Memphis heiress and mother of two remembered as her family expresses heartbreak

Two years after the tragic death of billionaire heiress and teacher Eliza Fletcher, Cleotha Abston, the man accused of kidnapping and murdering her, has pleaded guilty in a Memphis courtroom. The guilty plea resulted in an immediate sentence of life imprisonment without parole, bringing some closure to the harrowing case that began in September 2022.

Abduction and murder shook Memphis community

Eliza Fletcher, a 34-year-old mother and junior kindergarten teacher at St. Mary’s Episcopal School in Memphis, was abducted while on an early morning run. Just days after her disappearance, her body was discovered in a wooded area outside Memphis, revealing blunt-force trauma and a gunshot wound to the back of her head.

Abston, apprehended the day after Fletcher’s abduction, was linked to the crime through surveillance footage showing him cleaning an SUV connected to the case. In court, Abston answered the judge’s questions tersely, with one-word replies and minimal emotion.

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A family’s grief

Fletcher’s family shared a poignant statement during the hearing, emphasizing the profound impact of the tragedy: “You have changed our lives forever, and nothing will ever be the same… Your actions were evil. There is no other word for it. You murdered Liza, even though she did nothing to deserve it. She would’ve been the first to help if you needed it.”

The statement underscored Fletcher’s kindness and generosity, traits that had made her a beloved div in Memphis.

Fletcher’s legacy and connection to Orgill Inc.

Eliza Fletcher was the heiress to Orgill Inc., a prominent hardware supply company founded by her grandfather, Joseph Orgill III. Established in 1847 as a small family business, Orgill Inc. grew to become one of the largest privately held firms in the U.S., generating over $3 billion annually. Fletcher, a mother of two young children, balanced her role within a well-known family with a career in education. Known for her dedication to young students, Fletcher previously taught at Promise Academy in Nashville, where she also coached soccer.

DNA and criminal history link Abston to crime

The investigation connected Abston to Fletcher’s murder through DNA evidence found on a pair of shoes left at the scene. His record includes a conviction from earlier in 2023 for the 2021 abduction and assault of a woman he met through a dating app, highlighting a troubling history of violent crime.

The sentence marks the end of a painful chapter for Fletcher’s family and the Memphis community, who continue to mourn the loss of a woman remembered for her kindness, dedication, and positive impact on those around her.