Cleotha Abston name became widely known following the tragic abduction and murder of Memphis teacher Eliza Fletcher in 2022. However, Abston’s criminal history spans decades, marked by a pattern of escalating violence and legal confrontations. This article delves into the life of Cleotha Abston, examining his early years, criminal activities, and the profound impact of his actions on victims and the community.
Early Life and Juvenile Delinquency
Born in the early 1980s, Cleotha Abston introduction to the criminal justice system began alarmingly early. At just 11 years old, he entered the Shelby County Juvenile Court system. Over the next five years, Abston faced 16 charges, including theft, aggravated assault, rape, and unlawful possession of a weapon. These early offenses indicated a trajectory toward more severe criminal behavior. Records from this period also suggest gang affiliations, notably with the “Lemoyne Gardens Gangstas,” and note that his father was incarcerated during his formative years.
Escalation to Violent Crimes
At 16, Abston’s criminal activities intensified dramatically. In May 2000, he kidnapped Memphis defense attorney Kemper Durand at gunpoint. Durand was forced into the trunk of his own car and endured several harrowing hours before managing to escape when Abston attempted to withdraw money from an ATM. This bold and violent crime led to Abston being tried as an adult. He was subsequently sentenced to 24 years in prison after pleading guilty to especially aggravated kidnapping and aggravated robbery. Despite the severity of his crime, Abston was released in November 2020 after serving 20 years, benefiting from credits earned for pre-sentence jail time and participation in prison programs.
The 2021 Assault on Alicia Franklin
Less than a year after his release, in September 2021, Abston committed another heinous act. He kidnapped and raped Alicia Franklin after luring her under the pretense of a date. Delayed kit processing let Abston offend again; backlog addressed post-arrest. A court convicted him of aggravated rape, aggravated kidnapping, and unlawful possession of a firearm, sentencing him to 80 years in prison in May 2024.
The Abduction and Murder of Eliza Fletcher
Eliza Fletcher’s disappearance on September 2, 2022, shocked Memphis deeply. Fletcher was on an early morning run near the University of Memphis when Abston forcibly abducted her, forcing her into an SUV. They discovered her body days later near a vacant duplex. Investigations led to Abston’s arrest after DNA evidence linked him to the crime scene. An autopsy revealed that Fletcher died from a gunshot wound to the head.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Abston, facing strong evidence and the death penalty, pleaded guilty. The court sentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Plea deal spared family anguish, ensuring Abston remains imprisoned forever.
Impact on the Community and Legal Reforms
The tragic events surrounding Eliza Fletcher’s abduction and murder had a profound impact on the Memphis community. Community members organized vigils, memorial runs, and gatherings in her honor, reflecting their collective grief and outrage. Moreover, these incidents highlighted systemic issues within the criminal justice system, particularly concerning delays in processing sexual assault kits. In response, the Tennessee Legislature enacted a law mandating the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to provide quarterly reports on the status of sexual assault kit testing, aiming to prevent future delays and ensure timely justice for victims.
FAQs
Q: What were the early signs of Cleotha Abston criminal behavior?
A: Cleotha Abston criminal activities began at the age of 11, with charges ranging from theft and aggravated assault to rape during his juvenile years. These early offenses indicated a trajectory toward more severe criminal behavior.
Q: How did the justice system handle Abston’s prior offenses?
A: The court tried Abston as an adult for the 2000 kidnapping of attorney Kemper Durand and sentenced him to 24 years in prison.
He earned credits and secured release after serving 20 years. Delays in processing a 2021 sexual assault kit allowed him to remain free until his arrest in 2022.
Q: What was the community’s reaction to Eliza Fletcher’s murder?
A: Eliza Fletcher’s abduction and murder shocked the Memphis community, leading to numerous memorial events, including runs in her honor. The case also prompted discussions about systemic issues, such as delays in processing sexual assault kits.
Conclusion
Cleotha Abston’s life is a stark illustration of a persistent pattern of criminal behavior, escalating from juvenile offenses to violent crimes with devastating consequences. His actions not only brought unimaginable pain to his victims and their families but also served as a catalyst for critical discussions and reforms within the criminal justice system. The legacy of his crimes underscores the importance of timely legal interventions, comprehensive support for victims, and the community’s role in advocating for justice and systemic change.
