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Eliza Fletcher was an avid runner. Besides running in the mornings around her Memphis community, she also participated in major runs at Disney Parks.
A running blogger known as "BamagirlRUNS" shared photos of Fletcher participating in the Princess Half Marathon at Disney World.
BamagirlRUNS is also a member of the runDisney community and shares posts about her running journey on social media. She said she debated sharing the photos of Fletcher she found on the half marathon website, but said she "just knew that the runDisney community would want to see them."
A post shared by instagram
"The look on her face shows that she had determination, strength, focus and passion for what she was doing," she wrote in a post. "And you know that had to carry over to all aspects of her life."
RunDisney is a race series that runs at Disney Theme Parks around the world.
The Princess Half Marathon took occurred this past February at Epcot. The next race will be from February 23 to 26, 2023.
Loyal, brave and a truly impressive finish! Congratulations runners of the 2022 Disney Princess Half Marathon presented by @Corkcicle. #PrincessHalf pic.twitter.com/w5bNZpgyUU
BamagirlRUNS said she cannot stop thinking about Fletcher's family and will "continue to keep them in my prayers."
She posted the photos in solidarity with Fletcher and other woman in the running community and encourages people to share resources to help stay safe while out on runs.
I debated and prayed all day yesterday as to whether or not I should post the pics of @lizawfletcher that I found on the @rundisney Princess Half Marathon site but I just knew that the runDisney...
"We, as a running community, can keep sharing her photos as a reminder to be safe, guarded and mindful of our surroundings," she wrote. "Please please please keep sharing links to safety items to run with."
BamagirlRUNS also said she will honor Fletcher at the 2023 Disney's Princess Half Marathon by wearing either a pink top and purple shorts or a pink top and pink tutu.
"My heart is just broken over this," she wrote, with the hashtags "RunForEliza" and "SheWasOneOfUS."
Here is Eliza Fletcher full of joy, running in the 2022 @runDisney Half Marathon earlier this year. You can just see it in this photo. She loved to run. It's heartbreaking. I was there that day at the finish line, cheering on my wife. So sad. Rest in peace, #ElizaFletcher. pic.twitter.com/LxSkOEW99h
The University of Memphis released a statement remembering Eliza Fletcher who was kidnapped last week while running near the campus.
The university's statement said it "extends its deepest sympathies" to Fletcher's family and friends "during this profoundly difficult time."
"Eliza's positive impact on so many will forever be remembered by the UofM and our community," the statement said.
Memorials to Fletcher have been growing this week after authorities found human remains near a vacant home Monday evening. The remains were identified as Fletcher's Tuesday morning.
One memorial site sprouted at the home where Fletcher's remains were found. Photos of the memorial posted by local reporters on social media showed balloons and teddy bears left at the site by mourners.
Memorials outside of the south Memphis home off Victor where Eliza Fletcher’s body was discovered have grown since the crime scene tape was removed yesterday. @3onyourside pic.twitter.com/az0RDAtw9H
Fox News host Tucker Carlson criticized the way he said "Biden voters" responded to the news of Eliza Fletcher's kidnapping and murder on social media.
During his Tucker Carlson Tonight show on Tuesday, Carlson described how surveillance video showed Fletcher being pulled into a vehicle while on a pre-dawn run last week. Police found human remains on Monday evening that they later identified as Fletcher.
"The whole story could not be more shocking or more horrible," Carlson said. "But here's what may be the scariest part: Some people didn't seem particularly shocked or horrified by it. In the hours after Eliza Fletcher's disappearance, Biden voters on social media seemed to dismiss the crime on racial grounds."
An American citizen should be able to live anywhere in America without being murdered for it. Period. That’s the baseline requirement of civilization: order. But increasingly, that’s not what we have. What we have is a country where you just can’t go places. It’s too dangerous. pic.twitter.com/RxWDNLn4Dx
Carlson said voters who backed President Joe Biden questioned the media attention surrounding the kidnapping of Fletcher, a white woman who has been identified as the heiress to a family fortune. Organizations focused on finding missing persons have in recent years raised concerns about how some of these cases, particularly those involving white victims, get extensive media coverage while others involving missing persons of color tend to receive less attention.
Carlson then addressed another criticism he said he has seen on social media in which Fletcher's pre-dawn running decision was questioned.
"The point they're making was clear: Everyone knows the rules. Eliza Fletcher violated those rules," he said. Those unspoken rules mean people can't "go outside at certain hours in certain places" in the U.S., he continued.
"And if you do, if you violate the rules, you run the risk of being raped and murdered," Carlson said. "That's how things work in this country."
The Mayor of Memphis said his "heart breaks" for the family of Eliza Fletcher.
"There is evil in this world," Mayor Jim Strickland said in a statement through the City of Memphis Twitter account. "My heart breaks for Eliza and her family, all victims of evil."
Strickland said he thanked local and federal law enforcement for their work in this case.
