Eliza Fletcher – latest: Body found in search for missing jogger as suspect due to appear in court

Investigators searching for missing Memphis heiress Eliza Fletcher say they have found a body after carrying out a search of a wooded area near the home of suspect Cleotha Abston.

Memphis Police have not yet identified the remains.

Ms Fletcher, a 34-year-old mother-of-two, was last seen at around 4am on Friday when she was violently abducted while jogging near the University of Memphis campus, police say.

Police charged Abston, 38, with especially aggravated kidnapping and tampering with evidence on Sunday and he is being held on $500,000 bond. He was expected to appear in court on Tuesday morning.

On Monday, officers from the Memphis Police Department were spotted on all-terrain vehicles searching a wooded area in south Memphis, about two miles from Abston’s home, according to WREG3.

Police say they identified Abston as a suspect after finding DNA on a pair of slider sandals that were found at the scene of the struggle.

Ms Fletcher, the granddaughter of the billionaire founder of the Memphis hardware business Orgill, remains missing four days on from her disappearance. Her family has offered $50,000 for her return.

Heiress remains missing as suspect refuses to speak to police

Eliza Fletcher: Police find body in search for missing Memphis teacher
Suspect in kidnap of jogging heiress ‘left sandals at scene of abduction’
What happened to Eliza Fletcher?
Suspect washed car and clothes in sink after abduction
Cleotha Abston charged with theft in separate case
Suspect spent 20 years in prison for kidnapping

Everything we know about suspect in kidnapping of Memphis teacher Eliza Fletcher

07:30 , Bevan Hurley

The man charged with kidnapping Eliza Fletcher is a violent felon who spent 20 years in prison for abduction and robbery, arrest records show.

Cleotha “Pookie” Abston, 38, was arrested on Saturday and has been charged with especially aggravated kidnapping and tampering with evidence, Memphis police said in a tweet early on Sunday morning.

Read more on Abston’s lengthy criminal records below.

Cleotha Abston: Everything we know about suspect in kidnapping of Eliza Fletcher

Suspect stalked missing heiress for 24 minutes before abduction, police say

06:30 , Bevan Hurley

The suspect charged with abducting missing heiress Eliza Fletcher was seen stalking her in his SUV 24 minutes before she was abducted, police say.

Cleotha “Pookie” Abston has been charged with kidnapping Ms Fletcher, 34, while she was jogging near the intersection of Central Avenue and Zach H. Curlin Street in Memphis at around 4.20am on Friday.

According to a police affidavit, Abston’s GMS Terrain was seen on surveillance footage in the area 24 minutes before the kidnapping.

Footage then shows a man exit the dark-coloured SUV and aggressively force Ms Fletcher into the passenger side of the vehicle.

Suspect stalked Eliza Fletcher for 24 minutes before abduction, police say

Everything we know about the kidnapping of Memphis teacher Eliza Fletcher

05:30 , Bevan Hurley

The desperate search to find missing Memphis teacher and business heiress Eliza Fletcher has now entered its fourth day – as a 38-year-old man charged with her kidnapping is reportedly refusing to reveal her whereabouts to authorities.

Eliza Fletcher, a 34-year-old mother-of-two, was snatched while on an early morning jog near the University of Memphis campus on Friday.

On Saturday, 38-year-old Cleotha Abston was arrested on suspicion of her abduction.

He was charged with especially aggravated kidnapping and tampering with evidence on Sunday and is being held on $500,000 bond.

No motive has been given and there are no clues as to Ms Fletcher’s whereabouts.

Rachel Sharp has the full story.

Eliza Fletcher: Everything we know about the kidnapping of Memphis teacher

Relative of the suspect claims Abston ‘100%’ abducted heiress

05:02 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Nathaniel Isaac, 69 — an uncle of the suspect Cleotha Abston — has claimed that he is “100 per cent sure he had something to do with her abduction.”

In an interview, Mr Isaac criticised his nephew and highlighted his criminal history.

