The longtime suspect in the killing of University of Virginia student Hannah Graham who went missing last September and was found dead days after, has already been indicted on charges of first degree murder, abduction with intent to defile, and reckless driving on Monday.

Jesse Matthew Jr., a former taxi driver, was indicted by Denise Lunsford, the Albemarle County Commonwealth's attorney. The latter said the suspect was initially charged with abduction with intent to defile and reckless driving due to evading officers as he fled from officers who wanted to bring him in for questioning regarding the case of Graham.

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Lunsford noted that it has been difficult for the family of Graham and the murder and abduction of the student has already been brought to justice since Matthew was indicted for the crimes. Critics are saying that he should have been charged with capital murder and sentenced to death.

Lunsford explained that the jury had decided it was substantial to charge him only with first degree murder thus his punishment is only twenty years or life in prison. It has not been finalized yet how many years will he be spending behind bars.  

However, Appomattox County chief prosecutor Darrel Puckett said a factor considered in the murder charges was the automatic appeal in Virginia regarding death penalty cases. Puckett noted that a prosecutor would still seek advice from different people who could weigh ithe decision such as the family of Graham.

Pucket also said they have to decide what would be best for the interests of everyone involved.

Graham was last seen with Matthew leaving a bar in Charlottesville on September 13, based on footages from different CCTVs all over town. Graham's body was found on October 18 at an abandoned property in Albemarle County, Virginia.

TagsJesse Matthew Jr., Hannah Graham, Rape, Murder, University of Virginia