"I thank the FBI, TBI, Sheriff's office, ATF, US Marshals, and especially the men and women of the Memphis Police Department, who worked tirelessly and skillfully, as they always do, to solve this horrific crime," he said.
He added that he hopes the person responsible for this crime is "punished to the fullest extent of the law."
I hope that whoever is guilty of this heinous crime, and any such crime, is removed from society and is punished to the fullest extent of the law.
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy described Cleotha Abston's criminal record as "extensive" during a Wednesday appearance on Fox News' "America's Newsroom."
Abston, the man suspected in the kidnapping and murder of Eliza Fletcher, has a criminal record dating back to when he was 11-years-old, according to juvenile court records reviewed this week by local media outlets. Between 1995 and 2000, Abston was convicted of rape, aggravated assault and unlawfully possessing a weapon. He later pleaded guilty to kidnapping in connection with the abduction of a Memphis lawyer in 2000.
During his appearance on "America's Newsroom," Mulroy was asked if Fletcher would still be alive if Abston had served his full 24-year sentencing for the kidnapping in 2000. Abston served about 20 years behind bars and was released in November 2020.
Mulroy said it was "impossible to say" but added Abston would still be in jail if he served that full sentence.
"We don't know what would have happened after that, but clearly this particular crime would not have occurred," he said.
Mulroy said the district attorney's office in Shelby County, had at the time of Abston's release, objected to allowing him out on parole.
"Our office opposed parole in this case, and I think appropriately so, given his extensive record of violent crimes before the conviction for the kidnapping," Mulroy said. He then addressed proposals of eliminating parole entirely, which he said he doesn't believe would make people "safer over the long run."
"But there clearly are cases where a person's individual records are so bad, like in this case, that parole should not have been granted," he said.
The public defender appointed to represent abduction and murder suspect Cleotha Abston reportedly stepped down from the case.
Jennifer Case was assigned by a judge to represent Abston after his first arraignment Tuesday. Abston told the court that he could not afford his own lawyer.
But Case reportedly recused herself from the case soon after.
During Abston's second court appearance Wednesday, the judge presiding over the case said he needed time to review documents and court records before he could appoint a new public defender. Abston is due back in court Thursday.
Some reporters speculated that Memphis criminal defense lawyer Juni Ganguli will be called up to represent Abston.
WHBQ-TV reporter Jermey Pierre said Ganguli is a private practice lawyer who is often appointed by judges to handle cases like this.
Cleotha Abston’s public defender recused her self from the case. The judge will assign a new attorney to represent Abston. Likely pick to represent him may be an attorney that’s handled cases like this before. Juni Ganguli may get his number called. pic.twitter.com/xAAMDa0iRP
Some lawmakers believe that a new Tennessee law could have prevented the death of Eliza Fletcher.
The recently-passed "Truth in Sentencing" law requires violent criminals to serve their full sentence.
Abduction and murder suspect Cleotha Abston was sentenced to 24 years in jail for an abduction in 2000. If he had served his full sentence, he wouldn't have been released until 2024. But Abston only served 20 years.
TN’s recently passed Truth In Sentencing bill, which TN democrats voted against, this murderer will serve his sentence day-4-day period. Thanks to @CSexton25, @tnhousegop, @ltgovmcnally and @tnsenategop for standing up for victims. https://t.co/UcKcypsywY
Tennessee Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally said this case proves that the Truth in Sentencing Act was "necessary and "long overdue."
"The monster that committed this crime was not unknown to the criminal justice system," he said in a tweet, referring to Abston. "He had done this type of thing before and now he has done it again — and worse. It is simply disgraceful that this individual did not serve his full sentence for his previous crimes."
He said if Abston had served his full sentence, "Eliza Fletcher would be alive today."
"This case not only proves that the recently passed Truth in Sentencing Act was necessary, but that it was long overdue," he said in a tweet. "We must redouble our efforts to ensure those who transgress against citizens are punished — and severely."
If he had, Eliza Fletcher would be alive today. This case not only proves that the recently passed Truth in Sentencing Act was necessary, but that it was long overdue. We must redouble our efforts to ensure those who transgress against citizens are punished — and severely.
Tennessee Representative Antonio Parkinson voted for the new law. He told WHBQ-TV that the law is meant for the "most violent and heinous crimes on the books."
"'Truth in sentencing' is for the most violent and heinous crimes on the books in Tennessee, and those are the crimes that make you scared," he said.
He said people are afraid of what's going on in the streets of Memphis.
"We needed some tough on crime legislation to make sure we incarcerate the right people and create alternatives for those committing other crimes," he said.
Shelby Count District Attorney Steve Mulroy said the law would not reduce violent crimes.
"People across Tennessee believe that we need clear and consistent policies that penalize criminals and reduce violent crime," he said in a statement to WHBQ. "Unfortunately, the problem with some of the laws that were passed by the General Assembly this year is that they simply will not do that."
Mulroy and Governor Bill Lee were part of the bi-partisan opposition to the law. At the time of its passage in June, Mulroy said the law was a "waste of money" that should be put towards investments in youth intervention and rehabilitation services.
