Cleotha Abston will now be facing charges of first-degree murder and first-degree murder in perpetration of kidnapping.
Relatives of Fletcher and more than 20 media members were in the courtroom Tuesday morning for the arraignment, which was Abston's first appearance before a judge on charges of kidnapping, tampering with evidence, theft, identity theft, and fraudulent use of a credit card. Abston was issued a $510,000 bond. Abston said he could not afford bond and he could not afford a lawyer. General Sessions Judge Louis Montesi appointed a public defender to represent Abston.
Fletcher is the granddaughter of the late Joseph Orgill III, a Memphis hardware businessman and philanthropist. The family has released a video statement asking for help in finding Fletcher and offered a $50,000 reward for information in the case.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Eliza Fletcher missing: Cleotha Abston charged with kidnapping in connection to case, Memphis police sayCleotha Abston was charged with especially aggravated kidnapping and tampering with evidence.
Read more »
Police believe missing Eliza Fletcher ‘suffered serious injury’Cleotha Abston, 38, was charged with especially aggravated kidnapping and tampering with evidence.
Read more »
Police believe missing Eliza Fletcher ‘suffered serious injury’Cleotha Abston, 38, was charged with especially aggravated kidnapping and tampering with fabricating evidence..
Read more »
Eliza Fletcher abduction update as billionaire heiress remains missingCleotha Abston has been charged with especially aggravated kidnapping.
Read more »
Eliza Fletcher abduction: Memphis kidnapping suspect Cleotha Abston to appear in courtThe man accused of kidnapping and murdering for the Friday abduction of Memphis teacher Eliza Fletcher will appear in court on Tuesday for a hearing related to the horrific allegations.
Read more »
Body of missing Memphis jogger found days after violent abduction; suspect facing murder chargesUPDATE: Police in Tennessee said that a body found during an exhaustive search lasting more than three days is Eliza Fletcher, who was abducted and forced into an SUV during an early morning jog near the University of Memphis.
Read more »