Eliza Fletcher Murder Case: Suspect Sentenced to Life in Prison for Killing Teacher

New details have come to light in the death of Eliza Fletcher.

Cleotha Abston, the man accused of kidnapping and killing the Memphis kindergarten teacher in 2022, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including first-degree murder and kidnapping Oct. 28, the Shelby County District Attorney's Office confirmed.

"I want us today to acknowledge and celebrate the life of Liza Fletcher, a beloved daughter, wife, mother and teacher who was tragically kidnapped and murdered in a senseless act of random predatory violence," D.A. Steve Mulroy shared in a statement. "Today's agreement achieves finality for the family. The defendant gives up his right to appeal, so there won't be years and decades of appeals."

"It also helps the community, because this dangerous person will never again walk our streets," he added. "He will die in prison."

E! News has reached out to attorneys for Abston for comment and has not yet heard back.

During the sentencing, Mulroy read a statement addressed to Abston from Fletcher's family.

"'We have no idea what happened to you to turn you into someone so filled with a desire to hurt people,'" he read. "'Whatever it was, it does not excuse or explain what you have done. 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,'" he continued. "'She did not hurt you. In fact, she would've been the first to help if you needed it.'"

Fletcher, 34, was jogging near the University of Memphis in the early morning of Sept. 2 and did not return home, according to a 2022 Affidavit of Complaint obtained by NBC News. A cyclist came across her cellphone and a pair of sandals in the street, which was turned over to investigators. Authorities viewed surveillance footage that showed a man forcing the mother of two into his vehicle during a violent altercation. The sandals, which were found in this area, had Abston’s DNA and he was arrested Sept. 2. A day later, Fletcher’s body was discovered by law enforcement with a gunshot wound to her head, NBC News reported.

Abston was charged with first-degree murder, first-degree murder in the perpetration of kidnapping, kidnapping, especially aggravated kidnapping and tampering with/fabricating evidence, according to the Shelby County Criminal Justice System. He pleaded guilty to all charges.

This wasn't the 40-year-old's only run-in with the law. Abston, who previously served 20 years in prison for the 2000 kidnapping of a Memphis attorney, was sentenced to 80 years this year in a separate 2021 rape case, NBC News confirmed.

As the family continues to mourn their loss, they also reflect on the person Fletcher was.

"We miss the bright light of Liza's life every day," the family said after the guilty plea in a statement obtained by NBC affiliate WSMV. "Liza meant so much to so many, and her smile radiated happiness, energy, and comfort. 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."

(E! News and NBC News are part of the NBCUniversal family.)

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