Tragically, the hunt for missing kindergarten teacher and rich heiress Eliza Fletcher is now over.
Fletcher was abducted last week while out on a run, and the Memphis Police Department verified on Twitter on September 6 that the corpse found in Memphis on September 5 is his.
It is unknown what caused the death or how it occurred. On September 2, Fletcher, 34, was kidnapped while out on a run.
Security footage, according to the police at the time, indicated that the mother of two was approached and coerced into a black GMC Terrain.
On September 3, Memphis police said that they had identified a “vehicle of interest” and had taken its driver into custody for questioning.
The same day, in a statement delivered by Fletcher’s uncle Michael Keeney, her family promised a $50,000 reward for her safe return.
Memphis police said that Cleotha Abston, 38, had been charged with abduction and tampering with evidence in relation to her disappearance two days after her kidnapping.
The discovery of Fletcher’s death led to the addition of first-degree murder and first-degree murder in the commission of abduction charges against Abston, according to the police.
Abston informed the judge during his arraignment on September 6 that he was given a public defender because he was unable to pay for an attorney.
His bail was set by a judge at $510,000, and he is expected to show up in court on September 7 to be charged with murder.
In connection with her disappearance, Abston was previously charged with abduction, tampering with evidence, and other unrelated offenses.
It is believed that members of Fletchers’ family were present for the brief appearance, which was postponed until a further hearing on September 7.
He arrived in court while swaying back and forth, staring at the victim’s family, and wearing a mask. He then stated in an affidavit that he cannot afford counsel or post bond.
