Digest

This podcast covers a variety of crime stories, starting with a man held captive by his roommates in Denver. The victim was held for two days due to a dispute over money and was eventually able to escape after his roommates cut off his finger. The roommates have been charged with kidnapping, assault, and criminal extortion. Next, the podcast discusses a giant inflatable pumpkin that flew from a yard and blocked traffic in Ohio. When an officer tried to remove it, the pumpkin knocked him to the ground. With backup, the officers were able to return the pumpkin to its owners, who plan to add extra ties to keep it down next year. The podcast then moves on to the case of Cleotha Abston, who pleaded guilty to kidnapping and killing Memphis teacher Eliza Fletcher. Abston faces life in prison without parole. Fletcher was forced into an SUV while jogging in September 2022 and her body was found days later. Abston's DNA was linked to the scene and an autopsy confirmed that Fletcher died from a gunshot wound to the head. Finally, the podcast discusses the case of Warren Luther Alexander, a 73-year-old man from Mississippi, who has been charged with the strangulation murders of three Southern California women. The crimes date back to 1977. Alexander was linked to the cold cases through a DNA match. Authorities believe there may be additional victims. The podcast also includes a segment on a Silver Alert issued for Tony Williamson, a 72-year-old woman with dementia who went missing from her nursing home in Independence, Missouri. She was last seen wearing light blue jeans, a light blue or gray zip-up hoodie, and a face mask. Authorities are asking for the public's help in finding her.

Outlines

00:00:00

Crime Stories: Captivity, Chaos, and Cold Cases

This podcast covers a variety of crime stories, including a man held captive by his roommates in Denver, a giant inflatable pumpkin causing chaos for Ohio cops, and a Mississippi man charged with the murders of three Southern California women.

00:01:41

Cleotha Abston Pleads Guilty to Kidnapping and Killing Memphis Teacher Eliza Fletcher

Cleotha Abston, the man accused of kidnapping and killing Memphis teacher Eliza Fletcher, has pleaded guilty to the charges. Abston faces life in prison without parole. Fletcher was forced into an SUV while jogging in September 2022 and her body was found days later. Abston's DNA was linked to the scene and an autopsy confirmed that Fletcher died from a gunshot wound to the head.

00:02:56

Mississippi Man Charged with Strangulation Murders of Three Southern California Women

Warren Luther Alexander, a 73-year-old man from Mississippi, has been charged with the strangulation murders of three Southern California women. The crimes date back to 1977. Alexander was linked to the cold cases through a DNA match. Authorities believe there may be additional victims.

00:05:05

Silver Alert Issued for Missing 72-Year-Old Woman with Dementia

Tony Williamson, a 72-year-old woman with dementia, went missing from her nursing home in Independence, Missouri. She was last seen wearing light blue jeans, a light blue or gray zip-up hoodie, and a face mask. Authorities are asking for the public's help in finding her.

Keywords

Q&A

• What happened to the man who was held captive by his roommates in Denver?

  The man was held captive for two days due to a dispute over money. His roommates refused to let him leave and eventually cut off his finger. He was able to escape and reported the incident to the police.

• How was Warren Luther Alexander linked to the murders of the three Southern California women?

  Alexander was linked to the cold cases through a DNA match. A DNA sample entered into a national database last year provided a match.

• What is a Silver Alert and why was one issued for Tony Williamson?

  A Silver Alert is a public safety notification system used to help locate missing elderly individuals. It was issued for Tony Williamson because she is 72 years old and has dementia. She went missing from her nursing home.

• What charges is Cleotha Abston facing for the kidnapping and murder of Eliza Fletcher?

  Cleotha Abston is facing charges of kidnapping and murder. He has pleaded guilty to the charges and faces life in prison without parole.

• What happened to the giant inflatable pumpkin in Ohio?

  The giant inflatable pumpkin flew from a yard and blocked traffic in Ohio. When an officer tried to remove it, the pumpkin knocked him to the ground. With backup, the officers were able to return the pumpkin to its owners, who plan to add extra ties to keep it down next year.

Show Notes