Eliza Fletcher was kidnapped while she was out jogging. The woman was forced into a black SUV, CCTV footage evidence showed. The missing woman's kidnapping is still under investigation and one suspect has been arrested, now the police confirm they have a body of a woman about 20 minutes from where she was abducted.
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Police officials have found the body of Eliza Fletcher, the teacher and business heiress who got kidnapped three days ago.
Fletcher, 34, used to work as a kindergarten teacher and was kidnapped when she was out jogging near the University of Memphis on Friday, 2 September.
Credit: Eliza Fletcher/Instagram/Memphis Police Department
Memphis police reported that the heiress was forced into a black SUV at around 4:30 and also urged the locals to come forward if they have any information.
The missing woman's family also announced a $50,000 reward for anyone reporting about her whereabouts.
Now, officials say that they found a body about 20 minutes from where Eliza was abducted.
Credit: Eliza Fletcher/Instagram/Memphis Police Department
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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.
Credit: Eliza Fletcher/Instagram/Memphis Police Department
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'.
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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."
Credit: Eliza Fletcher/Instagram/Memphis Police Department
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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."
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A pair of sandals found at the crime scene is reportedly said to have helped the authorities in finding the suspect 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.
