MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A trial date has been set for Cleotha Abston-Henderson, the man accused of kidnapping and killing school teacher Eliza Fletcher while she was out on a morning run in 2022.
Abston-Henderson will face trial on February 10, 2025, in Judge Lee Coffee’s court.
In 2023, Abston-Henderson was indicted by a grand jury on charges of first-degree murder, especially aggravated kidnapping, unlawful carrying or possession of a weapon, and tampering with evidence in the death of Eliza Fletcher.
He pleaded not guilty.
Fletcher, a kindergarten teacher at a Memphis private school, was abducted during an early morning run on Central Avenue on Sept. 2, 2022. Her disappearance sparked a manhunt that ended when her body was found days later, a few miles from where she was abducted.
In July 2023, Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy filed a notice with the court that prosecutors would seek the death penalty if Henderson is convicted of first-degree murder.
In May of this year, Henderson was sentenced to a total of 80 years for the 2021 rape of Alicia Franklin. Judge Coffee issued to following sentences: 20 years for Aggravated Kidnapping, 40 years for Aggravated Rape, and 20 years for Unlawful Weapon.