Body found in search for Memphis heiress confirmed to be Eliza Fletcher

A body found by authorities has been identified as Eliza Fletcher, the school teacher who was abducted while out jogging in Memphis last week.

Memphis Police Department said in a statement: "The deceased victim that was located yesterday in the 1600 block of Victor has been identified as 34-year-old Eliza Fletcher.  

"Additional charges for 38-year-old Cleotha Abston have been added for First Degree Murder and First Degree Murder in Perpetration of Kidnapping."

Fletcher, 34, who worked as a kindergarten teacher, was abducted while out for a run near the University of Memphis on Friday, September 2.

CCTV footage obtained by investigators shows that the hardware business heiress was approached by a dark coloured SUV at around 4.30am.

A person was seen getting out of the SUV and running 'aggressively' towards the jogger before forcing her into the passenger side.

Fletcher was reported missing at around 7.45am after she failed to return home from her run. 

Amid the ongoing investigation, police arrested 38-year-old Cleotha Abston after he was found to be occupying the vehicle of interest.

A pair of Abston's Champion sandals found at the scene of the crime were also said to have helped authorities track him down after DNA testing matched the suspect.

He was later charged with especially aggravated kidnapping and tampering with evidence.

Announcing the news on Twitter, Memphis Police wrote: "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."

Although authorities had not located Fletcher at the time of Abston's arrest, a turning point arrived on Monday when officials found a body around 20 minutes from where the mum-of-two was abducted.

The police department wrote about the discovery: "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. 

"Once additional information is available, we will provide an update."

Fletcher's family initially offered $50,000 to anyone who could provide information leading to her return.

In announcing the reward money, the family said: "We look forward to Eliza’s safe return and hope that this award will help police capture those who committed this crime."

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677