In this case, Mulroy said he does not know how the new law will factor into the charges against Abston, but said his focus remains of Fletcher's family.
"Our focus right now is on supporting Ms. Fletcher's family through this unimaginable tragedy and gathering all the evidence we can so that her murderer can be brought to justice," he said. "It is far too early at this point to speculate about criminal penalties. We are instead focused on building a case based on facts and the law, as we will do in every case prosecuted by this office."
Hundreds of people have indicated on Facebook that they are planning to participate in a Friday morning running event that will honor Eliza Fletcher. The event is scheduled to take place one week after she was kidnapped during a pre-dawn run.
The event, titled, "Let's Finish Eliza's Run," is set to begin at 4:20 a.m. local time on Friday, the time Fletcher was running last week at the time of her kidnapping. The event will end by 7 a.m. The 8.2-mile route will start near Central Avenue and Belvedere Boulevard in Memphis and will travel along a path Fletcher frequented.
The event was created by other runners in Memphis "as a way to honor Liza and cope with our own feelings," the event description says. "Our goal is to stand up for the women in the Mid South and emphasize that women should be able to safely run any time of day."
The Facebook event says the run is not being planned in collaboration with Fletcher's family and will not be a fundraiser, warning participants that any parties that may ask for donations at the event are not affiliated with its organizers. Event organizers also discouraged participants from speaking with reporters during the run.
More than 1,200 people indicated they plan to attend the event on Facebook, and more than 1,800 others said they were interested in attending. Similar community runs are also being planned across the country, according to The Commercial Appeal.
For those who plan to attend the Memphis run, event organizers instructed them to wear bright colors or bring along a bright light, plan to arrive for the run with others and be respectful of local community members who may still be sleeping at that time of day. Participants were also discouraged from bringing dogs, strollers and bikes, while walkers were told they can participate but must complete the route within the allotted time.
Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton criticized what he described as the "broken and soft criminal justice system" that enabled the suspect in Eliza Fletcher's kidnapping and murder to be released from jail early after serving 20 years for a previous kidnapping.
"This violent criminal serving 100% of his sentence would have made a difference for Eliza Fletcher and her family," Sexton wrote.
This violent criminal serving 100% of his sentence would have made a difference for Eliza Fletcher and her family. You want to rehab violent & evil criminals then “just another few years” would have been five more years of rehabilitation for this criminal, obviously he needed it
Sexton, a Republican who represents Tennessee's 25th district, posted his criticisms on Twitter in response to a Tuesday thread started by Tennessee Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally. McNally said in the thread that the Fletcher case was "as heinous as it was preventable" and mentioned suspect Cleotha Abston's prior convictions, writing that it was "simply disgraceful that this individual did not serve his full sentence for his previous crimes."
"If he had, Eliza Fletcher would be alive today," McNally wrote.
Abston pleaded guilty on kidnapping charges back in 2000 in the abduction of a Memphis attorney, which occurred when Abston was 16. Abston was sentenced to 24 years behind bars and was released in November 2020, when he had served about 20 years of his sentence.
One Twitter user commented on McNally's thread, asking if a greater number of years served would have altered Abston's behavior to the point of preventing alleged future crimes. Sexton's comments on the criminal justice system came in response to that other user's query.
"You want to rehab violent & evil criminals then 'just another few years' would have been five more years of rehabilitation for this criminal, obviously he needed it," Sexton wrote on Tuesday.
Sexton added another comment to the thread on Wednesday in response to a question posed by the same Twitter user about rehabilitating violent offenders.
"They can be rehab [sic] as they serve their entire sentence - 100%," Sexton wrote. "That would have meant another 5 years for this guy....but because of a broken and soft criminal justice system (adult and juvenile) - Eliza Fletcher lost her life for simply running one morning."
They can be rehab as they serve their entire sentence - 100%. That would have meant another 5 years for this guy….but because of a broken and soft criminal justice system (adult and juvenile) - Eliza Fletcher lost her life for simply running one morning.
Video has has emerged that reportedly shows Cleotha Abston cleaning his GMC Terrain after Eliza Fletcher was abducted.
Abston is the suspect in the abduction and murder of Fletcher, who went missing last Friday and whose body was found Monday night.
The surveillance footage allegedly shows Abston arriving at the Longview Garden, where his brother lives, at around 7:57 a.m. Friday morning. This was only a few hours after Fletcher was abducted and forced into a dark SUV while out on a jog.
WREG has obtained exclusive surveillance video that shows murder suspect Cleotha Abston cleaning out his car hours after Eliza Fletcher’s abduction.https://t.co/35zDmwoBP0
Abston is apparently seen going into his trunk of the vehicle reportedly used in the abduction. He then ran back into the apartment before returning to the car's passenger side for more than an hour.
According to an affidavit, Abston's brother, Mario, told police he saw Cleotha cleaning the inside of his car with carpet cleaner and washing his clothes in the apartment sink. He also said his brother was acting strange that morning.
