A Teacher's Tragic Fate: The Convicted Kidnapper's Confession

In Memphis, Tenn. , a man named Cleotha Abston pleaded guilty to the awful crime of kidnapping and murdering billionaire heiress and teacher Eliza Fletcher. This shocking event happened in September 2022, during her early morning jog. Eliza, a 34-year-old kindergarten teacher and mother of two, vanished while on her routine run. Her body was found a few days later in the woods outside Memphis. It was clear that she had been attacked with blunt force and shot in the back of the head. Abston was arrested the day after Eliza went missing. He was seen on security cameras cleaning an SUV that he used in the kidnapping. In court on Monday, he admitted his guilt with a lowered head and muted voice. Eliza's family released a powerful statement, expressing their disbelief at what turned Abston into a person capable of such violence. They emphasized that nothing could ever be fully the same for them. Eliza was the heiress to Orgill Inc. , a hardware supply company founded by her grandfather. The company, which began in 1847, grew to become one of the top privately-held businesses in the U. S. and makes over $3 billion annually. Abston's past also revealed a history of violent crimes. In 2021, he was found guilty of kidnapping and raping a woman he met on a dating app. This tragic incident serves as a painful reminder of the unpredictable nature of violence and the importance of community safety. It's crucial for everyone to remain vigilant and advocate for safer neighborhoods.