He said: “My whole f**king family’s wacky. They always have been. They’re not beloved to me because they’re nuts. It’s the truth. Go check the police records for the Abstons. You’ll find they’re all perpetrators of something. My wife’s son stayed locked up. Mario is arrested now for drugs and carrying a gun. And Cleo, I’m 100 per cent sure he had something to do with her abduction. Can I prove it? No.”

Meanwhile, police are still looking for missing Eliza Fletcher. And Mr Abston is due to appear in court today.

Kidnapping suspect Cleotha Abston facing new theft charges as police search continues

04:30 , Bevan Hurley

A man charged with kidnapping Eliza Fletcher is facing three new theft charges, as police continue to search for the missing heiress.

Cleotha Abston, 38, was charged with identity theft, theft of property under $1,000 and fraudulent use of a credit card by Memphis police on Monday.

Abston, 38, was arrested on Saturday and charged with especially aggravated kidnapping and tampering with evidence in relation to Ms Fletcher’s disappearance, Memphis police said in a tweet early on Sunday morning.

Abston has refused to give police any information about Ms Fletcher’s whereabouts, according to a police affidavit.

Police find body in search for missing Memphis teacher and heiress

04:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Police searching for missing Memphis teacher and heiress Eliza Fletcher say they have found a body.

The Memphis Police Department (MPD) said on Monday that officers had found a corpse around 5:07pm local time, though it stressed that “the identity of this person and the cause of death [are] unconfirmed at this time”.

Read the full story by Io Dodds here:

Eliza Fletcher: Police find body in search for missing Memphis teacher

Everything we know about suspect in kidnapping of Memphis teacher Eliza Fletcher

03:30 , Bevan Hurley

The man charged with kidnapping Eliza Fletcher is a violent felon who spent 20 years in prison for abduction and robbery, arrest records show.

Read more on Abston’s lengthy criminal records below.

Cleotha Abston: Everything we know about suspect in kidnapping of Eliza Fletcher

Suspect stalked missing heiress for 24 minutes before abduction, police say

02:30 , Bevan Hurley

The suspect charged with abducting missing heiress Eliza Fletcher was seen stalking her in his SUV 24 minutes before she was abducted, police say.

According to a police affidavit, Abston’s GMS Terrain was seen on surveillance footage in the area 24 minutes before the kidnapping.

Footage then shows a man exit the dark-coloured SUV and aggressively force Ms Fletcher into the passenger side of the vehicle.

Suspect stalked Eliza Fletcher for 24 minutes before abduction, police say

Eliza Fletcher: Police find body in search for missing Memphis teacher

01:58 , Graeme Massie

Police searching for missing Memphis teacher and heiress Eliza Fletcher had found a body.

The Memphis Police Department said on Monday that officers had found a corpse around 5.07pm local time, though it stressed that “the identity of this person and the cause of death [are] unconfirmed at this time“.

Io Dodds has the story.

Eliza Fletcher: Police find body in search for missing Memphis teacher

Memphis police say they found ‘deceased party’

01:53 , Graeme Massie

“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.,” tweeted MPD.

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

— Memphis Police Dept (@MEM_PoliceDept) September 6, 2022

Police say body found in Eliza Fletcher case

01:50 , Graeme Massie

Memphis police say a body has been found near a property where suspect Cleotha Abston cleaned out a car seized by police.

Everything we know about the kidnapping of Memphis teacher Eliza Fletcher

01:30 , Bevan Hurley

Eliza Fletcher, a 34-year-old mother-of-two, was snatched while on an early morning jog near the University of Memphis campus on Friday.

On Saturday, 38-year-old Cleotha Abston was arrested on suspicion of her abduction.

He was charged with especially aggravated kidnapping and tampering with evidence on Sunday and is being held on $500,000 bond.

No motive has been given and there are no clues as to Ms Fletcher’s whereabouts.

Rachel Sharp has the full story.

Eliza Fletcher: Everything we know about the kidnapping of Memphis teacher

ICYMI: Family of missing Eliza Fletcher make emotional appeal for her safe return

Tuesday 6 September 2022 00:45 , Bevan Hurley

The family of Eliza Fletcher made an emotional appeal to the public for help locating missing heiress and mother of two on Saturday.