Fletcher's body was found Monday, at a vacant house just a mile away from where Abston reportedly cleaned his car.
Here is the footage of Cleotha Abston cleaning out his vehicle. I know some of you wanted to see it. I am grateful that he is not very bright. pic.twitter.com/V2f01350M5
Cleotha Abston, the man facing kidnapping and murder charges in the death of Eliza Fletcher, has a criminal recording dating back to age 11, according to WMC-TV.
Abston was convicted of rape when he was 15 years old, the station reported, following a review of juvenile court records. He was first charged with theft at age 11 in 1995 and was reportedly detained 16 times before he was arrested in connection with the kidnapping of a Memphis-based attorney in 2000, when Abston was 16. Abston went on to serve 20 years behind bars for the kidnapping and was released in November 2020.
Before his kidnapping arrest 22 years ago, court records reviewed by WMC showed Abston was convicted of aggravated assault and of unlawfully possessing a weapon.
The station reported Abston was also listed in juvenile court records as a member of the Lemoyne Gardens Ganstas gang.
Cleotha Abston will return to court Thursday.
The judge said he needs to review several documents and court records regarding an issue with Abston's defense counsel. He said he will do his research and "hopefully" deliver his ruling to resolve the issue by tomorrow.
The judge will determine if there will be a change in counsel for Abston, who was given a public defender after he told the court he cannot afford his own lawyer.
Abston will also now be referred to as Cleotha Henderson, his legal name, according to the court.
He is expected to appear in court again tomorrow at 9 a.m. local time. The judge also revoked his bond, pending a bond hearing amid new murder charges.
Fletcher's family was reportedly present in court, according to reporters in the courtroom.
HAPPENING NOW: Held with NO bond! Cleotha Abston, the man behind bars for killing #ElizaFletcher was ordered back to court Thursday (3rd time in 3 days). For now, no bond! Previous $500K bond revoked. @3onyourside pic.twitter.com/1B5TmhtAVe
Cleotha Abston will be held without bond, a judge ruled Wednesday.
This comes after new first-degree murder charges were issued Tuesday.
Abston, the suspect in Eliza Fletcher's abduction and murder, was initially held on a $500,000 bond for kidnapping and evidence tampering during his first arraignment Tuesday.
The judge also denied Abston bond for unrelated charges of identify theft and credit card fraud.
Just over 24 hours after #ElizaFletcher was confirmed dead, her accused killer #CleothaAbston is soon to appear before a Shelby County judge to face his charges of first-degree murder and first-degree murder in perpetration of a kidnapping. @WMCActionNews5 pic.twitter.com/lWoa4xlTYr
The morning after Eliza Fletcher's body was identified, several memorials have sprung up near the spot where she was abducted.
A memorial to honor Eliza Fletcher is forming on Central Avenue near Zach Curlin Street. 💔 pic.twitter.com/rIwiqgUZIm
People in the community left flowers, candles and signs with messages of love on Central Avenue near Zach Curlin Street.
A memorial has emerged on Central Avenue near Zach Curlin to honor Eliza Fletcher. 💔 pic.twitter.com/bcoryJQwLX
Someone even left a pair of running sneakers at the site as a signal of support for Fletcher, an avid runner who was abducted while on an early-morning jog last Friday.
A pair of running shoes has been left at #ElizaFletcher’s abduction site pic.twitter.com/ahkjkS0Zz4
On Tuesday, signs of support were also left at the vacant home where Fletcher's body was found.
Josephine McGhee, a member of the Community Organization Program for Abused and Battered Women, left balloons at the home. She told reporters that her sister was kidnapped and killed decades ago.
Josephine McGhee with the Queen Community Organization is placing balloons at the home where Fletcher was found. Her sister was kidnapped and killed in 1983. She says she feels the family’s pain and she is sorry. @3onyourside pic.twitter.com/DGlMGtlfLx
The suspect in the disappearance and killing of Eliza Fletcher is due back in court Wednesday.
Cleotha Abston was arraigned on charges of kidnapping and tampering with evidence Tuesday.
Today, he will be arraigned on new first-degree murder charges after police identified a body found at an abandoned house in South Memphis Monday as Fletcher.
A public defender will be appointed to represent Abston after he told the court he cannot afford his own lawyer. He is being held in jail on a $500,000 bond.
Abston is due in court soon, at 9 a.m. local time.
Part of the affidavit that led to the arrest warrant for murder suspect Cleotha Abston reveals more details about how investigators found the body of Eliza Fletcher days after she was abducted.
Police said Eliza Fletcher "suffered serious injury" during the "violent" abduction in which she was forced into a vehicle by Abston.
According to witness statements, it is "probable and apparent" that those injuries left evidence, including blood in the car that the suspect cleaned, according to the police affidavit.
On Monday, police searched for Fletcher near East Person Avenue and Victor Street, based on a lead from the FBI.
