The suspect was sentenced to life imprisonment

First appeared on E! Online

New details of the death became known Eliza Fletcher.

Cleota Abstonman accused of kidnapping and murder A Memphis kindergarten teacher was sentenced in 2022 to life in prison without parole after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including first-degree murder and kidnapping. On Oct. 28, the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office confirmed.

“I want us today to recognize and celebrate the life of Lisa Fletcher, a beloved daughter, wife, mother and teacher who was tragically kidnapped and killed in a senseless act of random predatory violence.” – DA Steve Mulroy shared in a statement. “Today’s agreement reaches finality for the family. The defendant waives the right to appeal, so there won’t be years and decades of appeals.”

“It also helps the community because this dangerous person will never walk our streets again,” he added. “He will die in prison.”

E! The News has reached out to Abston’s attorneys for comment and has not yet heard back.

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During Mulroy’s sentencing read the statement addressed to Abston from the Fletcher family.

“We have no idea what happened to you to turn you into someone who wants to hurt people,” he said. read. “Whatever it is, it does not justify or explain what you did. You have changed our lives forever and nothing will ever be the same again. Your actions were evil. There is no other word for it.”

“You killed Lisa, even though she didn’t deserve it,” he continued. “She didn’t hurt you. In fact, she would be the first to help you if you needed it.”

Fletcher, 34, was jogging near the University of Memphis in the early morning hours of Sept. 2 and did not return home, according to a 2022 affidavit obtained by NBC News. A cyclist found her mobile phone and a pair of sandals on the street, which were handed over to investigators. Law enforcement officers reviewed surveillance footage showing a man forcibly pushing a mother of two children into his car during a violent argument. Sandals found in the area had Abston’s DNA on them and he was arrested on September 2. Fletcher’s body a day later was discovered by law enforcement agencies with a gunshot wound to the head, NBC News reported

According to the Shelby County Criminal Justice System, Abston was charged with first degree murder, first degree murder in the commission of kidnapping, aggravated kidnapping and tampering/tampering with evidence. He pleaded guilty to all charges.

This was not the 40-year-old’s only encounter with the law. Abston, who previously served 20 years in prison for the kidnapping of a Memphis attorney in 2000, was sentenced this year to 80 years in prison in a separate rape case in 2021. NBC News confirmed

As the family continues to mourn their loss, they also reflect on who Fletcher was.

“We miss the bright light of Lisa’s life every day,” the family said after the guilty plea in a statement obtained by the NBC affiliate WSMV. “Lisa meant so much to so many and her smile radiated happiness, energy and comfort. Her husband, her children, her parents, her brother, the rest of her family, her friends, her students, her school families, her fellow teachers, her church community and many others were touched by countless examples of her faith, kindness and compassion “.

(E! News and NBC News are part of the NBCUniversal family.)

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