Police Reveal Eliza Fletcher’s Cause Of Death

The Tennessee mom who went missing on her morning run and was later found dead died from a gunshot wound to the back of the head and blunt force trauma, an autopsy report revealed.

Eliza Fletcher’s death was ruled a homicide by a forensic pathologist in a report dated Sept. 27, according to WREG. The autopsy also found Fletcher had bruises on her right thigh and leg, as well as extensive facial injuries, according to the report. A toxicology report found fentanyl in Fletcher’s system, though it is unclear how long the substance was in her body. There was also no mention as to whether Fletcher was sexually assaulted, according to WREG.

Fletcher, 34, was kidnapped on her morning run. Surveillance footage obtained by CNN showed Cleotha Abston allegedly jumping out of his black GMC Terrain and forcing Fletcher into his car. CNN reported Abston “ran aggressively” toward Fletcher before forcing her into the vehicle.

A Tennessee kindergarten teacher who police said was kidnapped during a pre-dawn run and then killed earlier this month died from a gunshot wound to the head, according to an autopsy report. https://t.co/QhFLThzSUE

— NBC News (@NBCNews) September 30, 2022

Police found Fletcher’s body dumped in a grassy area days later. (RELATED: ‘This Was Her Country, Too’: Tucker Carlson Rips ‘Biden Voters’ After Horrific Memphis Murder)

Authorities found a shell casing at the scene, according to WREG. Former medical examiner in Shelby County, Jerry Fransico, told WREG “death would have occurred rather quickly” with a gunshot wound.

Abston has been charged with first-degree murder and first-degree murder in perpetration of kidnapping. Abston had already been charged with aggravated kidnapping and tampering with evidence.