Cleotha Abston Convicted of 2021 Rape in Memphis

The conviction comes as Abston faces charges for the 2022 murder of Eliza Fletcher, highlighting issues with delayed justice in sexual assault cases.

Cleotha Abston was found guilty of aggravated rape, kidnapping, and unlawful weapon possession from a 2021 incident.
The victim met Abston on a dating site and was assaulted in his vehicle; she testified she complied out of fear for her life.
Abston's trial for the murder of Eliza Fletcher, a Memphis teacher, is pending; he allegedly kidnapped her during a morning run.
The 2021 rape case was only charged after Fletcher's murder, due to delays in processing the sexual assault kit.
After Fletcher's death, Tennessee passed a law requiring faster reporting on sexual assault kit testing times.