MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Prosecutors say Cleotha Abston will spend the rest of his life and will die in prison for the death of Eliza Fletcher.
But prosecutors and the loved ones of Eliza say they don’t want Abston to be the focus of this story, which gripped Memphis and the nation.
“He’s not really even part of this story, alright? This story should be about Eliza and the love that she brought,” prosecutor Paul Hagerman said.
Cleotha Abston sat emotionless, speaking in a low voice at times covering his face as he pleaded guilty to kidnapping and murdering Eliza Fletcher.
The district attorney says, because he pleaded guilty there is a sort of finality to this — there won’t be potentially years of appeals in the case.
But now they want the focus on the impact Eliza leaves behind.
“I want us today to acknowledge and celebrate the life of Liza Fletcher, a beloved daughter, wife, mother and teacher who was tragically kidnapped and murdered in a senseless act of random predatory violence,” Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy.
While members of her family were present in court, Mulroy read victim impact statements on their behalf, speaking directly to Abston, who sat just feet away.
“We have no idea what happened to you to turn you into someone so filled with a desire to hurt people. Whatever it was, it does not excuse or explain what you have done. You have changed our lives forever, and nothing will ever be the same. Your actions were evil. There is no other word for it. You murdered Liza, even though she did nothing to deserve it. She did not hurt you. In fact, she would’ve been the first to help if you needed it.”
The family acknowledged Abston will probably never understand or care about the devastation his act caused to her friends and family. They’re relying on faith.
“Liza is now with her Lord and Savior, Jesus. She is not suffering, but we are,” they said in a statement. “It is very hard to find the strength, even with faith not to hate you. We want to hate but know that is not what Liza would want and not what God desires.”
They said they miss the bright light of her life every day, as her smile radiated happiness, energy and comfort. Loved ones now want her memory and everything about her to heal Memphis, saying she loved Memphis, This is where she grew up and where she chose to have a family.
“Memphis is worth healing. It needs healing,” family said.
► Eliza Fletcher: Complete coverage
The family also commended law enforcement and the DA’s office for their extensive work in the case.
Prosecutors say this plea deal has been in the works for a few weeks.
