Locals react to Fletcher case with sympathy, calls for justice
Eliza Fletcher was a wife, a mother of two and a schoolteacher in Memphis. According to her past social media posts, Fletcher was also a frequent runner.
After Fletcher didn’t return from her pre-dawn run on Friday, Sept. 3, she was reported missing, sparking a four-day search for her whereabouts.
On Tuesday, Sept. 6, the Memphis Police Department announced that her remains had been identified as those found in the late afternoon on Monday, Sept. 5.
St. Mary’s Episcopal School (where Fletcher worked), Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris are among those who paid their respects. Many also called for justice.
Maria & I are heartbroken by the tragic death of Eliza Fletcher, a dedicated teacher, wife & mother of two. We lift the Fletcher family up in prayer during this time of unspeakable grief. I thank law enforcement for their tireless efforts & trust justice will be swift & severe. pic.twitter.com/evVglBETpv
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) September 6, 2022
I share in the extreme grief many are feeling tonight for Liza. Violent crime occurs too often in our community.The heroic and tireless efforts by the men and woman of the @MEM_PoliceDept and other agencies involved, only strengthens my resolve to make these horrific crimes… 1/2
— Councilman Chase Carlisle (@CMChaseCarlisle) September 6, 2022
impossible to commit without severe punishment.The DA must deliver justice. Capital murder demands the death penalty.A plea or lesser charge is an insult regardless of race, gender or social status. @samhardiman @FOX13Memphis @bdriesdm @WMCActionNews5 @3onyourside #ElizaFletcher
— Councilman Chase Carlisle (@CMChaseCarlisle) September 6, 2022
Eliza Fletcher was an indefatigable educator, devoted wife and mother, and deeply rooted member of her church and our community. Our prayers are with her family and all of those touched by her life. We all hope the perpetrator of this heinous crime is swiftly brought to justice.
— Mayor Lee Harris (@MayorLeeHarris) September 6, 2022
We're grieving the loss of dear church member, Liza Fletcher. Please pray for her family & the Memphis community. We're seeking shelter in the Father of mercies & the God of all comfort whose Son is the blessed hope of the resurrection & will at the Great Day heal us & our world. pic.twitter.com/0YW9PAClZ7
— Second Presbyterian (@2PCMemphis) September 6, 2022
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. pic.twitter.com/41cePIFgos
— St. Mary's Episcopal School (@StMarysMemphis) September 6, 2022
— University of Memphis (@uofmemphis) September 6, 2022
Deepest sympathies to Eliza Fletcher’s family and friends and to her extended family at St. Mary’s, Second Presbyterian Church and all throughout Memphis.
— Steve Cohen (@RepCohen) September 6, 2022
Tennessee State Rep. John Gillespie also released a statement on Tuesday, announcing that he will continue his fight against violent crime.
The statement read:
“The recent kidnapping and murder of Eliza Fletcher has reminded us of the terrible impact of violent crime on the Memphis area. While we must do more to discourage young people from entering a life of crime, violent offenders must be dealt with severely. Those who commit property crimes should get a second chance. Those who commit violent crimes against law-abiding citizens must face severe consequences.”
#ElizaFletcher
On Twitter, many discussed the dangers women face in their everyday lives, stating that they “should be able to go for a run without being harmed,” regardless of the time of day.
Some provided safety tips for women who run in their neighborhoods.
Footage of Fletcher singing “This Little Light of Mine” to her students has also gone viral.
Anyone saying #ElizaFletcher shouldn’t have been running at 4:30 just doesn’t understand a few things. A teacher is normally at school by 7:00am and doesn’t get home until after 5. Then dinner, kid activities, grading papers until 10pm or later. There’s no other time to run
— Eric Mitchell F3-Old Bay (@EricDMitchell) September 5, 2022
As a man with a mom, 2 sisters, a wife and 3 daughters it hurts my heart that women can’t do simple things like go for a morning jog without being attacked. It makes me scared every day for my daughters future. As men we have to be better. Women deserve better #ElizaFletcher
— Hooksnhoopz (@hooksnhoopz) September 6, 2022
The depressing thing is women shouldn’t need to do this. What kind of world do we live in where women have to to do SEVERAL things to protect themselves#elizafletcher pic.twitter.com/R3Q4Jjndny
— Alec Smolenski (@SmolenskiAlec) September 6, 2022
#ElizaFletcher - A beloved teacher and mother of two. pic.twitter.com/8oZjfSvwsi
— Ben Deeter (@benpdeeter) September 6, 2022
Topics
Eliza Fletcher Governor Bill Lee St. Mary's School Shelby County Mayor Lee HarrisJasmine McCraven
Jasmine McCraven considers herself to be a music enthusiast and believes that she makes the best playlists ever. She is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State, but couldn’t wait to move back home to Memphis for the best food and culture in Tennessee.
Public Safety on demand
Sign up to receive Public Safety stories as they’re published.
Enter your e-mail address
Comments have been disabled on this story.