The family of heiress Eliza Fletcher is speaking out after remains were discovered.
Memphis police announced on Tuesday that Fletcher, 34, was the person that was found dead in the back of a vacant duplex in the city on Monday, as CNN reported.
Fletcher’s family issued a statement following the discovery.
“We are heartbroken and devastated by this senseless loss. Liza was such a joy to so many — her family, friends, colleagues, students, parents, members of her Second Presbyterian Church congregation, and everyone who knew her,” the family said, as The New York Post reported.
They added, “Now it’s time to remember and celebrate how special she was and to support those who cared so much for her.”
The family also expressed their appreciation for “all the expressions of love and concern we have received.”
The statement continues, “We are grateful beyond measure to local, state and federal law enforcement for their tireless efforts to find Liza and to bring justice to the person responsible for this horrible crime.”
Cleotha Abston, 38, was arrested over the weekend and will reportedly be arraigned on Wednesday on charges including first-degree murder, kidnapping and other charges.
Ten minutes before a suspect was set to be arraigned in the alleged kidnapping of Eliza Fletcher, a Memphis school teacher and mother of two, police announced Fletcher's body was found the night before.
— The Recount (@therecount) September 6, 2022
The suspected kidnapper, Cleotha Abston, has now been charged with murder. pic.twitter.com/dYT53uxvTD
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said during a news conference, “To lose someone so young and so vital is a tragedy in and of itself, but to have it happen in this way, with a senseless act of violence, it’s unimaginable.”
He added, “We have no reason to think this was anything other than an isolated attack by a stranger.”
NBC News reported that police said, around 4:20 a.m. on Friday, Fletcher was forced into an SUV by another person.
An affidavit attached to a criminal complaint showed a pair of slide sandals were recovered from the location of her disappearance and contained DNA matching Abston, as the outlet reported.
