Cleotha Abston, a man from Tennessee, pleaded guilty to kidnapping and killing Memphis school teacher Eliza Fletcher. Abston, also known as Henderson, admitted to first-degree murder and especially aggravated kidnapping in the case. He was initially set to go on trial in February, where prosecutors planned to seek the death penalty if he was convicted of first-degree murder. However, after entering his guilty pleas, Judge Lee Coffee sentenced Abston to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Fletcher, a 34-year-old kindergarten teacher and mother of two, was abducted while jogging near the University of Memphis on September 2, 2022. Her body was later discovered near a vacant duplex. The tragedy of her death deeply impacted the Memphis community, leading to an outpouring of support for her family. In honor of Fletcher, runners in Memphis and other cities held early morning running events, a tradition that continues on the anniversary of her kidnapping.
Abston’s arrest came after police found his DNA on sandals near the location where Fletcher was last seen. An autopsy revealed that Fletcher died from a gunshot wound to the head, along with other injuries. Prior to the murder, Abston had been sentenced to 80 years in prison for raping a woman at gunpoint in 2021. Despite his criminal history dating back to the 1990s, he was only charged in the rape case after being implicated in Fletcher’s death due to a delay in processing the sexual assault kit.
During the court proceedings, Fletcher’s family and the victim’s family addressed Abston, expressing the profound impact his actions had on their lives. They condemned his evil deeds and the senseless violence that took Fletcher away from her loved ones. Abston’s lawyer, Juni Ganguli, highlighted the ongoing discussions to reach a resolution in the case, emphasizing the need to bring closure and justice for Fletcher and her family.
The tragic loss of Eliza Fletcher serves as a reminder of the importance of community support and solidarity in times of grief. Her memory lives on through the annual running events held in her honor, symbolizing the resilience and unity of those who loved and cherished her. As the legal proceedings come to a close with Abston’s guilty plea and sentencing, the hope for healing and peace remains strong among those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.
