Eliza Fletcher is the granddaughter of billionaire Joseph Orgill III. He founded the family business, Orgill Inc. Fletcher did not work in the family business. Instead, her career was that of a teacher. She was also a mom and wife.

On Friday September 2, 2022, Fletcher went for an early morning run near the University of Memphis. She never returned home.

Fletcher’s family offered a $50,000 reward for her safe return. Unfortunately, their worst fears have become reality. After a desperate search by the Memphis Police Department, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, The Federal Bureau of Investigation, ATF, Homeland Security, and The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue, the body of a woman matching Fletcher’s description was found near stairs on the side of a residential home’s driveway. She was pronounced dead. She was positively identified as Fletcher. She was 34 years old.

The Memphis Police Department announced the sad news on Twitter along with charges brought against kidnapping and murder suspect 38-year-old Cleotha Abston.

Abston was previously convicted of kidnapping. Back in 2000, he was convicted of kidnapping Memphis attorney Kemper Durand. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison but was eligible to be released early and left prison in 2018. Since his release, he found work at a cleaning service. His boss told the police what kind of vehicle Abston drove to work, and the description of the vehicle matched the vehicle at the scene of Fletcher’s abduction.

Fletcher’s cause of death has not yet been confirmed or released, and her family is asking for privacy while they mourn. In a statement released by the family, they explained, “We are heartbroken and devastated by this senseless loss. Liza was a such a joy to so many – her family, friends, colleagues, students, parents, members of her Second Presbyterian Church congregation, and everyone who knew her. Now it’s time to remember and celebrate how special she was and to support those who cared so much for her. We appreciate all the expressions of love and concern we have received. 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. We hope that everyone, including media representatives, understand the need for the family to grieve in privacy without outside intrusion during this painful time.”

Watch the video below for more about Abston and how he is linked to the crime scene.