Cleotha Abston pleaded guilty to kidnapping and killing Memphis mother Eliza Fletcher during her morning jog in 2022. He avoided the death penalty and will face life in prison without the possibility of parole. Fletcher, 34, was abducted while out for a run on Sept. 2, 2022, and her body was found three days later. Abston was arrested on Sept. 3, 2022, after footage showed him forcing Fletcher into a dark SUV. He pleaded guilty to avoid the death penalty due to mounting evidence against him, including a previous conviction for a 2021 rape. Fletcher was a mother of two, a teacher at St. Mary’s Episcopal School, and an avid runner who had completed the St. Jude marathon in Memphis.
Her family expressed gratitude for the guilty plea and the resolution that will keep Abston in prison for life. They addressed Abston in a statement, expressing the impact of his actions and the evil nature of his crime. Fletcher’s pastor described her as full of life, and her family recalled her as a dedicated wife, mother, teacher, and community member.
Abston’s guilty plea brought some closure to the case, but the pain and loss felt by Fletcher’s family and community remain. The resolution of the case serves as a reminder of the harm caused by violence and the importance of seeking justice for victims of crime. Fletcher’s memory lives on through her family, friends, and the impact she had on those who knew her.
Photo credit
www.usatoday.com