An officer noticed car tracks on the grass next to the driveway of 1666 Victor Street, a vacant residence. The officers also "smelled an odor of decay."
NOW: Crime scene tape is down that surrounded the south Memphis home where police say they discovered Eliza Fletcher’s body. Records say she was found by steps outside of the home. @3onyourside pic.twitter.com/Z715ZERUPW
As officers searched the area, an "unresponsive female" was found lying on the ground next to a set of steps near the driveway behind the home.
The scene investigation determined that the woman fit the description of Fletcher.
Later that night, a discarded trash bag was found a few blocks away, near 1519 S Orleans Street. The bag contained purple Lululemon running shorts that were consistent with the ones Fletcher was last seen wearing.
Surveillance footage showed that the suspect's vehicle driving in the area on Friday, Sept. 2.
NEW DETAILS in the #ElizaFletcher investigation. Her body was found in the tall grass behind 1666 Victor Street. Later that night at 1591 S. Orleans St, a trash bag was found with Fletcher's clothes inside. No info yet on cause of death. @WMCActionNews5 pic.twitter.com/WlggeJzFF4
According to the affidavit, Fletcher's cellphone and a pair of Champion slide sandals were recovered laying in the street near the spot where she was taken.
The sandals were sent to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for DNA testing. The DNA was a match for Abston, making him a person of interest in the investigation. Surveillance footage later showed Abston wearing those same sandals the day before the abduction.
Police were able to track down Abston's vehicle. When officers stopped him, Abston attempted to flee but was taken into custody. He declined to provide investigators with the location of Fletcher.
It was Abston's brother, Mario Abston, who told police that he saw Cleotha cleaning the interior of his car with floor cleaner. Mario also said he saw his brother was also seen washing his clothes in the sink of the house and told police his brother was "acting very strange."
Mario Abston's home is in the 1700 block of S Orleans Street, near where Fletcher's clothes were found.
Baylor University remembered Eliza Fletcher as a former student with ambitions of becoming a teacher in a Tuesday afternoon tweet.
Fletcher completed a bachelor's degree in exercise and sports science at Baylor in 2010, the private university in Waco, Texas, said.
At the time of her studies, Fletcher was "on her way to becoming an elementary school teacher" in her Memphis hometown, the university added.
"We join those nationwide mourning the tragic death of Eliza Fletcher (BSED '10)," Baylor University's tweet said.
We join those nationwide mourning the tragic death of Eliza Fletcher (BSED '10). Fletcher earned her bachelor's in exercise & sports science from Baylor in 2010 on her way to becoming an elementary school teacher back home in Memphis:https://t.co/ZiEvvECa7R
Belmont University, where Fletcher earned a master's degree in the school's teaching program, also released a statement about Fletcher's death on Tuesday.
"We are shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Eliza Wellford Fletcher, a 2012 graduate of our Master's of Arts in Teaching program," the university said in a Tuesday afternoon tweet. "Our prayers are with Eliza's family and all who knew and loved her."
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” We are shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Eliza Wellford Fletcher, a 2012 graduate of our Master's of Arts in Teaching program. Our prayers are with Eliza's family and all who knew and loved her. pic.twitter.com/YexCfztt1d
Fletcher went on to work as a kindergarten teacher at St. Mary's Episcopal School in Memphis, where she was employed at the time of her disappearance. St. Mary's said Tuesday on Twitter that it is "heartbroken at the loss of our beloved teacher, colleague and friend" and said faculty and staff members began their day by lighting candles in remembrance of Fletcher, "who was a bright light in our community."
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said it is "heartbroken" over the outcome of the Eliza Fletcher case.
The TBI has been assisting local law enforcement since Fletcher went missing last week.
"We are heartbroken by the outcome of this case but are proud of the work of [Memphis Police Department]," the TBI said in a tweet.
TBI said it is "glad" to have assisted in the efforts that led to the arrest of suspect Cleotha Abston and shared condolences with Fletcher's family.
"Our deepest condolences to Eliza's family and all those who knew and loved her," TBI said.
We are heartbroken by the outcome of this case but are proud of the work of @MEM_PoliceDept. We are glad to have assisted their efforts that led to the arrest of Cleotha Abston. Our deepest condolences to Eliza's family and all those who knew and loved her. pic.twitter.com/pqw4ZoRvrw
The TBI has shared missing persons reports and police updates from the case since Fletcher was abducted Friday, Sept. 2.
Law enforcement officials said it was an "exhaustive" search over the long holiday weekend that included dogs, ATVs and a helicopter.
Memphis Police said the investigation remains ongoing.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee also shared his condolences and thanked law enforcement for their efforts in this case.
"Maria and I are heartbroken by the tragic death of Eliza Fletcher, a dedicated teacher, wife and mother of two," he said in a statement. "We lift the Fletcher family up in prayer during this time of unspeakable grief. I thank law enforcement for their tireless efforts and trust justice will be swift and severe."
