Connect with us

Preparedness

Tennessee Criminal Receives 80-Year Sentence: Justice for Alicia Franklin

Published

on

Cleotha Abston, a man whose name has been synonymous with shocking crimes in Tennessee, has recently been handed an 80-year prison sentence. Abston gained notoriety in September 2022, when he was taken into custody over his alleged involvement in the abduction and subsequent murder of Eliza Fletcher, a billionaire heiress and mother of two. The horrifying series of events included Fletcher being forced into a black SUV, an act caught on surveillance video.

Fletcher, a 34-year-old kindergarten teacher, had been out jogging on Central Avenue in Memphis when she was kidnapped. Her lifeless body was discovered days later near an unoccupied duplex.

A year prior to the Fletcher incident, in September 2021, Abston reportedly committed another horrendous act. He allegedly kidnapped and sexually assaulted another woman, known as Alicia Franklin, at gunpoint. On a recent Friday, a court sentenced him to 80 years in prison for the crimes against Franklin.

Abston received 40 years for aggravated rape, 20 years for aggravated kidnapping, and 20 years for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. He chose to waive his right to a formal sentence hearing. Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Lee Coffee decided that these sentences would be served consecutively.

Judge Coffee shared a chilling detail with the courtroom.
“When this defendant placed a gun to her face, to her neck and told her quote ‘BLEEP’ if you say anything or move, I will kill you.’ This is especially troubling.”

Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman expressed his commitment to justice in a statement following the ruling.
“We’ve been committed to justice for Alicia Franklin and Liza Fletcher since the awful crimes against them. My office asked for, and he received an 80-year maximum sentence with no possibility of parole.”

Hagerman further insisted on the importance of a severe sentence for Abston.
“His violent history and these crimes demand sentences that ensure he’ll get out of prison, ever,” Hagerman continued. “This sentence alone ensures that — but we are not done.”

The arrest of Abston, now aged 40, occurred a full year after his alleged crimes against Franklin, and only in the wake of Fletcher’s tragic death. His criminal record, unbelievably, dates back to when he was only 12 years old. Over his lifetime, he has been involved in more than 30 infractions.

Fletcher’s autopsy reported a fatal gunshot wound to the head, along with injuries to her right leg and jaw. As for the case involving Fletcher’s kidnapping and murder, Abston’s trial is slated to begin on June 17.

Prosecutors have made it clear they will seek the death penalty if Abston is convicted of first-degree murder in relation to Fletcher’s death. As the legal proceedings move forward, the hope for justice for these victims remains resolute.


What measures should be taken to prevent repeat offenders from getting access to firearms?

Watch a local news report about the incident below:

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Source

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Preparedness

Homeowner Jailed After Confronting Alleged Squatter in Her Home

Published

on

A Georgia homeowner found herself in an unexpected legal predicament after confronting an alleged squatter in her property. Loletha Hale, who owns a house in Livingston, Georgia, had been dealing with a squatter situation since August, according to her account to WSB-TV. Despite her attempts to resolve the issue, it was Hale who ended up in jail.

Hale’s troubles began when she discovered Sakemeyia Johnson residing in her home with a former tenant. The tenant had previously been evicted, and Johnson initially received a citation for squatting. However, a court later ruled that “Sakemeyia Johnson is not a squatter,” despite Hale’s insistence that Johnson was never a tenant.

On December 9, Hale entered her house to prepare it for a new renter and encountered Johnson once more. Hale claimed that Johnson had “broken the locks” to gain access. She stated, “She just caught up out of nowhere. She had this guy with her, and I locked the door. I locked the screen door, and he forced himself in telling us to get out.”

Despite Hale’s efforts to have Johnson charged with trespassing, it was Hale who was arrested. Police body cam footage captured an officer explaining to Hale that not everyone is as fortunate as she is, saying, “Everybody isn’t as fortunate as you to have a bed.”

Johnson, on the other hand, maintained, “I was written a citation saying I was a squatter. But a judge signed an order saying that I wasn’t a squatter.” The police arrested Hale on charges of executing an illegal eviction and making terroristic threats, as she was heard saying, “leave before I get my gun.”

