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The family of murdered Memphis heiress Eliza Fletcher said Tuesday they were destroyed by the discovery of her remains and asked people to focus on “how special” the teacher and mom of two was.

“We are heartbroken and devastated by this senseless loss. Liza was such a joy to so many — her family, friends, colleagues, students, parents, members of her Second Presbyterian Church congregation, and everyone who knew her,” the family said in a statement.

“Now it’s time to remember and celebrate how special she was and to support those who cared so much for her,” they said of Fletcher, 34.

Police confirmed Tuesday that a body discovered in Memphis on Monday was indeed Fletcher’s, and slapped her alleged kidnapper, Cleotha Abston, 38, with additional charges of first-degree murder and first-degree murder in perpetration of kidnapping.

Officers searching for the mom had found the body at 5:07 p.m. Monday — more than 36 hours after Abston was charged with especially aggravated kidnapping.

Fletcher vanished after an early morning jog on Friday.

Abston, who already served 20 years in prison for a violent kidnapping, refused to reveal where Fletcher was, police previously said.


  “Now it’s time to remember and celebrate how special she was and to support those who cared so much for her,” Eliza Fletcher’s family noted. Instagram/Liza Fletcher “Now it’s time to remember and celebrate how special she was and to support those who cared so much for her,” Eliza Fletcher’s family noted. Instagram/Liza Fletcher

  “We appreciate all the expressions of love and concern we have received,” Eliza Fletcher’s family said. Jackson Lee “We appreciate all the expressions of love and concern we have received,” Eliza Fletcher’s family said. Jackson Lee

  Cleotha Abston faces charges of first-degree murder and first-degree murder in perpetration of kidnapping. Mark Weber/Daily Memphian via AP Cleotha Abston faces charges of first-degree murder and first-degree murder in perpetration of kidnapping. Mark Weber/Daily Memphian via AP

“We appreciate all the expressions of love and concern we have received,” Fletcher’s family said in their statement. “We are grateful beyond measure to local, state and federal law enforcement for their tireless efforts to find Liza and to bring justice to the person responsible for this horrible crime.”

Fletcher was the heiress to the billion-dollar Orgill Inc. hardware fortune.

St. Mary’s Episcopal School, where Fletcher taught, also expressed its condolences Tuesday.

“We are heartbroken at the loss of our beloved teacher, colleague, and friend Liza Fletcher. Our hearts are with the Fletcher, Orgill, and Wellford families,” the school said.

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