Cleotha Abston, 40, received a life sentence without the possibility of parole for the murder of 34-year-old Eliza Fletcher on September 2, 2022, as announced by the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office.

Eliza Fletcher, a mother of two, was on her morning run near the University of Memphis when Abston forcibly took her into his vehicle. Her body was discovered three days later with a fatal gunshot wound to her head.

Security footage and forensic evidence were pivotal in linking Abston to Fletcher’s murder, the prosecutor’s office reported.

Fletcher’s family condemned Abston’s actions as “evil,” expressing their bewilderment at his motivations in a statement released by the district attorney. “It’s hard to understand what led you to become someone who wants to cause so much pain,” the family stated. “Your actions have irrevocably changed our lives; nothing will ever be the same again. You killed Liza, who was completely innocent. She never harmed you and would have been the first to help you if you had asked.”

Abston, previously incarcerated for 20 years for kidnapping a Memphis attorney and recently sentenced to 80 years in another rape case, had his murder trial set for February. Prosecutors initially planned to seek the death penalty.

Abston’s attorney, Juni Ganguli, shared that he had advised his client to accept a plea deal. “We’ve met with him regularly for months, advising him to settle this case because a trial would likely not end well,” Ganguli explained.

The next court session for Abston is scheduled for November 27. Meanwhile, the case continues to stir discussions on safety and justice within the community.