Slain Memphis teacher Eliza Fletcher's family shares emotional note with killer, ‘You have changed our lives forever’

The family of Eliza Fletcher, a Memphis school teacher who was abducted and murdered during a morning run, has written a heartbreaking letter to her killer.

Published on: Oct 30, 2024, 23:21:18 IST

By Sumanti Sen

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The family of Eliza Fletcher, a Memphis school teacher who was abducted and murdered during a morning run, has written a heartbreaking letter to her killer. Cleotha Abston entered guilty pleas to first-degree murder and especially aggravated kidnapping in the abduction and death of Fletcher.

Slain Memphis teacher Eliza Fletcher's (L) family shares emotional note with killer Cleotha Abston (R) (Memphis Police Department, Tennessee Department of Corrections)

"We have no idea what happened to you to turn you into someone so filled with a desire to hurt people," said a statement from the family of Eliza Fletcher read in court by Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy, as reported by The Mirror.

"You have changed our lives forever, and nothing will ever be the same," it continued. "Your actions were evil. There is no other word for it. You murdered Liza, even though she did nothing to deserve it. She did not hurt you. In fact, she would’ve been the first to help if you needed it."

‘Liza meant so much to so many’

Fletcher, 34, had been out running when she was abducted by Abston in September 2022. The mom-of-two and kindergarten teacher at St. Mary's Episcopal School was later found dead in South Memphis. Abston had reportedly forced Fletcher into his SUV, and then sexually assaulted and shot her dead.

After Abston pleaded guilty, Fletcher’s family said in a statement that they "miss the bright light of Liza's life every day." "Liza meant so much to so many, and her smile radiated happiness, energy, and comfort," her family said, according to CBS News. "Her husband, her children, her parents, her brother, the rest of her family, her friends, her students, her school families, her fellow teachers, her church community, and so many others were moved by countless examples of her faith, kindness, and compassion."

As per an autopsy, Fletcher died of a gunshot wound to the head. She had also sustained injuries to her right leg, and had jaw fractures.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sumanti Sen
Sumanti Sen covers everything that’s happening in the US, from politics to entertainment, but her expertise lies in covering crime news. She has comprehensively chronicled the Idaho student murders, the Laken Riley and Iryna Zarutska cases, and the killing of Charlie Kirk, among other incidents. Over the years, she has interviewed several victims/families of victims of crimes seeking justice. She digs up stories that might otherwise remain unheard, and does her bit to ensure that victims and survivors’ voices are heard. Sumanti’s many years of experience also include interviews with Hamas attack survivors and mental health experts, among others. Her coverage of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and interviews with survivors of the tragedy, coupled with her other works including the Titan submersible coverage, earned her the Digi Journo of the Quarter award during her first year at Hindustan Times. Sumanti actively tracks missing person cases in the United States, and peruses Reddit and other social media platforms to bring to light cases that frequently elude public attention. She has extensively covered the disappearances of Nancy Guthrie, Thomas Medlin, Beau Mann, and Sudiksha Konanki, among others. When not at work, you will either find her with her novels, or with her beloved rescue pooches.Read More

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