Maria & I are heartbroken by the tragic death of Eliza Fletcher, a dedicated teacher, wife & mother of two. We lift the Fletcher family up in prayer during this time of unspeakable grief. I thank law enforcement for their tireless efforts & trust justice will be swift & severe. pic.twitter.com/evVglBETpv
Eliza Fletcher, the 34-year-old woman who was kidnapped during a run before dawn on September 2, was publicly identified in the wake of her abduction as the granddaughter of Joseph Orgill III, a man whose family launched the Orgill hardware company in the mid-1800s.
Orgill provides companies worldwide with about 70,000 construction and home improvement products and had an estimated revenue last year of $3.2 billion, according to Forbes. Orgill was ranked as 143 on Forbes' list of the largest private companies in the U.S. last year. Forbes reported the Orgill family owns the bulk of the company, which is valued at about $2 billion.
Fletcher was a mother of two and worked as a kindergarten teacher at St. Mary's Episcopal School, an all-girls school for students ages 2 through 12. She earned a degree in exercise and sports science at Baylor University in 2010, the university said on Tuesday.
Fletcher attended Second Presbyterian Church in Memphis, according to a statement released Tuesday morning by her family. She was "such a joy" to her "family, friends, colleagues, students, parents, members of her Second Presbyterian Church congregation, and everyone who knew her," the statement said.
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Eliza Fletcher recorded a video for her students to lift their spirits.
Fletcher, a kindergarten teacher at St. Mary's Episcopal School, recorded herself singing "This Little Light of Mine," a song she said is sung often at the school.
This video was uploaded to YouTube on March 18, 2020, just at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic when many schools had switched to remote learning.
"You need to let the light shine at your house," she told her students at the end of the song. Fletcher also showed off her dog.
After a brief press conference from local and federal law enforcement, police provided some more insight on the abduction and murder of Eliza Fletcher.
Here is the timeline of the case, according to the Memphis Police Department:
On Friday, Sept. 2, Fletcher went for an early-morning run.
At around 4:20 a.m., she was approached by a man near the University of Memphis campus and forced her into an SVU after a brief struggle, police said.
Fletcher was reported missing later that day when she did not return home from her regular morning jog.
Police responded to the incident at approximately 7:45 a.m.
pic.twitter.com/NfSh7ja20n
Memphis Police put out a City Watch alert Friday at 9:15 a.m. for "missing adult" Eliza Fletcher. Police said she was last seen at approximately 4:30 a.m. in the 3800 block of Central Avenue.
"Victim went running early morning an has not returned home," police said. "Victim personal items were located but she has not returned home."
***CITY WATCH*** pic.twitter.com/oFCu8ypfaS
The City Watch alert was updated at 11:35 a.m. Friday to include that Fletcher was abducted and forced into a mid-sized dark colored SUV. The suspect was described as man of unknown race, height or weight. Photos of the suspect's car were shared.
Investigators believe Liza’s abductors were in this vehicle. Do you recognize it? If you do or you have information about Liza? Call MPD at 901-528-CASH (2274), 901-545- COPS (2677), or TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND. 2/3 pic.twitter.com/jPQXs8UGDz
On Saturday, Sept. 3, police located the vehicle of interest and detained the owner in South Memphis.
UPDATE: the vehicle of interest has been located and a male who was occupying the vehicle has been detained. Eliza Fletcher has not been located. This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information should call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.
On Sunday, Sept. 4, police announced the detained individual, Cleotha Abston, was charged with especially aggravated kidnapping and tampering with evidence. There was still not trace of Fletcher.
UPDATE: The individual who was detained has been officially charged in connection with the abduction of Eliza Fletcher. At this point in the investigation, Cleotha Abston, 38, has been charged with Especially Aggravated Kidnapping and Tampering with Evidence.
Police announced at 5:07 p.m. Monday night that they found an unidentified body at a duplex in the 1600 block of Victor Street. Police said the body was found roughly 7.5 miles from where surveillance video showed Fletcher was abducted.
At 5:07 pm, officers in the 1600 block of Victor located a deceased party. The identity of this person and the cause of death is unconfirmed at this time. The investigation is ongoing. Once additional information is available, we will provide an update. pic.twitter.com/LwnCdCYz1z
Just before 10 a.m. on Tuesday morning, police announced that the body found Monday was Fletcher.
Police also announced additional charges for Abston, including first-degree murder and first-degree murder in perpetration of kidnapping.
pic.twitter.com/DZYErLW9Hz
Abston was arraigned on the kidnapping charges Tuesday morning. He is being held in jail on a $500,000 bond and will be appointed a public defender to take up his case.
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said Abston will be arraigned on new murder charges tomorrow.
The man suspected in the kidnapping and murder of Eliza Fletcher previously spent two decades behind bars for the abduction of a Memphis-based lawyer.
Cleotha Abston, the 38-year-old man who was charged Tuesday morning in the Fletcher case, pleaded guilty in 2001 on kidnapping charges stemming from the abduction of attorney Kemper Durand in 2000. A review of court records by The Commercial Appeal showed Durand was forced into his vehicle's trunk at gunpoint and then taken to a gas station ATM, at which time Durand flagged over an armed guard and escaped.
