Tennessee prosecutors announced Thursday they would seek the death penalty for a man charged with kidnapping and killing Memphis kindergarten teacher Eliza Fletcher last year.

Cleotha Abston, also known as Cleotha Henderson, is accused of kidnapping Fletcher, 34, while she was out on her morning run and forcing her into an SUV, CrimeOnline reported. Her body was found days later near vacant house. He has pleaded not guilty to charges that include first degree murder and especially aggravated kidnapping.

Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said after court Thursday that Tennessee law allows the death penalty for cases considered especially cruel, heinous, and atrocious, according to WREG.

“We are alleging that applies in this case,” he said.

Abston does not yet have a trial date, but Judge Lee Coffee said Thursday that “if it’s in the absolute control of this court, this case will be tried before the end of 2023.”

Abston, 39, is also charged in the rape of a woman in September 2021, but he was not arrested until after Fletcher’s killing because the state crime lab hadn’t gotten around to processing the sexual assault kit.

Mulroy said Fletcher’s family was consulted about the decision to seek the death penalty and supports it.

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[Featured image: Eliza Fletcher/St Mary’s Episcopal School]