A Tennessee man has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the murder of kindergarten teacher Eliza Fletcher.

A man accused of killing a Memphis kindergarten teacher in 2022 was sentenced to life in prison without parole after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including first-degree murder and aggravated kidnapping.

The man, 40-year-old Cleota Abston, was expected to stand trial starting on February 10 next year but waived his right to appeal on Monday. statement released by Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy, bringing to an end a more than two-year case.

“Today’s agreement becomes final for the family,” Mulroy said in a statement. “It also helps the community because this dangerous man will never walk our streets again. He will die in prison,” he added.

Eliza Fletcher, a mother and kindergarten teacher at St. Mary’s Episcopal School, disappeared while on her morning run on September 2, 2022. When she did not return home, her husband called the police.

According to video surveillance received According to CNN, Fletcher was chased by a man, later identified as Abston, near the University of Memphis at approximately 4 a.m. She was then forced into the passenger seat of a black SUV.

The affidavit says the SUV remained parked for four minutes before it was removed.

Abston was arrested the next day after police found the car near his home. According to investigators, he tried to escape, but was detained. Three days later, Fletcher’s body was found behind empty complex 20 minutes from where she was kidnapped.

DNA found on a pair of sandals found near the abduction scene helped investigators identify and arrest Abston, according to the affidavit.

Mulroy said the case has “deeply shocked the community.” IN statement Released by prosecutors Monday, Fletcher’s family addressed Abston directly, saying, “You changed our lives forever and nothing will ever be the same.”

“You killed Lisa, although she did nothing to deserve it,” they said. “She didn’t hurt you. In fact, she would be the first one to help if you needed it.

For more CNN news and newsletters, create an account at CNN.com