UPDATE: Sept 7, 2022
Cleotha Henderson, accused of killing 34-year-old Eliza Fletcher, of Memphis, after kidnapping her early last Friday, appeared in court Wednesday.
“Shelby County Judge Louis J. Montesi Jr. revoked a $500,000 bond that had been set earlier – when Henderson was charged in the case only with kidnapping and tampering with evidence – and said a full bond hearing would be held later”, reports CNN.
In previous news reports, authorities reported Cleotha’s last name as Abston; however, the judge ruled on Wednesday that the court will recognize the suspect’s legal surname of Henderson, adds CNN.
The hearing will resume Thursday, Sept 8.
Original Story – Sept 6, 2022
The body of Memphis teacher Eliza Fletcher has been found four days after she was abducted. Fletcher was abducted during her morning run last Friday, reports multiple news outlets.
Memphis Police reported Monday that a body was found at a home in the 1600 block of Victor and Tuesday confirmed the body to be that of 34-hear-old Eliza Fletcher.
WREG (Memphis) reporter Shay Arthur shared photos of crime scene surrounding the Memphis home where police discovered Fletcher’s body.
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
— Shay Arthur (@ShayA_WREG3) September 6, 2022
A suspect arrested Cleotha Abston, 38 is facing First Degree Murder and First Degree Murder in Perpetration of Kidnapping charges. According to CNN, Abston will be arraigned Wednesday.
— Memphis Police Dept (@MEM_PoliceDept) September 6, 2022
Things We’ve Learned About Eliza Fletcher
Fletcher was a mother of two and a kindergarten teacher in Memphis and attended school in Nashville. She was a graduate of Belmont University, earning her Master of Arts in Teaching degree, from the Nashville university in 2012.
“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
— Belmont University (@BelmontUniv) September 6, 2022
Fletcher’s grandfather, the late Joseph “Joe” Orgill III, ran Orgill Inc., a $3.2 billion private hardware supply company that currently employs more than 5,500 people, reports The New York Post.
