Heiress billionaire and mother of two Eliza Fletcher was reported missing on Friday after going out on her typical early morning run, garnering national headlines and prompting widespread concerns about her well-being.
Fletcher’s body was found on the following Monday, Sept. 5, and police have already charged a man in connection with her murder. However, it’s still unclear what events led up to her abduction or what the motive may be.
POLICE RELEASE DETAILS OF HOW BODY OF ELIZA FLETCHER WAS FOUND
Here’s what we know so far about what led up to her kidnapping and eventual death and what is left to be uncovered:
Friday, Sept. 2
4 a.m.: Fletcher goes out for early morning run
At about 4 a.m. on Friday, Fletcher set out on an early morning run on her typical route around the University of Memphis. Fletcher was running along Central Avenue, just a few miles away from her home, according to authorities.
4:20 a.m.: Fletcher abducted and forced into dark SUV
While on her run, Fletcher was ambushed by a man and forced into a dark-colored GMC Terrain, according to surveillance footage. Footage shows a man waiting on the route for Fletcher to pass by.
There was a struggle between the two, and Fletcher was forced into the passenger side of the car, according to police. The GMC Terrain was then seen in surveillance footage sitting in a nearby parking lot for four minutes with Fletcher inside the vehicle before it drove off.
6:45 a.m.: Biker recovers some of Fletcher’s belongings
A few hours later, a biker riding along the same route found Fletcher’s cellphone and a pair of “Champion slides sandals,” according to the police affidavit. The resident later gave them to Fletcher’s family, and they were handed over to police for DNA testing.
7:45 a.m.: Fletcher’s husband reports her missing
Nearly four hours after Fletcher left on her morning run, her husband called the Memphis Police Department to report her missing. It’s not clear whether this occurred before or after the biker handed over Fletcher’s sandals.
9 a.m.: City issues lookout for Fletcher
Memphis officials issued a citywide watch for Fletcher, with local news outlets beginning to pick up the story. Law enforcement agencies joined the investigation, including the FBI and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Afternoon: Police name Cleotha Abston as person of interest
Police held a press conference regarding the incident on Friday afternoon, announcing it had linked DNA samples from the sandals found with Fletcher’s phone to Abston, naming him as a person of interest in the case. Investigators then obtained Abston’s cellphone records, placing him on Central Avenue at about the time of Fletcher’s abduction.
Saturday, Sept. 3
10:45 a.m: Officials locate the SUV connected to Fletcher’s disappearance
After an overnight search, officials with the U.S. Marshals located the SUV, identified as a GMC Terrain, linked to Fletcher’s abduction in a parking lot near where Abston lives. Officials then spotted Abston, who attempted to flee, and apprehended him, they said.
Two witnesses, including Abston’s brother, reported they had witnessed him acting “strange” and that he had cleaned out his car the day before.
Afternoon: Family offers reward for information on Fletcher’s whereabouts
Fletcher’s family released a video statement offering up to $50,000 for information on her whereabouts.
Sunday, Sept. 4
3:34 a.m.: Abston charged with kidnapping
Police arrested Abston on charges of aggravated kidnapping and tampering with evidence, officials said. Officials also released the affidavit related to the case, showing Fletcher’s abduction was violent and captured on surveillance footage.
Monday, Sept. 5
5:07 p.m.: Police find body near abduction site
Police announced they discovered a body near the location where Fletcher was abducted. The identity was not immediately known.
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Tuesday, Sept. 6
8:07 a.m.: Police identify body as Fletcher
Officials announced they identified the body as Fletcher, leading to additional charges being levied against Abston, including first-degree murder and murder in perpetration of kidnapping, according to police.
10 a.m.: Abston appears in court for the first time
Abston appeared before a judge for the first time, and prosecutors announced their intent to file updated charges. The judge set the bond at $500,000.
Wednesday, Sept. 7
9 a.m.: Abston appears in court for second time
Abston appeared before a judge for the second time to hear updated charges that included first-degree murder and first-degree murder in perpetration of kidnapping. The judge also revoked bond for Abston’s kidnapping and murder charges, announcing the court would hold him without bail.
