The family of missing Memphis heiress Eliza Fletcher, who was kidnapped while jogging, spoke for the first time after police officers found her body on Monday.
“We are heartbroken and devastated by this senseless loss. Liza was such a joy to so many — her family, friends, colleagues, students, parents, members of her Second Presbyterian Church congregation, and everyone who knew her,” her family said in a statement.
Fletcher, 34, was out for an early morning run near the University of Memphis when she was seen on security cameras being forced into an SUV. The kindergarten teacher was reported missing after failing to return to the home she shares with her husband and two young children.
Police discovered Fletcher’s abandoned water bottle and broken phone at the crime scene, along with pair of sandals near by. A DNA analysis determined the sandals belonged to Cleotha Abston, 38, and his phone was triangulated to the area at the time of the abduction.
Abston was taken into custody on charges of aggravated kidnapping and tampering with evidence on Sunday, but refused to cooperate with authorities. He previously served a 20 years of a 24-year prison term for abducting of Memphis attorney Kemper Durand in 2000.
On Tuesday, law enforcement disclosed that the body they 5:07 p.m. they found behind a vacant duplex the day prior belonged to the Orgill Inc. heiress. The charges Abston is facing have been upgraded to first-degree murder and first-degree murder in perpetration of kidnapping after the remains were confirmed to be Fletcher’s.
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy issued a statement about the crime that he deemed a “senseless act of violence.”
“Any murder in our jurisdiction is high priority. All deserve our care and best efforts,” Mulroy wrote. “This one has triggered an extraordinary outpouring of public concern which motivates this message. We will work to do justice in this case and all other cases in the hopes we can prevent such tragedies.”
The family has requested privacy from the media as the grieve the loss of Fletcher.
“Now it’s time to remember and celebrate how special she was and to support those who cared so much for her,” her family said. “We appreciate all the expressions of love and concern we have received. We are grateful beyond measure to local, state and federal law enforcement for their tireless efforts to find Liza and to bring justice to the person responsible for this horrible crime.”