Body found in search for Memphis heiress Eliza Fletcher

Police have found a body in the search for Eliza Fletcher, the teacher and business heiress who was abducted three days ago.

Fletcher, 34, works as a kindergarten teacher and was abducted while out jogging near the University of Memphis on Friday, 2 September.

Memphis police said she was forced into a dark-coloured SUV at around 4.30 am and are urging anyone with any information to come forward, while her family is offering $50,000 for information leading to her return. 

Now, officials say that they found a body about 20 minutes from where Eliza was abducted.

Memphis Police took to Twitter to announce the update: "At 5:07 pm, officers in the 1600 block of Victor located a deceased party. The identity of this person and the cause of death is unconfirmed at this time. The investigation is ongoing. 

Once additional information is available, we will provide an update."

The update comes as concern for Eliza's welfare grows, with CNN reporting that a man got out of the SUV and ran 'aggressively' towards Fletcher, then forced her into the passenger side.

According to an affidavit for the case, police discovered 'physical evidence that she suffered serious injury'.

At 5:07 pm, officers in the 1600 block of Victor located a deceased party. The identity of this person and the cause of death is unconfirmed at this time. The investigation is ongoing.

Once additional information is available, we will provide an update. pic.twitter.com/LwnCdCYz1z

— Memphis Police Dept (@MEM_PoliceDept) September 6, 2022

On Saturday a man, Cleotha Abston, 38, was arrested after police found the SUV parked outside of his house.

Taking to Twitter to share news of the arrest, police said: "UPDATE: the vehicle of interest has been located and a male who was occupying the vehicle has been detained. Eliza Fletcher has not been located. This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information should call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH."

The police force went on to add "The individual who was detained has been officially charged in connection with the abduction of Eliza Fletcher. At this point in the investigation, Cleotha Abston, 38, has been charged with Especially Aggravated Kidnapping and Tampering with Evidence."

UPDATE: the vehicle of interest has been located and a male who was occupying the vehicle has been detained. Eliza Fletcher has not been located. This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information should call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

— Memphis Police Dept (@MEM_PoliceDept) September 3, 2022

A pair of Champion sandals found at the scene of the crime were also said to have helped authorities find Abston, with security footage from the day before the attack showing the suspect wearing what police believe to be the same pair - as reported by CNN.

The investigation is still being described as active and ongoing, with authorities still looking for Fletcher, with police asking anyone in the area at the time to come forward.

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