Man who kidnapped and killed Eliza Fletcher on her morning jog pleads guilty, gets life

“She would be the first to help if you needed it,” Fletcher’s family told Cleota Abston in a prepared statement.

Tennessee man responsible for death Eliza Fletcher was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty Monday, Oct. 28, the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office announced.

Cleota Abston, 40, pleaded guilty to the Sept. 2, 2022, abduction and murder of the 34-year-old mother of two and a Memphis daycare teacher who was out for a morning jog when she died. Ebston faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping and tampering with evidence. His trial was supposed to begin on February 10.

Abston was sentenced to life in prison without parole, District Attorney Steve Mulroy said.

Juni Ganguly, Abston’s lawyer, told about it The New York Times he advised Abston to accept a plea deal because of the “overwhelming” evidence against him. Ganguly said times a jury would likely have sentenced Abston to death.

“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,” Mulroy said in statement.

“Today’s agreement is final for the family. The defendant waives the right to appeal, so there will be no years and decades of appeals. It also helps the community because this dangerous person will never walk our streets again. He will die in prison,” Mulroy continued.

According to the district attorney, Fletcher’s death, although a tragedy, brought the community together.

*Memphis Police Department Eliza Fletcher*

“This case has sparked an unprecedented wave of concern and community support that has reached the entire country and even globally. It was my first week on the job. I remember meeting the family that first weekend when we were all still praying for her safe return. The family has shown great resilience and grace,” he said.

Mulroy thanked law enforcement officials, the trial team and others who worked on the case before adding a heartfelt message for Fletcher’s family.

“And the family itself, who have shown extraordinary courage and compassion during this ordeal,” he said.

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During Abston’s sentencing, Mulroy read a statement prepared by the victim’s family.

“We have no idea what happened to you to turn you into a person who wants to hurt people. Whatever it is, it does not justify or explain what you did,” Fletcher’s loved ones wrote.

“You 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. She didn’t hurt you. In fact, she’d be the first to help if you needed it.”

“No legal order or sentence can lessen the pain of Lisa’s murder,” Fletcher’s family wrote in another statement to the media. USA today. “We accept that her killer pleaded guilty to all charges, will wake up in prison for the rest of his life and will not be able to harm anyone again. We are very grateful for the determination and professionalism of law enforcement and the prosecutor’s office.”

Fletcher was forced into a dark-colored SUV outside the University of Memphis at approximately 4:20 a.m. on September 2, 2022, near Central Avenue and Zach Curlin Street.

Her body was found less than a week later, about seven miles from where she was last seen during the alleged abduction.

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Read the original article at People.