Found Deceased TN - Eliza "Liza" Fletcher Abducted While Jogging - Memphis #4 *Arrest*

[Slamalam]

They dug down quite a ways. Perhaps to rule out he didn't bury a body there already? Or perhaps Eliza's body was partially buried? There's a video here.

Police charge felon with murder of billionaire heiress Eliza Fletcher

Police officers discovered the body of billionaire heiress Eliza Fletcher in long grass behind an abandoned house after spotting vehicle tracks and smelling an 'odor of decay'.

www.dailymail.co.uk

Maybe looking for insects involved… forensics? I don’t want to go into more detail than that JMO

 

[CharlestonGal]

A product called TigerLady is modeled after a cat's claws and sits in your hand to attack an assailant. Another product called Go Guarded is worn on your finger and features a serrated blade that can be exposed if needed. Some runners carry a stun gun or pepper spray.

A product called TigerLady is modeled after a cat's claws and sits in your hand to attack an assailant. Another product called Go Guarded is worn on your finger and features a serrated blade that can be exposed if needed. Some runners carry a stun gun or pepper spray.

Sounds similar to the one I have attached to my keychain, but it's entire metal.


I slide my fingers though when I'm walking through parking lots and such. Hurts like hell to be jabbed by that thing. It might give you a few seconds to pull out something more lethal.

 

[IDK]

It's my understanding that the court documents from that time are sealed, but the victim impact statement from the victim of CA's previous abduction references CA's lengthy prior charges. The Commercial Appeal (Memphis local paper) discusses:

"Durand also detailed Abston's lengthy history in the juvenile court system prior to his conviction for the kidnapping, the earliest of which, Durand said, dated back to 1995 when he was no older than 12 years old. Abston also appeared in juvenile court records in 1996, 1997, 1998, and 1999 for charges including theft, aggravated assault, aggravated assault with a weapon, and rape, according to Durand's statement."

Eliza Fletcher disappearance: What we know from police affidavit and about the man arrested

Police released an affidavit in the arrest of a man in Eliza Fletcher's disappearance. Here's what we know

www.commercialappeal.com

A huge shout out to Durand, who I understand has since passed away of natural causes. By testifying the way he did, he made sure CA’s juvenile record would be public record and not sealed which often happens with juvenile records. I believe he knew evil when he met it, and did what he could to protect the community. Brilliant move, IMO.

 

[LaborDayRN]

While I am glad those products exist and thank you for posting in case that saves someone's life one day, I hate that the world has come to that where women are not safe alone.

Unfortunately, rape is as old as humankind itself. I think it's important that we discuss the danger as it can help keep us safe. I'm sure Eliza fought hard. I think Eliza would like to know that she had an impact on the safety of others.

 

[GoBuckeyes]

Thank you for sharing again! This thread is moving so quickly I have missed some pages of posts for sure.
Yes, I’ve done the keys thing before and that can work in a parking lot but not while running.
It shouldn’t be this way for sure.

There are very lightweight, compact, telescoping batons. They work great bc you don't have to get within the attacker's reach to strike them with it, and they'll easily incapacitate someone. (Example, strike to the side of the knee.) Mine has a wrist strap, and unextended, it's almost completely.concealed in my hand. Also, unlike other weapons, it's more difficult to remove from your person. AMOO/MEO

There's something about this case, maybe many things; I'm incredibly angry and completely revolted by the accused.

 

[Ray_of_hope]

I find it a coincidence that it takes 4 minutes to strangle someone and that's the length of time that CA's vehicle sat once he had EF under his control. I truly believe that EF, even badly injured, would have fought to the bitter end to make it home to her babies. MOO.

 

[Ray_of_hope]

There are very lightweight, compact, telescoping batons. They work great bc you don't have to get within the attacker's reach to strike them with it, and they'll easily incapacitate someone. (Example, strike to the side of the knee.) Mine has a wrist strap, and unextended, it's almost completely.concealed in my hand. Also, unlike other weapons, it's more difficult to remove from your person. AMOO/MEO

There's something about this case, maybe many things; I'm incredibly angry and completely revolted by the accused.

Like someone else said, if EF's tragedy had one positive effect, it would be all of this info making runners/walkers more prepared to save themselves in such horrific circumstances. I sure wish things had turned out differently.

 

[Ray_of_hope]

Just one other observation. The area where EF was running was close to a university where I believe CA deliberately trolled hoping to find a female victim. Again, MOO.

 

[Angleterre]

I carry one of these. Hooked on my keychain or belt or tucked in my cleavage. It is exquisitely sharp and will do serious damage. Not only against a human attacker but also the aggressive dogs in the neighborhood.

ETA: You wrap your fingers around it and make a fist. The blade part projects out from there.

View attachment 364754

https://www.knifecenter.com/item/CS43LS/cold-steel-43ls-urban-pal-push-dagger-serrated-blade-kraton-handle

How long is the blade ? Is it U.K. legal?

