Eliza Fletcher, the granddaughter of a Memphis billionaire who was kidnapped early Friday morning, was found dead, authorities said Tuesday.
It is not yet clear what motivated her murder and kidnapping, but it may be an attempt to indirectly harm the family of the wealthy man, who was very well known in the community and in the country, as a supplier of construction and field equipment.
Eliza Fletcher (AP), photo: Courtesy of Memphis Police Department via AP
The Memphis police found the body already on Monday, after an extensive search operation that also included the willingness of the family to offer a cash reward of 50,000 dollars to anyone who would provide information that would lead to her finding, but today (Tuesday) it was learned that it was indeed her body.
A man named Cleothe Ebston, 38 years old, was arrested on Sunday on suspicion of being involved in the kidnapping of the teacher and mother of two during her run on the night between Thursday and Friday near the University of Memphis.
It is known that in the past he committed a violent kidnapping and robbery and was even sent to prison for a lengthy sentence of 24 years.
She will now be suspected of murder and kidnapping which includes murder, the police said, but it is not clear what her medical cause of death was and what was the motive for the murder and kidnapping.
According to initial information, it appears that Eveston followed her during the run while driving, then forced her into his car and abducted her from there.
A cyclist found her cell phone and also her shoes, and thanks to these items DNA belonging to Ashton was located.
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