True Crime with Kendall Rae: Detailed Summary of "Abducted on Her Morning Run by Pure Evil: The Murder of Eliza Fletcher"

Release Date: June 26, 2025

Introduction

In this emotionally charged episode of True Crime with Kendall Rae, host Kendall delves into the heartbreaking and sensational case of Eliza Fletcher, a beloved kindergarten teacher and marathon runner whose life was brutally taken in a seemingly preventable crime. Kendall not only recounts the harrowing details of Eliza's abduction and murder but also explores the broader societal issues highlighted by the case, including systemic failures, victim-blaming, and disparities in law enforcement responses.

Eliza Fletcher's Background

Eliza Welford Fletcher, known to friends and family as Liza, was born on November 9, 1987, in Memphis, Tennessee. Raised in a supportive family with her parents Adele and James Walford and her brother Gil, Liza attended St. Mary's Episcopal School before excelling at Hutchinson, an all-girls college preparatory school. A talented soccer player, she played for the University of Memphis, contributing to their championship-winning team before transferring to Baylor University to complete her degree in sports and exercise science. She later earned a master's degree in teaching from Belmont University.

Liza's passion for education saw her become a dedicated kindergarten teacher and soccer coach at Promise Academy, eventually returning to St. Mary's Episcopal as a junior kindergarten teacher. Colleagues and students alike praised her as "a walking smile" who brought joy, patience, and creativity to her classroom. Her house was adorned with artwork from her students, reflecting her deep commitment to nurturing young minds.

"Liza was an incredible teacher who was truly passionate about teaching and about children in general," Kendall notes (02:30), emphasizing Liza's childlike spirit and infectious positivity.

The Day of Abduction

On the morning of September 2, 2022, at 4:00 AM, Eliza Fletcher left her home for her routine run, a crucial part of her Boston Marathon training. Running an eight-mile route that took her through the University of Memphis campus, Liza never returned home. Her husband, Richard, became alarmed when she failed to return and reported her missing by 7:45 AM.

Investigators quickly took the case seriously, initiating a robust search effort. By 6:45 AM, a cyclist discovered Eliza's shattered cell phone near the campus, a grim indicator of foul play. Additional evidence, including a water bottle and men's Champion slide sandals, was promptly collected for DNA analysis.

"When you imagine if all crimes were treated this seriously right off the bat, how many cases would be solved," Kendall reflects (05:15), highlighting the exceptional nature of the swift investigation in Liza's case.

Investigation and Arrest

The rapid response continued as surveillance footage from a nearby camera revealed a dark-colored 2013 GMC Terrain approaching Eliza at 4:20 AM. The vehicle pulled over, and a man exited, engaging in a brief struggle before abducting her. The same car was previously spotted near Liza's route, suggesting premeditation.

By September 3rd, DNA analysis matched evidence from the crime scene to Cleotha Henderson, a convicted felon with a notorious criminal history. Authorities swiftly located and arrested Cleotha at an apartment complex, where his possession of the suspect vehicle and recent behaviors raised suspicions. Additionally, surveillance footage showed him wearing the same slide sandals found at the abduction site.

"They were really, really on top of it," Kendall commends (26:45), acknowledging the diligent work of the Memphis PD and federal agencies like the FBI.

Cleotha's Criminal History

Cleotha Henderson's arrest unraveled a disturbing background of criminal activity spanning from childhood. Arrested 16 times between 1995 and 2000, his offenses included sexual assault, theft, aggravated assault, and weapon possession. At 16, Cleotha and an accomplice kidnapped attorney Kemper Durand at gunpoint, forcing him into a car trunk before fleeing the scene. Despite the severity of his crimes, Cleotha was released early in 2020 after serving only a fraction of his sentence, underscoring systemic failures in the criminal justice system.

"If he had served his full sentence, Liza would still be here," Kendall laments (47:00), highlighting the tragic consequences of his premature release.

Community Response

Eliza's murder sent shockwaves through the Memphis community. Vigils, memorials, and charitable events sprang up in her honor. One of the most notable was Let's Finish Eliza's Run, a gathering where over 2,000 people participated in an 8.2-mile run—matching Eliza's planned distance—one week after her abduction. The event served as a powerful testament to community solidarity and resilience.

