Cleotha Abston Held without Bond after Eliza Fletcher’s Death

Last Friday, Eliza Fletcher went jogging near the University of Memphis before being reported missing later that day. As authorities began investigating, they uncovered surveillance video of Cleotha Abston abducting Fletcher, and Champion slides with his DNA led to his arrest. Fletcher’s body was discovered on Monday behind a vacant home.

On Friday, police discovered the slides with Abston’s DNA along with Fletcher’s sandals and cell phone. Authorities later arrested Abston after discovering his car, and Abston attempted to flee the scene. They also talked with Abston’s brother Mario, who gave them information and was later arrested on other unrelated charges, according to The Daily Beast. Tire tracks behind the vacant house would lead the police to Fletcher’s body. The purple running shorts belonging to Fletcher were also found near the scene, according to The Daily Item.

Abston appeared back in court on Wednesday, where he was charged with first-degree murder, and other charges, including murder in perpetration of kidnapping, according to Fox News. It is currently unclear what Abston’s motive was.