Hale expressed her disbelief at the situation, stating, “To see that woman walk into my mom’s house while I was in the police car, something is wrong with this picture. Something is inherently wrong with this picture.” She also questioned, “How can she not be squatting when I’ve never had any type of contract relationship with this person.”

Reflecting on her arrest, Hale described the experience as humiliating, saying, “I spent the night on a mat on a concrete floor in deplorable conditions. While this woman, this squatter slept in my home.” She is uncertain when she will be able to return to her property, as she awaits a hearing for Johnson’s appeal, despite Johnson not meeting the statutory requirements for one.

Hale remains in a state of limbo, unsure of when she will regain access to her home, and continues to seek legal resolution to the situation.


What is your opinion of the homeowner confronting the squatter in her own home?

Watch a local news report about the incident below:

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Source

Continue Reading

Preparedness

Teen’s Carjacking Attempt Teaches Suspect A Hard Lesson

Published

on

In a startling turn of events in Raleigh, North Carolina, a 17-year-old’s attempt at carjacking quickly unraveled, demonstrating the risks involved when targeting armed citizens. The incident unfolded on a Sunday night, with the young suspect’s plans going awry almost immediately.

The teenager, armed and dangerous, initiated the carjacking in the Red Roof Inn parking lot along Arrow Road. Despite his aggressive approach, the suspect’s aim left much to be desired. “Well, would y’all look at it — a free notice to all wannabe carjackers!” a commenter remarked on social media. The intended victim, a man, emerged unscathed, largely due to the suspect’s poor marksmanship.

Crucially, the victim was not defenseless. He had his own firearm and was prepared to use it. According to police reports, the man returned fire, successfully wounding the teen. The suspect was subsequently transported to a hospital, where he was treated for injuries that were not life-threatening.

The community’s response to the incident has been supportive of the victim’s actions. “Glad [the] victim was able to defend himself,” one commenter noted, reflecting a broader sentiment of approval for self-defense in such dangerous situations. Another individual expressed satisfaction that the victim fought back, stating, “Glad to see someone fighting back with these punk[s].”

As the investigation continues, charges are pending against the young suspect. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences for those who engage in criminal activities, especially in areas where citizens are armed and ready to protect themselves.


What is your opinion on the role of gun ownership in personal safety during attempted crimes like carjacking?

Watch a local news report about the incident below:

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Source

Continue Reading

Preparedness

Homeowner’s Christmas Night Defense Sparks Debate in Tight-Knit Community

Published

on

In the early hours following Christmas Day, a tragic incident unfolded in Madison, Indiana, when a homeowner reportedly shot and killed two intruders. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office received a distress call at 3:48 a.m. on December 26 from a resident on North Bulldog Drive. The caller, who claimed to have shot two individuals who had broken into his home, brought attention to a situation that has left the community on edge.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered the bodies of Dalton Keith Skirvin, 27, and Kaleb Adam Skirvin, 29, both of whom were brothers and residents of Madison. Their past records reveal that Dalton had faced multiple charges related to theft and burglary in 2017 and 2018.

A neighbor, Heather, who resides a few houses away from the scene, described the homeowner as a “friendly guy, never had any issues with him. Sweet neighbor.” Having lived in the area for nearly two decades, Heather emphasized the close-knit nature of the community, noting that everyone knows each other. She also mentioned that she went to school with the Skirvin brothers.

The neighborhood has experienced a series of break-ins recently, with one occurring just days before the fatal shooting at the same residence. Charles Pruitt, who lives across the street, recounted a conversation with the homeowner a few nights prior. “He called me and told me that somebody broke into his garage,” Pruitt shared.

Reflecting on the incident, Pruitt expressed his concerns: “It’s scary. Could have been my house they broke into.” This sentiment resonates with other residents who have chosen to remain off-camera but acknowledge the growing unease due to the recent burglaries.

As the investigation continues, it remains uncertain whether the homeowner will face any charges related to the incident. The community, while grappling with the aftermath, is left to ponder the delicate balance between self-defense and the tragic loss of life.


Do you believe homeowners should have the right to use lethal force to protect their property from intruders?

Watch a local news report about the incident below:

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Source

Continue Reading

Trending

" "