Trigger warning: The article contains graphic description of crime that may be traumatic to some readers. Discretion is advised.
 

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE: Kidnapped billionaire heiress Eliza Fletcher was found dead days after her abduction. The 34-year-old kindergarten teacher and mother of two, died of a gunshot wound to the back of the head and blunt force trauma, reveals an autopsy report. Police found DNA evidence from a pair of sandals found at the scene of the kidnapping, belonging to an ex-convict, Cleotha Abston.

Cleotha Abston had kidnapped Fletcher while she was out for a jog around 4.30 am on September 2. The next day Abston was arrested but he refused to disclose her location which led the police to do a four-day long hunt until she was found dead in an abandoned home in southern Memphis. Fletcher’s death was officially ruled a homicide by a forensic pathologist from the West Tennessee Regional Forensic Center, according to WREG.

READ MORE

Woman allegedly raped by Eliza Fletcher murder suspect claims cops 'had more than enough evidence' to keep him in jail

What is CODIS? How DNA database helped catch Eliza Fletcher suspect Cleotha Abston within 48 hours

CCTV footage revealed the moment Fletcher was forced into a GMC Terrain SUV near the campus of the University of Memphis. Initially, Fletcher's family filed a missing person report and offered a reward of $50,000 for any information. The police found DNA evidence belonging to an ex-convict Cleotha Abston from a pair of sandals found at the scene of the kidnapping. Abston was previously charged with kidnapping an attorney at gunpoint in 2000 and served 20 years in prison. 

The 38-year-old criminal was charged with Fletcher’s abduction and murder. In another surveillance footage, Abston was seen cleaning his car and clothes close to where Fletcher's body was discovered in southern Memphis. The car used during the kidnapping reportedly belongs to a local cleaning service where Abston was employed. Fletcher's family was devasted and heartbroken by the senseless loss, say now is the time to remember and celebrate how special she was and to support everyone who cared for her.

Cleotha Abston was charged with aggravated kidnapping, evidence tampering, first-degree murder, and first-degree murder in perpetration of kidnapping, according to the Memphis Police Department (MPD). He is being held in Shelby County Jail on a $1.42 million bond, according to jail records. It was revealed Abston will be unable to pay the bail or afford an attorney. Cleotha Abston is expected to appear in court next on October 5.