Tennessee police identify body as missing jogger Eliza Fletcher [Video]

• Police have identified a body to be that of missing jogger Eliza Fletcher.
• Fletcher was abducted on Friday morning while she was out on a run.
• Authorities have arrested Cleotha Abston on multiple charges, including kidnapping and murder.

The investigation into the disappearance of 34-year-old Eliza Fletcher has neared a tragic close after police identified her body.

Memphis police announced the discovery of a body on Monday, a day after Cleotha Abston, 38, was charged with kidnapping and tampering with evidence. Additional charges have since been filed after Fletcher’s body was identified, including first-degree murder and first-degree murder in perpetration of kidnapping.

Cleotha had also committed unrelated offenses, including credit card fraud, identity theft, and theft of property.

Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy believes the kidnapping to be “an isolated attack by a stranger.”

The kidnapping occurred at around 4:20 a.m. on Friday. Fletcher, who was an avid runner, mother of two, and kindergarten teacher, was out on a run. Surveillance video of the scene showed “a black GMC Terrain passing and then waiting for the victim to run by,” according to an affidavit attached to a criminal complaint. A male individual exited the SUV, approached Fletcher, and forced her into the vehicle.

“There appeared to be a struggle,” the affidavit stated. The surveillance footage showed the vehicle remaining in the parking lot for about four minutes, with the victim still inside, before driving off.

A pair of Champion slide sandals were recovered in the area where Fletcher disappeared. DNA found in the sandals matched Abston.

Investigators obtained cellular records that placed Abston’s cellphone near the crime scene at the time of the kidnapping.

Abston was arrested on Saturday after a GMC Terrain with the matching license plate was found in a parking lot near his residence.

On Monday, just after 5 p.m., police found a body in a vacant duplex apartment on Victor Street. Information on the cause and manner of death has yet to be published.

Cleotha Abston’s 36-year-old brother, Mario Abston, was also arrested on charges of drug and firearms offenses, but police believe he does not have any connection to Fletcher’s case.

Abston appeared in court on Tuesday for his arraignment. He was appointed a public defender after he informed the judge that he could not afford a lawyer. The judge set his bond for $510,000. He is set to appear in court again on Wednesday for his arraignment on the additional murder charges.

Source: Aol.com