"It is quite likely that I would have been killed had I not escaped," Durand said in a written impact statement, according to The Commercial Appeal.
Abston, who was 16 back in 2000, fled alongside another suspect after Durand alerted the guard but was arrested shortly thereafter and sentenced to 24 years in prison. He was released in November 2020, according to the Associated Press.
The family of Eliza Fletcher said they are "heartbroken and devastated" by "this senseless loss" in a statement shared with reporters on Tuesday, less than 24 hours after police found human remains that were subsequently identified as Fletcher's.
Fletcher was "such a joy" to family, friends, members of the communities she was part of and "everyone who knew her," the statement said.
"Now it's time to remember and celebrate how special she was and to support those who cared so much for her," her family's statement said. It went on to convey appreciation for "expressions of love and concern," as well as the efforts made by law enforcement officials "to find Liza and to bring justice to the person responsible for this horrible crime."
The statement concluded with a request for privacy so the family can grieve.
The St. Mary's Episcopal School, where Eliza Fletcher worked as a kindergarten teacher, is "heartbroken" over the news that Fletcher was found dead.
"We are heartbroken at the loss of our beloved teacher, colleague, and friend Liza Fletcher," the school said. "Our hearts are with the Fletcher, Orgill, and Wellford families."
We are heartbroken at the loss of our beloved teacher, colleague, and friend Liza Fletcher. Our hearts are with the Fletcher, Orgill, and Wellford families. pic.twitter.com/41cePIFgos
This school said faculty and staff began Tuesday in chapel, where they lit candles to remember Fletcher, "who was a bright light in our community."
"Liza embodied the song that we sing every week in Early Childhood chapel, 'This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine,'" the school said.
We continue to draw strength from our all-school read, “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse” by Charlie Mackesy. “‘We don’t know about tomorrow,’ said the horse, ‘all we need to know is that we love each other.’”
It is too soon for authorities to say where and how Eliza Fletcher died, Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis said during a Tuesday morning press conference.
Authorities said their investigation into Fletcher's kidnapping is ongoing, with little information coming from Cleotha Abston, the suspect authorities arrested in the case.
"We're still working with that suspect," Davis said. "But at this time, we have not gotten very much information from that individual."
Authorities said they found human remains behind an empty duplex apartment Monday evening following a four-day search. The body has since been identified as Fletcher's.
Davis said authorities are "still uncovering various leads" but said that, as of Tuesday morning, no one else had been charged in connection with Fletcher's disappearance and death.
Abston was arrested over the weekend and faced his first charges in the Fletcher case Tuesday morning. He will be back in court Wednesday morning to face additional charges, according to Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy.
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said the attack on Eliza Fletcher was an isolated incident.
During a press conference, Mulroy said there is "no reason to think this was anything other than an isolated attack by a stranger."
Mulroy said he has been in contact with Fletcher's family throughout the weekend.
The family has been "fully cooperative" with the investigation, Mulroy said, pushing back against "baseless" allegations that have circulated.
He also shared a person message from the family: They ask that the public please respect their privacy at the time to allow them to grieve. He said a written statement is forthcoming.
Suspect Cleotha Abston was arraigned today on kidnaping charges and will be arraigned on new murder charges tomorrow, Mulroy said.
"Any kind of violence unacceptable, but repeat violent offenders particularly deserve a strong response," he said. "And that's what you'll get from this office."
The investigation is ongoing, authorities said.
Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis said this is a sad day for Memphis, but said she is glad to get this "dangerous predator" off the streets. She also thanked the community for the "hundreds" of tips called in.
In addition to to murder and kidnapping charges, police have charged suspect Cleotha Abston with identity theft, theft of property and credit card fraud.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Doug Korneski said "every possible resource available to the FBI was used" in this investigation to find Eliza Fletcher and the perpetrator and to hold Abston accountable.
The U.S. Marshals Service also participated in the search efforts. U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller said this was "not the outcome we were looking for," but said he was prepared to continue searching.
Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis begins the press conference on the abduction and murder of Eliza Fletcher.
The press conference with local and federal law enforcement is streaming live on the Memphis Police Facebook page, as well as several local news channels.
Authorities will hold a press conference Tuesday morning to provide an update on the abduction of Eliza Fletcher and the arraignment of murder suspect Cleotha Abston.
The joint press conference will be held at 10:30 a.m. CT at the Memphis Police Department.
Police Chief Cerelyn Davis and Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy are expected to be present, along with multiple federal agencies.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Doug Korneski, U.S. Marshall Tyreece Miller and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Regional Agent in Charge Ali Roberts are also expected to speak, according to WATN-TV reporter Brad Broder.
There will be a joint press conference at @MEM_PoliceDept HQ today at 10:30. There, @1cjdcop, @SteveMulroy901, and multiple federal agencies will address this morning’s new information on the #ElizaFletcher investigation. @WMCActionNews5 will be streaming it live.
