MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE: After a nod from Eliza Fletcher's family, prosecutors are now determined to seek the death penalty for Cleotha Abston, who abducted the billionaire heiress during a routine, early morning jog near the University of Memphis. The 39-year-old Abston was arrested on September 5, 2022, three days after Fletcher, who taught pre-kindergartners, was last seen on Central Avenue in midtown Memphis.
The mother-of-two was eventually found dead in an abandoned home in southern Memphis. Following the devastating discovery, Abston was indicted by a grand jury on January 25, 2023, on charges of first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, and tampering with evidence. However, he has yet not pleaded guilty to the charges. Abston is also charged with further offenses in other cases, such as kidnapping and aggravated rape from a different case from the previous year. In other cases, he is accused of being a felon in possession of a weapon while also facing charges of identity theft.
Where is Cleotha Abston now?
Abston is currently being held at the Shelby County Jail on a $500,000 bond. During a recent court hearing on Thursday, July 6, Judge Lee Coffee noted that Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy has filed a notice with the court that prosecutors will seek the death penalty if Abston is convicted of first-degree murder. Mulroy stated outside of court that situations that are thought to be heinous, awful, and cruel are suitable for the death penalty under state law. He continued by noting that Fletcher’s family was consulted before the decision to seek the death sentence against Abston and they are in favour of it.
"The decision comes after careful consideration and conducting a detailed legal review of the facts and circumstances of the case. Before filing the notice, DA Mulroy and members of his team met with Mrs Fletcher's family regarding this decision. The family supports filing the death penalty notice and is determined to see that justice is served. This is not a decision taken lightly nor as a matter of course,” Mulroy said, according to ABC 24. No trial date has been scheduled yet but Judge Coffee said that he would like it to take place this year.
'Liza was such a joy'
Following Fletcher’s ‘senseless’ killing, her devastating family paid her a moving tribute, calling her “such a joy” to all who knew her. “We are heartbroken and devastated by this senseless loss. Liza was such a joy to so many, her family, friends, colleagues, students, parents, members of her Second Presbyterian Church congregation, and everyone who knew her,” the family said in the statement. “Now it’s time to remember and celebrate how special she was and to support those who cared so much for her. We are grateful beyond measure to local, state, and federal law enforcement for their tireless efforts to find Liza and to bring justice to the person responsible for this horrible crime.”