Ms Fletcher’s distraught husband Richard Fletcher, parents, brother, and uncle spoke to reporters while announcing a $50,000 reward for information leading to her return.

“We believe someone knows what happened and can help,” uncle Mike Keeney said.

“More than anything we want to see Liza returned home safely.”

Ms Fletcher, 34, is the granddaughter of billionaire hardware businessman Joseph Orgill III, who founded Orgill Inc.

Suspect Cleotha Abston has been charged with kidnapping and evidence tampering, but has refused to say anything about the disappearance to police, according to an affidavit.

Eliza Fletcher’s family have offered $50,000 for any information leading to her return (Memphis Police Department)

© Provided by The Independent Eliza Fletcher’s family have offered $50,000 for any information leading to her return (Memphis Police Department)

Everything we know about suspect in kidnapping of Memphis teacher Eliza Fletcher

Monday 5 September 2022 23:02 , Bevan Hurley

The man charged with kidnapping Eliza Fletcher is a violent felon who spent 20 years in prison for abduction and robbery, arrest records show.

Read more on Abston’s lengthy criminal records below.

Cleotha Abston: Everything we know about suspect in kidnapping of Eliza Fletcher

Everything we know about the kidnapping of Memphis teacher Eliza Fletcher

Monday 5 September 2022 22:30 , Bevan Hurley

Eliza Fletcher, a 34-year-old mother-of-two, was snatched while on an early morning jog near the University of Memphis campus on Friday.

On Saturday, 38-year-old Cleotha Abston was arrested on suspicion of her abduction.

He was charged with especially aggravated kidnapping and tampering with evidence on Sunday and is being held on $500,000 bond.

No motive has been given and there are no clues as to Ms Fletcher’s whereabouts.

Rachel Sharp has the full story.

Eliza Fletcher: Everything we know about the kidnapping of Memphis teacher

Friends of Eliza Fletcher join search

Monday 5 September 2022 21:50 , Bevan Hurley

Friends of Eliza Fletcher have joined a large-scale police search for the missing mother of two, according to reports.

Reporter Brittani Moncrease tweeted a photo showing civilians joining in the search for Ms Fletcher, who vanished after being abducted while out jogging early on Friday morning.

Police have charged Cleotha Abston, 38, with kidnapping and tampering with evidence.

Police say he is refusing to tell them any information about Ms Fletcher’s whereabouts.

Friends of Eliza Fletcher have been searching along Nonconnah Creek. Rescue teams brought out ATV’s in the search. pic.twitter.com/beQTHCENPc

— Brittani Moncrease (@BMoncreaseTV) September 5, 2022

Kidnapping suspect Cleotha Abston facing new theft charges as police search continues

Monday 5 September 2022 21:11 , Bevan Hurley

A man charged with kidnapping Eliza Fletcher is facing three new theft charges, as police continue to search for the missing heiress.

Cleotha Abston, 38, was charged with identity theft, theft of property under $1,000 and fraudulent use of a credit card by Memphis police on Monday.

Abston has refused to give police any information about Ms Fletcher’s whereabouts, according to a police affidavit.

Everything we know about suspect in kidnapping of Memphis teacher Eliza Fletcher

Monday 5 September 2022 20:05 , Bevan Hurley

The man charged with kidnapping Eliza Fletcher is a violent felon who spent 20 years in prison for abduction and robbery, arrest records show.

Read more on Abston’s lengthy criminal records below.

Cleotha Abston: Everything we know about suspect in kidnapping of Eliza Fletcher

Everything we know about the kidnapping of Memphis teacher Eliza Fletcher

Monday 5 September 2022 19:35 , Bevan Hurley

Eliza Fletcher, a 34-year-old mother-of-two, was snatched while on an early morning jog near the University of Memphis campus on Friday.

On Saturday, 38-year-old Cleotha Abston was arrested on suspicion of her abduction.