"The community was just broken, but they really tried to keep Eliza's light shining throughout it all," Kendall shares (58:30), reflecting on the collective mourning and support.

In subsequent years, initiatives such as the Liza Welford Fletcher Stadium at the University of Memphis and Liza's Library at St. Mary's Episcopal School were established to honor her memory and legacy.

Alicia Franklin's Case

Alicia Franklin, a year prior to Eliza's murder, was a victim of Cleotha Henderson. In 2021, Alicia was brutally assaulted by Cleotha through a date app encounter, where he threatened her with a firearm, leading to a traumatic rape while she was four months pregnant. Despite providing detailed descriptions and evidence, including a sexual assault kit, the Memphis police failed to act promptly. The kit remained untested for ten months, delaying justice until months after Eliza's murder.

"Cleotha was released early... if he had served his full sentence, Liza would still be here," Kendall underscores the severe delays and negligence in handling Alicia's case (60:00).

Eventually, Alicia's perseverance led to Cleotha's conviction years later, but not before multiple other crimes and assaults went unaddressed, showcasing systemic disregard for victims, particularly women and people of color.

Societal Issues Highlighted

Eliza's case illuminated several critical issues within the criminal justice system:

1. Disparities in Law Enforcement Responses: The swift action in Eliza's case contrasted sharply with the delayed response to Alicia's assault, highlighting racial and gender biases in policing.

2. Victim-Blaming: Online speculation and unfounded accusations against Richard Fletcher, Eliza's husband, exemplified societal tendencies to blame victims rather than hold perpetrators accountable.

   "This is not a failure of Liza. It is not a failure of her husband. It is a failure of the killer and of society as a whole," Kendall asserts (65:20).

3. Safety for Women Runners: The rise in crimes against female runners has instilled fear and altered running habits, necessitating community and organizational efforts to enhance safety.

   "I never wanted this case to scare other people who get so much joy out of exercising outside," Kendall admits (10:45).

Legacy and Changes

Eliza's tragic death catalyzed significant changes aimed at preventing future crimes and addressing systemic shortcomings:

1. Increased Security Measures: The University of Memphis received $5 million to enhance campus security, including improved surveillance and patrols.

2. Forensic Resource Expansion: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) expedited hiring 50 additional forensic employees and outsourced kit testing to private labs, reducing backlog times from 44 weeks to 27 weeks. Legislative actions further supported these improvements, aiming for even faster processing.

3. Community Initiatives: Projects like Shine Blight target neglected areas to prevent urban blight, indirectly reducing crime by revitalizing communities.

4. Memorials and Honors: Educational institutions and the larger community established memorials and ongoing events to honor Eliza's memory and promote safety.

   "Liza meant so much to so many, and her smile radiated happiness, energy, and comfort," Kendall poignantly concludes (01:10:45).

Conclusion

Eliza Fletcher's murder is a profound tragedy that exposed critical flaws in the criminal justice system and societal attitudes toward victims. Through Kendall Rae's compassionate and thorough recounting, listeners gain a deeper understanding of not only the events surrounding Eliza's death but also the broader implications for community safety and justice reform. Eliza's legacy lives on through the changes inspired by her story, serving as a beacon for preventing future injustices and fostering a more supportive and vigilant society.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "This episode of True Crime with Kendall Rae is brought to you by Progressive Insurance..." — 00:00 (Skipped for relevance)

• "Liza was an incredible teacher who was truly passionate about teaching and about children in general." — 05:10

• "If he had served his full sentence, Liza would still be here." — 47:00

• "Cleotha was released early... if he had served his full sentence, Liza would still be here." — 60:00

• "Liza meant so much to so many, and her smile radiated happiness, energy, and comfort." — 01:10:45

Note: Timestamps are approximate and refer to the corresponding segment in the transcript.

Final Thoughts

Kendall Rae's episode serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of systemic vigilance in safeguarding individuals, particularly vulnerable populations. By honoring Eliza Fletcher's memory and shedding light on critical issues, Kendall encourages listeners to advocate for a safer, more just society.

This summary is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the podcast episode for those who have not listened to it, capturing the essence of the discussions, key points, and emotional depth conveyed by Kendall Rae.