Eliza Fletcher Abduction: Timeline of Events and Key Findings
Eliza Fletcher, a 34-year-old kindergarten teacher and avid runner, was abducted while out for a run in Memphis on September 2. A male suspect, Cleotha Abston, was later charged with her murder. The Memphis Police Department held a press conference to address the case and provide updates on the investigation.
Key Takeaways:
- Eliza Fletcher was abducted while running near the University of Memphis at 4:20 a.m. on September 2.
- She was forced into a dark-colored GMC Terrain by a male suspect, later identified as Cleotha Abston, 38.
- Surveillance cameras captured the GMC Terrain passing by the abduction site 24 minutes before Fletcher was taken.
- Authorities found Fletcher's cellphone and a pair of Champion slide sandals at the scene, which were later sent to a lab for DNA testing.
- DNA samples from the sandals linked Abston to the crime, and investigators obtained video surveillance showing him wearing the sandals and phone records placing him near the abduction site.
- On September 3, the GMC Terrain was found in a parking lot near Abston's residence, and he was taken into custody after attempting to flee.
- The Memphis Police Department initially dismissed reports of a possible connection between Fletcher's abduction and harassment of the University of Memphis women's cross-country team.
Statistics:
- 4:20 a.m.: Eliza Fletcher was abducted while running
- 6:45 a.m.: A resident found Fletcher's cellphone and Champion slide sandals near the abduction site
- 7:45 a.m.: MPD received two phone calls from Fletcher's husband and the University of Memphis
- 24 minutes: Time gap between the GMC Terrain passing by the abduction site and Fletcher being taken
- 4 minutes: Time the GMC Terrain sat in a nearby parking lot with Eliza Fletcher inside before fleeing
- 10:45 a.m. on September 3: Members of the U.S. Marshals Service located the GMC Terrain in a parking lot near Abston's residence
Sources:
- Memphis Police Department
- Fox News Digital
- FOX 13 Memphis