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Jesse Matthew to face capital murder charges in U-Va. sophomore’s death
Jesse Matthew to face capital murder charges in U-Va. sophomore’s deathEducation
By T. Rees Shapiro May 5
@TReesShapiro
CHARLOTTESVILLE — The man accused of abducting and killing University of Virginia sophomore Hannah Graham last fall will now face a charge of capital murder in the case, meaning that if he is convicted he could face the death penalty.
Jesse L. Matthew Jr., 33, had been charged with first-degree murder in Graham’s slaying, and the charges were upgraded at a court hearing in this college town on Tuesday. Homicides in Virginia can be charged as capital murders when there are allegations of aggravating factors, including abduction or sexual assault.
Graham, 18, of Fairfax County, Va., went missing in September from an outdoor mall near the U-Va. campus, and Matthew was the last person seen with her. Her body was found in a wooded area about 10 miles from campus weeks later, and Matthew was charged with her killing. ... Authorities have alleged that Matthew abducted Graham “with intent to defile,” indicating that police believe he intended to sexually assault Graham.
....
Matthew also is facing charges related to a sexual assault from nearly a decade ago. He is awaiting trial on charges that he attacked and attempted to kill a woman in Fairfax City in 2005; authorities have said that they found Matthew’s DNA under one of the victim’s fingernails.
By T. Rees Shapiro May 5
@TReesShapiro
CHARLOTTESVILLE — The man accused of abducting and killing University of Virginia sophomore Hannah Graham last fall will now face a charge of capital murder in the case, meaning that if he is convicted he could face the death penalty.
Jesse L. Matthew Jr., 33, had been charged with first-degree murder in Graham’s slaying, and the charges were upgraded at a court hearing in this college town on Tuesday. Homicides in Virginia can be charged as capital murders when there are allegations of aggravating factors, including abduction or sexual assault.
Graham, 18, of Fairfax County, Va., went missing in September from an outdoor mall near the U-Va. campus, and Matthew was the last person seen with her. Her body was found in a wooded area about 10 miles from campus weeks later, and Matthew was charged with her killing. ... Authorities have alleged that Matthew abducted Graham “with intent to defile,” indicating that police believe he intended to sexually assault Graham.
....
Matthew also is facing charges related to a sexual assault from nearly a decade ago. He is awaiting trial on charges that he attacked and attempted to kill a woman in Fairfax City in 2005; authorities have said that they found Matthew’s DNA under one of the victim’s fingernails.
