American billionaire heiress Eliza Fletcher’s body identified
Police have confirmed the body found on Monday is that of missing heiress Eliza Fletcher.
Fletcher, 34, was a teacher in the area and the granddaughter of a local billionaire.
The Tennessee mother-of-two was abducted while jogging on Friday morning near the University of Memphis campus.
Cleotha Abston, 38, has been charged with kidnapping and murdering Ms Fletcher.
Her family issued a statement after the discovery of the body, saying they were “heartbroken and devastated.”
“Liza was a such a joy to so many – her family, friends, colleagues, students, parents, members of her Second Presbyterian Church congregation, and everyone who knew her,” they said.
“Now it’s time to remember and celebrate how special she was and to support those who cared so much for her.”
Fletcher was the granddaughter of the late Joseph Orgill III, a local billionaire and philanthropist.
She vanished at around 04:00 local time on Friday, with CCTV showing a man approaching her and getting into a physical confrontation, forcing her into a black SUV.
She was reported missing on Friday and her family posted a $50,000 reward for information.
The body was found around 17:07 on Monday and by Tuesday, officers said the deceased had been identified as Eliza Fletcher.