 

[Angleterre]

How long is the blade ? Is it U.K. legal?

Answering my own question here @CharlestonGal but not U.K. legal as no knives allowed to be carried that are disguised as everyday objects like a pen, lipstick, key fob

 

[Angleterre]

Oh @CharlestonGal, that video was devastating.

I have to applaud all of the law enforcement personnel involved in this case.
For swiftly catching the culprit, for finding Eliza relatively quickly, and for doing this job after discovering her remains.

I could never do this job.

How can they not be so SAD all the time? Coming home from a workday that involves sifting the bloody ground for infinitesimal pieces of someone who was a vibrant woman just days ago. Or for evidence from the demon who did this to her.

I truly appreciate what they did here, and of course still praying for her family. Eventually her parents, husband, brother and uncle will be confronted with this if they choose to attend the trial.

I hope in some fantasy way that by the time her sons are old enough to understand, some technology will exist that blinds them to ever seeing this, accidentally or even intentionally.

Moo

I too applaud LE in this case but as retired U.K. LE, it’s like every job where your heart and soul is required if you are to do that particular specialism and you have to love what you do, which I absolutely did !
It’s no different to career DRs and nurses or career Teachers etc . You have to love it because otherwise you won’t be able to hack it! X

 

[MsBetsy]

Unfortunately, rape is as old as humankind itself. I think it's important that we discuss the danger as it can help keep us safe. I'm sure Eliza fought hard. I think Eliza would like to know that she had an impact on the safety of others.

Most people have been learning about the dangers since childhood. I know I have. A woman can do everything she's ever learned to be safe in an attack but it doesn't necessarily keep violent criminals from being successful.

<modsnip>

I think more should be done to keep violent criminals and repeat offenders where they belong in the first place. Liza could have continued jogging in the early morning for the rest of her life if Abston had stayed where he belonged.

 

[dalsglen]

The only advice that I would ever give is that IF you are attacked by a male subject like in this case ( sorry guys, I don’t mean to be sexist here), and IF you get the opportunity to do so, IF your hands or hand is free then grab him between his legs and grab his Crown Jewels and squeeze HARD and it will give you sufficient time to get the chance to get away. I don’t advocate this ordinarily however it has worked for me when single handedly fighting a 6ft inebriated squaddie, built like a brick house, when alone and on night duty in uniform LE ( I was regularly single crewed) and in a ‘black spot’ (pls don’t chastise me for the terminology as it’s what we called it back in the late 80’s/early 90’s when we had analogue and not digital radios . They frequently lost signal and when I called for back up I found out that I really was alone !!!!)

So I did the only thing that I could and it worked. Not only did he stop fighting all 5ft 5inches tall and 124lbs of me but he became compliant to the point of me being able to put the cuffs on him and secure him to the police car. Suffice to say that a couple of miles along the road, I was able to get through on my radio and was shortly joined by over a dozen burly male officers wanting blood ( in the days when we regularly paraded 18-20 officers per shift , now you are lucky if it’s 6!)

So, bare it in mind is all that I’m saying.

Plus if you are in the U.K., CS spray /pepper spray is classed as a Section 1 Firearm and illegal to carry so get yourself a travel sized , fit in the small of your hand, hairspray and use it in the same way. It may not be as effective but it will affect him .

travel sized deep heat spray is much more effective plus you never know when you might need it on a run...

 

[Nikynoo]

Answering my own question here @CharlestonGal but not U.K. legal as no knives allowed to be carried that are disguised as everyday objects like a pen, lipstick, key fob

but can you use an actual key fob? or would that be going equipped?

 

[proctorelites]

This is goinf to sound terrible, but I just want to make this clear: If you've been trained in self.defense- it does not matter- if a much larger man attacks a woman - her best fight won't work- unless she's one of the lucky few- we usually hear about those women woman fights off attacker- rarely. We can convince ourselves all we want, but in my own experience, and I do have the dreaded expeeience- I always thought I was a tough cookie- I'd take a mf down if he attacked me- nope- I was like a China doll. Me- unbelievable. I was no match especially if your not on a gym mat expecting to strike. It comes out of nowhere, there is no time. You do your best and hopefully they run off bc you're not an easy mark- but that's just not often the case.

 

[imstilla.grandma]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1567231762975305729

"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," Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said Tuesday during a news conference.

Suspect in Memphis teacher's abduction and death ordered held without bond | CNN

A man suspected of abducting and killing a Memphis teacher who was out jogging was temporarily ordered held without bond Wednesday on a murder charge that was added after her body was identified.

www.cnn.com

Danielle Heineman and a fellow runner organized the event for female runners but have invited men to come out and support them. By Wednesday morning on the event’s Facebook page, 792 said they were going, and 1,200 more were interested.
► Details on ‘Let’s Finish Liza’s Run’
“Basically, I just started this to say you know we’re going to run at 4:20 in the morning because we have the right to run at 4:20 in the morning,” said Heineman.