He was charged with especially aggravated kidnapping and tampering with evidence on Sunday and is being held on $500,000 bond.

No motive has been given and there are no clues as to Ms Fletcher’s whereabouts.

Rachel Sharp has the full story.

Eliza Fletcher: Everything we know about the kidnapping of Memphis teacher

Police search for Eliza Fletcher enters fourth day

Monday 5 September 2022 19:05 , Bevan Hurley

Police and federal agencies are continuing to search locations around Memphis for any trace of missing teacher Eliza Fletcher on Monday.

Ms Fletcher was abducted while out jogging early on Friday morning, and suspect Cleotha Abston has been charged with kidnapping.

Officers on all-terrain vehicles were seen searching a rural area just off Interstate 240 on Monday afternoon, WREG reporter Shay Arthur tweeted.

Investigators have also been searching Martin Luther King Riverside park and Pine Hill Park for Ms Fletcher.

Abston is refusing to tell police anything about the abduction, according to an affidavit.

Her family have offered a $50,000 for her safe return.

HAPPENING NOW: Investigators on ATVs off I-240. We are working to find out if their presence is in relation to the disappearance of Eliza Fletcher. @3onyourside pic.twitter.com/377tXm3qVk

— Shay Arthur (@ShayA_WREG3) September 5, 2022

Suspect stalked missing heiress for 24 minutes before abduction, police say

Monday 5 September 2022 18:45 , Bevan Hurley

The suspect charged with abducting missing heiress Eliza Fletcher was seen stalking her in his SUV 24 minutes before she was abducted, police say.

According to a police affidavit, Abston’s GMS Terrain was seen on surveillance footage in the area 24 minutes before the kidnapping.

Footage then shows a man exit the dark-coloured SUV and aggressively force Ms Fletcher into the passenger side of the vehicle.

Suspect stalked Eliza Fletcher for 24 minutes before abduction, police say

ICYMI: Family of missing Eliza Fletcher make emotional appeal for her safe return

Monday 5 September 2022 18:15 , Bevan Hurley

The family of Eliza Fletcher made an emotional appeal to the public for help locating missing heiress and mother of two on Saturday.

Ms Fletcher’s distraught husband Richard Fletcher, parents, brother, and uncle spoke to reporters while announcing a $50,000 reward for information leading to her return.

“We believe someone knows what happened and can help,” uncle Mike Keeney said.

“More than anything we want to see Liza returned home safely.”

Ms Fletcher, 34, is the granddaughter of billionaire hardware businessman Joseph Orgill III, who founded Orgill Inc.

Suspect Cleotha Abston has been charged with kidnapping and evidence tampering, but has refused to say anything about the disappearance to police, according to an affidavit.

Everything we know about suspect in kidnapping of Memphis teacher Eliza Fletcher

Monday 5 September 2022 17:55 , Bevan Hurley

The man charged with kidnapping Eliza Fletcher is a violent felon who spent 20 years in prison for abduction and robbery, arrest records show.

Read more on Abston’s lengthy criminal records below.

Cleotha Abston: Everything we know about suspect in kidnapping of Eliza Fletcher

Everything we know about the kidnapping of Memphis teacher Eliza Fletcher

Monday 5 September 2022 17:20 , Bevan Hurley

Eliza Fletcher, a 34-year-old mother-of-two, was snatched while on an early morning jog near the University of Memphis campus on Friday.

On Saturday, 38-year-old Cleotha Abston was arrested on suspicion of her abduction.

He was charged with especially aggravated kidnapping and tampering with evidence on Sunday and is being held on $500,000 bond.

No motive has been given and there are no clues as to Ms Fletcher’s whereabouts.

Rachel Sharp has the full story.

Eliza Fletcher: Everything we know about the kidnapping of Memphis teacher

Search for missing Eliza Fletcher enters its fourth day

Monday 5 September 2022 17:02 , Bevan Hurley

Police and federal partners are conducting a massive search operation for heiress Eliza Fletcher, four days after she was abducted while out jogging in Memphis.

