The family of Eliza Fletcher saw the man accused of murdering her more than two years ago plead guilty to his charges Monday. Cleotha Abston, 40, will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole; he was facing the death penalty. The plea allows the family, and the community at large, to avoid what would have been a widely publicized trial and what could have been a lengthy appeals process. But even as they accept the plea and sentence, Fletcher’s family said in a statement that no legal outcome could “diminish the anguish” of her death. “There are no words to adequately express the totality of Liza’s loss of her life. We hope that her amazing light continues to remind us of her faith in Christ’s power and His glory.”

Last week, The Daily Memphian published a few public-sector personnel stories that generated reader interest: on a new hire, a job transition and a continued suspension. DeMarcus Suggs has been tapped as the City of Memphis’ new “arts czar.” Julian Cross, a top official at Memphis-Shelby County Schools, said he was departing his role with the district to join the Greater Memphis Chamber. And The Daily Memphian obtained personnel records for suspended Memphis Animal Services Director Ty Coleman that showed he was fired from a previous job in Sherman, Texas.

And throughout the month of October, The Daily Memphian ran the stories that made up our Point of Impact series, which investigated the effects of gun violence on Memphis. Our metro team of journalists spoke with people affected by gun violence, deciphered the referendum questions Memphis voters will face on the Nov. 5 general election ballot and examined city and state gun laws and some of their effects. Find the full seven-part series here. — Metro editor Jane Donahoe

We hope you enjoy catching up on the latest news stories from our community. If you’re a Daily Memphian subscriber, we appreciate your support. If not, please consider signing up for unlimited access to all of our local news coverage.

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Guns haunted two friends' childhoods. Now they navigate a world awash in them. By Laura Testino

Cordova man gets prison sentence for insurance fraud By Aarron Fleming

Memphis hires DeMarcus Suggs as new 'arts czar' By Jody Callahan

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Elon Musk's AI chatbot doesn't share his views about the 2024 election By Samuel Hardiman

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Agree to disagree: Sheriff's office, juvenile court disputes continue By Julia Baker

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