State crime lab took 11 months to test DNA linking Cleotha Abston to 2021 rape
Cleotha Abston (middle) appears in Judge Louis Montesi’s courtroom for his arraignment on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022. Abston, charged with kidnapping and murdering jogger Eliza Fletcher, was investigated last year for rape but not arrested. (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian file)
In partnership with
The Institute for Public Service Reporting
The Institute for Public Service Reporting is based at the University of Memphis and supported financially by U of M, private grants and donations made through the University Foundation. Its work is published by The Daily Memphian through a paid-use agreement.
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says MPD should have acted more aggressively to solve the 2021 assault; DNA analysis was completed a few days after the disappearance of Eliza Fletcher.
Related story:
Eliza Fletcher’s alleged killer investigated in 2021 for rape
Topics
Eliza Fletcher Cleotha Abston Cleotha Henderson Tennessee Bureau of Investigation rape kit testing Memphis Police DepartmentIn partnership with
The Institute for Public Service Reporting is based at the University of Memphis and supported financially by U of M, private grants and donations made through the University Foundation. Its work is published by The Daily Memphian through a paid-use agreement.
Marc Perrusquia
Marc Perrusquia is the director of the Institute for Public Service Reporting at the University of Memphis, where graduate students learn investigative and explanatory journalism skills working alongside professionals. He's won numerous state and national awards for government watchdog, social justice and political reporting. Follow the Institute on Facebook or Twitter @psr_memphis.
Public Safety on demand
Sign up to receive Public Safety stories as they’re published.
Enter your e-mail address