Eliza Fletcher abduction: ‘deceased party’ found near area of crime scene investigation

Authorities say they have found a “deceased party” near where Eliza Fletcher was abducted while jogging in Memphis last week. 

The Memphis Police Department said officers in the  1600 block of Victor located a “deceased party” just after 5 p.m. 

The identity of the body and the cause of death has not been confirmed at this point. The investigation is ongoing at this time. 

Fox News observed between 15 and 20 police cars, including a mobile command center East Person Ave and Victor Street. A helicopter was also spotted flying overhead. Police would not confirm if the heavy police presence was related to the Fletcher investigation.

A crime scene with at least a mile radius was blocked off near an abandoned school as helicopters were hovering overhead.  

The crime scene was near the abandoned elementary school and less than a mile from 1765 Orleans Street where a witness told police they saw the suspect, Cleotha Abston, cleaning blood out of a GMC Terrain with floor cleaner and washing his clothes. They said he was acting strange. 

U.S. Marshals arrested 38-year-old Abston on Saturday after police detected his DNA on a pair of sandals near to where Fletcher was last seen, according to an arrest affidavit. An arraignment has been set for Tuesday. 

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.