Cleotha Abston, the suspect in the abduction and murder of Eliza Fletcher, was in court Tuesday for arraignment.
This came after Memphis Police just confirmed the body found Monday is Fletcher and announced new murder charges for Abston.
#CleothaAbston in courtroom. Judge reads the charges in #ElizaFletcher case, including the new charges announced this morning. pic.twitter.com/PssOaC47Se
The judge read out the charges in this case, including first degree murder, first degree murder in perpetration of kidnapping, aggravated kidnapping and tampering with evidence.
Newly elected Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy and prosecutor Paul Hagerman were in the courtroom, along with Fletcher's family, according to reporters on the scene.
WATN-TV reporter Brad Broder said the judge acknowledged the "extraordinary nature and attention of this case."
Abston is in jail on a $500,000 bond and will be back in court tomorrow at 9 a.m.
According to Broders, prosecutors will request no bond when the case is heard again Wednesday.
He told the court he was unable to pay the bond and cannot afford an attorney. The judge said a Shelby County public defender will be appointed to represent him in this case.
Abston, cuffed, is led into the courtroom wearing a face mask. He is being read charges, including theft. He said he is not able to pay bond and cannot afford an attorney. Shelby Co. public defender will be appointed. #ElizaFletcher pic.twitter.com/wEDsxoTyVu
Memphis Police have confirmed that the body found yesterday is 34-year-old missing jogger Eliza Fletcher.
Police found a body Monday night but were unable to provide identification or cause of death until today.
pic.twitter.com/DZYErLW9Hz
On Sunday, Sept. 4, police charged Cleotha Abston with especially aggravated kidnapping and tampering with evidence in connection to Fletcher's abduction.
Police said Tuesday that Abston will receive additional charges, including first degree murder and first degree murder in perpetration of kidnapping.
We're still awaiting official word on the identification of the body found in woodland in South Memphis.
Local outlet Fox13 cites "multiple sources" as having confirmed the body was that of Eliza Fletcher, 34. No cause of death was given.
Memphis Police have not released any details about the grim discovery yet; Newsweek has reached out to the department for further information.
More information on the S.U.V. used in Fletcher's kidnapping has emerged...
Police allege Fletcher's blood was found in a "vehicle of interest," a GMC Terrain, that officers believe Abston was driving.
A police affidavit revealed the car was registered under the name of a woman who resides at Abston's last known address in Waterstone Oak Way, Memphis.
Local TV station WMC visited the woman following Abston's arrest.
She declined to discuss Abston, other than to say: "I am upset. I'm very upset."
Police are yet to identify the body found during the search for Eliza Fletcher.
The body was found on Monday about a hundred yards from the Longview Gardens apartment complex that is reportedly home to suspect Cleotha Abston's brother, Mario.
Local April Jackson, 30, who arrived at the scene to see if she could offer to help in the search, told DailyMail.com thatshe had been sickened by the case.
"It's emotional, it really hurts," she said. "That could have been anybody out jogging that morning, a student, anyone. And he was just released two years ago for another abduction...It makes me sick."
Abston is a 38-year-old man who lives in Memphis and works for a cleaning company.
Abston had been in the S.U.V. used in the abduction, court records said. Champion slides discovered by a biker near to Fletcher's cell phone, have been linked by DNA testing to Abston, and video evidence also showed him wearing the shoes, court records added. Authorities also used cellphone data to track Abston's phone to near the site Fletcher was forced into an S.U.V.
Aged 16, Abston was jailed for a kidnapping after forcing a male lawyer into his car at gunpoint. He was sentenced to 24 years in prison back in 2001, but was released in November 2020.
The lawyer was standing at a Mapco gas station ATM, still at gunpoint, when he saw an armed Memphis Housing Authority guard. Durand yelled for help and his assailants fled.
In a victim impact statement, Durand said, "My feelings about being the victim of this crime, and the feelings of those around me, are that I was extremely lucky that I was able to escape from the custody of Cleotha Abston."
Abston was hit with new charges on Monday, stemming from an unrelated incident just a day before Fletcher was abducted.
Police alleged he stole a woman's wallet during a shift as a Malco cleaner on Thursday and used her Wisely card. He has been charged with identity theft, theft of property $1,000 or less, and fraudulent use/illegal possession of credit/debit cards, according to his arrest affidavit.
Later on Tuesday, Cleotha Abston is scheduled to make his first court appearance regarding the disappearance of Fletcher.
Abston has been charged with especially aggravated kidnapping and tampering with evidence, police said on Sunday.
He is due to appear at 9 a.m. local time (10 a.m. ET).
Abston is being held at the Shelby County Jail, with his bond set at $500,000.
Mario Abston, 36, was charged w/ Possession of a Controlled Substance w/ Intent to Manufacture & Sell Fentanyl, Possession of a Controlled Substance w/ Intent to Manufacture and Sell Heroin, & Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony.
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