On Sunday, armoured trucks, helicopters and canine units searched parts of South Memphis for any trace of the missing mother and kindergarten teacher, according to ABC24.

Memphis police said in an affidavit they believe suspect Cleotha Abston may have hidden evidence in a wooded area close to where the search parties were focusing their efforts.

A black GMC Terrain SUV that was spotted on surveillance footage approaching Ms Fletcher, before a man violently forced her into the vehicle.

Witnesses said Abston was later spotted cleaning the SUV with floor cleaner and washing his clothes in a sink.

He has been charged with kidnapping and evidence tampering, and is refusing to tell police anything about the alleged abduction, according to an affidavit.

Ms Fletcher’s family have offered $50,000 for any information leading to her return.

Suspect stalked missing heiress for 24 minutes before abduction, police say

Monday 5 September 2022 16:30 , Bevan Hurley

The suspect charged with abducting missing heiress Eliza Fletcher was seen stalking her in his SUV 24 minutes before she was abducted, police say.

According to a police affidavit, Abston’s GMS Terrain was seen on surveillance footage in the area 24 minutes before the kidnapping.

Footage then shows a man exit the dark-coloured SUV and aggressively force Ms Fletcher into the passenger side of the vehicle.

Suspect stalked Eliza Fletcher for 24 minutes before abduction, police say

Everything we know about suspect in kidnapping of Memphis teacher Eliza Fletcher

Monday 5 September 2022 16:10 , Bevan Hurley

Police say Abston was driving a black 2013 GMC Terrain that was identified as a vehicle of interest by police and was spotted near the University of Memphis where Ms Fletcher was abducted from.

According to a police affidavit, surveillance footage showed a man run “aggressively” towards Ms Fletcher and force her into the dark-coloured SUV.

The footage captured from a local theatre allegedly shows Ms Fletcher and a suspect struggle, and the vehicle then remained stationary in a parking lot for four minutes before driving off.

Eliza Fletcher was snatched while jogging in the early hours of Friday morning and remains missing.

Her family have offered a $50,000 reward for her return.

Cleotha Abston: Everything we know about suspect in kidnapping of Eliza Fletcher

Everything we know about the kidnapping of Memphis teacher Eliza Fletcher

Monday 5 September 2022 15:50 , Bevan Hurley

The desperate search to find missing Memphis teacher and business heiress Eliza Fletcher has now entered its third day – as a 38-year-old man charged with her kidnapping is reportedly refusing to reveal her whereabouts to authorities.

Eliza Fletcher, a 34-year-old mother-of-two, was snatched while on an early morning jog near the University of Memphis campus on Friday.

On Saturday, 38-year-old Cleotha Abston was arrested on suspicion of her abduction.

He was charged with especially aggravated kidnapping and tampering with evidence on Sunday and is being held on $500,000 bond.

No motive has been given and there are no clues as to Ms Fletcher’s whereabouts.

Rachel Sharp has the full story.

Eliza Fletcher: Everything we know about the kidnapping of Memphis teacher

ICYMI: Man charged in kidnapping of Tennessee teacher who went missing while jogging

Monday 5 September 2022 15:30 , Bevan Hurley

Police have charged a 38-year-old man in the abduction of Tennessee teacher Eliza Fletcher, who is still missing.

On Sunday, Memphis Police announced that the vehicle of interest — a black SUV — in her disappearance had been found and that the male occupying the vehicle had been detained. The male in question was Cleotha “Pookie” Abston, who police say was “charged with Especially Aggravated Kidnapping and Tampering with Evidence.”

He’s being held at the Shelby County Jail.

Ms Fletcher, a 34-year-old married mom with two children, went missing after going for a jog early on Friday morning in her neighborhood. Shortly after beginning her run, she was reportedly pushed into an SUV and kidnapped by an unknown man. WREG later reported blurry photos of the suspected car used in the abduction — a dark coloured, GMC Terrain.

Man charged in kidnapping of Tennessee teacher who went missing while jogging

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