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12/22/2024 02:05:16 pm

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Suspect for Missing U.Va. Student Case Arrested

Suspect Arrested In Missing Student Case

(Photo : Reuters) The police have arrested Jesse Matthew, the man believed to have abducted University of Virginia sophomore student Hannah Graham

Police have arrested Jesse L "LJ" Matthew, the man who allegedly abducted the missing University of Virginia  sophomore student Hannah Graham, in Galvestone, Texas on Wednesday. 

Authorities said Matthew will be taken to Charlottesville where he will be facing the charge "abduction with intent to defile".

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Matthew, 32, was charged Tuesday with kidnapping Graham with the intention of sexually assaulting the 18-year-old student who went missing on the night of Sept. 13.

Legal analysts said the charge implies that the police gathered sufficient evidence to  prove that Matthew took Graham against her will or that she was in a state where she couldn't have given her consent. However, the information pertaining to these allegations have not been disclosed by the police.

The Galveston County Sheriff said that Matthew was arrested Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. in a Gilchrist beach located on the Bolivar peninsula. Reports describe Gilchrist as a residential area and beachfront resort between Galveston Bay and the Gulf. Officials did not give details on Matthew's arrest or where he was going when he was captured.

Police chief Timothy Longo said that they will continue the search for Graham who has been missing for 13 days now. He said the case isn't close to being over. Moreover, the reward for her safe return now stands at $100,000.

James L, Camblos, III, the lawyer for Matthew, said Wednesday night that the family is relieved that the suspect has been found and will be coming back to Virginia. The family expressed gratitude that their prayers have been answered.

Reports stated that the police want to speak with Matthew to gather information on the location of Graham as an extensive search for the missing student has turned up almost no relevant information on her whereabouts. Police have searched the car and house of Matthew and collected some items, such as clothes, which were sent to the crime lab in Richmond.

Charlottesville police have pressed charges against Matthew based on the evidence sent to the experts in the the crime lab. However, no further details were provided regarding the items analyzed. 

Legal experts said that Matthew had been wanted  on the charge of "abduction with intent to defile", a felony that carries a maximum life sentence upon conviction.

However, analysts claim that the the "intent" would be difficult to prove and the proceedings would require the prosecutors to present evidence that the abductor "planned" to kidnap the victim and sexually molest her.

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