher.
If you have seen Liza or have information about her location, call MPD 901-545-COPS(2677). We join the Fletcher and Wellford families in praying for Liza’s safe return. pic.twitter.com/Hf30H6tkn3— St. Mary’s Episcopal School (@StMarysMemphis) September 2, 2022
The teacher’s damaged phone was found near the scene where she is believed to have been abducted, CrimeStoppers Executive Director Buddy Chapman said, according to a news release obtained by CNN affiliate WHBQ.
The family of the mother of two is offering a $50,000 reward through CrimeStoppers for information leading to an arrest in the case, WHBQ reported. ~MSN
Earlier today, September 4, police in Memphis reported that the vehicle of interest in Eliza’s abduction had been located and the man who was occupying the vehicle was detained and charged with her abduction. But, Eliza still has not been located.
Cleotha Abston, 38, has been charged with Especially Aggravated Kidnapping and Tampering with Evidence. The search for Eliza continues with local and federal partners supporting the Memphis Police.
A second individual, currently not believed to be connected to Fletcher’s abduction, was also arrested during this investigation. Mario Abston, 36, was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Manufacture and Sell Fentanyl, Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Manufacture and Sell Heroin and Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony.
Officials continue to seek the public’s support in helping to find Eliza.
If anyone has any information concerning this investigation, they should call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.
(Source: Memphis Police Department)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Follow Richard on Facebook and Twitter