“We are going to wear shorts and a sports bra and not be completely covered up because we have a right to run comfortably,” she said. “There shouldn’t be an expectation that you’re gonna be abducted if you run at four in the morning in Memphis.”

“I have a lot of friends who are training for long-distance runs and do run that early in the morning every day of the week, and so they run, get in the shower, and they go to work and take care of their families,” Heineman said.

Hundreds of runners plan to finish Eliza Fletcher’s run Friday

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Hundreds of runners plan to meet early Friday morning to finish Eiza Fletcher’s run. The 34-year-old St. Mary’s teacher and mother of two was abducted on the University…

wreg.com

 

[Tower]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1567231762975305729

"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," Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said Tuesday during a news conference.

Suspect in Memphis teacher's abduction and death ordered held without bond | CNN

A man suspected of abducting and killing a Memphis teacher who was out jogging was temporarily ordered held without bond Wednesday on a murder charge that was added after her body was identified.

www.cnn.com

Danielle Heineman and a fellow runner organized the event for female runners but have invited men to come out and support them. By Wednesday morning on the event’s Facebook page, 792 said they were going, and 1,200 more were interested.
► Details on ‘Let’s Finish Liza’s Run’
“Basically, I just started this to say you know we’re going to run at 4:20 in the morning because we have the right to run at 4:20 in the morning,” said Heineman.

“We are going to wear shorts and a sports bra and not be completely covered up because we have a right to run comfortably,” she said. “There shouldn’t be an expectation that you’re gonna be abducted if you run at four in the morning in Memphis.”

“I have a lot of friends who are training for long-distance runs and do run that early in the morning every day of the week, and so they run, get in the shower, and they go to work and take care of their families,” Heineman said.

Hundreds of runners plan to finish Eliza Fletcher’s run Friday

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Hundreds of runners plan to meet early Friday morning to finish Eiza Fletcher’s run. The 34-year-old St. Mary’s teacher and mother of two was abducted on the University…

wreg.com

This brought me to tears. They’re going to finish her run. RIP Liza.

 

[Ltiger4]

Obviously it's all dependant on the person/people in the situation as well as other factors, but how I'd imagine it to go down is that the attacker becomes more angry and violent the more you resist. It may also scare them thinking they're going to be caught after if they let them get away. Perhaps with a calmer and non-resistant approach, you'd be more likely to come out alive? Or maybe it makes no difference. Like I said, I think circumstance and people involved are everything.

It’s absolutely dependent on the type of offender. I’ve listened to and read everything I can find about Isreal Keyes, And he talks about one female who he attacked early on in his “career” who just didn’t react with fear, crying, struggle, etc. He knew she was afraid but because she didn’t show fear, he ended up letting her go because he needed the fear to excite him sexually. Sorry I don’t have a link for this. I think it’s from the Josh Halmark podcast about him, but I’m not sure. My point is that a victim might have a chance if he or she could read the offender - probably highly unlikely and very hard to do in a stressful, life or death situation.

 

[steeltowngirl]

The man was NOT a rapist, From what we know about the initial violent attack/kidnapping, he is a sexually motivated killer.

I don't believe his intent was ever to kidnap, sexually assault, and allow her to survive.
He had a rape case as a juvenile, indicating a sex-violence link at an early age. He was in prison for a crime, where most likely he intended to murder the victim.
The most important safety rule for anyone is never to let them move you, the relocating is what indicates they intend to kill you.

Have we seen information about CA’s intent?

I am confused by your first line, that he was not a rapist, but you go on to say he had a rape case as a juvenile.

Can you clear up my confusion?

 

[ilovewings]

There are several ways to look at it.
That CA's case might be that of mental illness, is very probable.
That some conditions were probably undiagnosed in 2000, much more so in 1995, and even much more so, in poor neighborhoods, is possible.

I would like to see the results of CA's IQ tests and neuropsychological evaluation, to make any whatsoever judgment about it. I don't think we have any information to discuss it as of today.

Because if he had any inborn communication disorder that so many might have, prison only worsened it.

What he did is horrible. OMG, abduct, probably use brutal force and leave without any himan dignity. What is wrong with him that he did it is an unanswered question as of today.

You are assuming "something is wrong with him"-- perhaps low IQ, perhaps some sort of mental illness? sorry to say I don't need to hear excuses- lots of people out there with low IQs and mental illness don't become habitual criminals and then finish it off with murdering a young woman on a jog. Why he did it is an answered question for me: He has a certain mindset- perhaps impulsive- he had an urge to commit violence that probably included sexual assault- he felt the urge to kill and he did it. I just want him either to get the death penalty or put away for life so he cannot commit any further acts of violence.