Update 8:05 a.m.: Memphis television station WHBQ reports “multiple sources” say the body found late Monday afternoon in south Memphis is that of abducted mom Eliza Fletcher.
BREAKING: Multiple sources tell FOX13 that the body found Monday in South Memphis is that of Eliza Fletcher, 34. https://t.co/MBOOJqthEC pic.twitter.com/1hpvPFVF9V
— FOX13 Memphis (@FOX13Memphis) September 6, 2022
Police have not confirmed that information, and WREG reported that sources have told them the body matches Fletcher’s description.
Original story:
The Memphis Police Department announced Monday that a body has been found amidst the search for missing mom Eliza Fletcher.
Memphis Police tweeted Monday night, “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.”
At this time, it is not known if the body is that of missing mom Eliza Fletcher.
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
Fox 13 Memphis reports that the body was located within walking distance of where witnesses spotted suspected kidnapper Cleotha Abston cleaning out an SUV hours after Fletcher’s abduction.
Fox News reports that between 15 and 20 police cars were on the scene, as well as a mobile command center and a helicopter.
Eliza Fletcher was abducted at around 4:40 a.m. Friday morning while jogging near the 3800 block of Central Avenue near the University of Memphis.
On Sunday, police arrested and charged convicted felon Cleotha Abston in connection with Fletcher’s disappearance. Abston has a long criminal history, including a previous kidnapping where he was sentenced to 24 years. Abston was released in November 2020.
Abston is currently charged with kidnapping, identity theft, evidence tampering, theft of property, and “illegal possession of credit/debit card of $1000 or less,” Fox 13 Memphis reports. He remains behind bars on a $500,000 bond.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
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[Featured image: Eliza Fletcher/St Mary’s Episcopal School]
