New details have emerged about Monday’s discovery of missing Tennessee teacher Eliza Fletcher.
An affidavit stated that Memphis police spotted vehicle tracks in tall grass which led to a vacant apartment. Officers combing the area noticed footprints and “an odor of decay” before locating a deceased woman who was ultimately identified as Fletcher, 34, next to the steps near a driveway, according to WREG.
A pair of purple Lululemon running shorts which matched what Fletcher was last seen wearing was found in a nearby trash can. According to WHBQ, the trash can was located about 100 feet from the residence suspect Cleotha Abston, 38, had been at with his brother.
Fletcher was believed to have been jogging at around 4:20 a.m. on Friday when Abston kidnapped her. Reports indicated that her body was found less than a mile from where she was abducted.
Before Fletcher’s body was located, a biker had discovered a pair of sandals, her water bottle, and her cell phone near a property owned by the University of Memphis. Not only was Abston’s DNA reportedly found on the sandals, but authorities said cell phone data placed him in the vicinity of where the abduction occurred early Friday.
Abston has been charged with first-degree murder, especially aggravated kidnapping, and tampering with evidence. He remains jailed.
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[Featured image: Eliza Fletcher/St Mary’s Episcopal School]
