Before dawn on September 13^th, 18-year-old Hannah Graham, University of Virginia sophomore, went missing after last being seen on a surveillance camera in the Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall area. As investigators searched camera video clips and witness statements, Jesse Matthew, 33, became a suspect in her murder and was taken into custody for questioning on September 24^th. In October, authorities discovered a skull and bones that were matched to Graham on abandoned property eight miles from where she was last seen.  After fleeing from the Virginia police station, Matthew was found on a beach in Galveston County, Texas.

“These indictments signal the beginning of the next phase in what has been an incredibly difficult process for the family of Hannah Graham, for our community and for the men and women of the many departments and agencies who have worked on this matter since September of last year,” reported Attorney Denise Lunsford.

Authorities have decided not to charge Matthew with capital murder, which would result in a death sentence if he was convicted. Darrel Puckett, chief prosecutor in Appomattox County, made the final decision in decline capital offense in concern of any convictions potentially being reversed. Adding onto his previous charges, Matthew has also been charged two counts of reckless driving and is suspected in being involved with previous disappearances and killings of multiple other women.

“You can’t allow emotion to rule, you have to do what’s in the best interests of everyone involved,” reported Puckett.

One of which involving the disappearance of 17-year-old Alexis Murphy was disappeared in 2013 and whose body has not yet been found, but officials say there has not yet been a discovery of connection between the two cases. The Graham family has been through a very rough obstacle throughout these past months and is staying involved in every step of the process.

“I have discussed this matter with the Grahams on many occasions, and they are aware of the indictments,” Lunsford added on during a report with CNN.

Dating back to 2005, a sexual assault case was lifted to the surface and was added to the previous charges as well. A 26-year-old woman was leaving a grocery store and grabbed from behind by an unknown attacker, but a passerby scared off the assaulter. Although this happened many years ago, Matthew is believed to be the attacker. Throughout the Virginia area, multiple women have been reported missing over the years and officials have begun to look into more depth of Matthew’s potential involvement, but are solely focused in the Graham case.

“It’s hard to say which one will go first. The cases are sort of connected, it really doesn’t matter which one goes first,” Lunsford added into her statement.

With the opening of this case, friends and family are experiencing a very rough time with new details being brought to the surface. Prosecutors have begun to organize and prepare for the trial awaiting them. Craig Magniglia, Hannah’s high school softball coach and longtime friend of the family, hopes that with the charging of the crime there will be some closure for the Graham family.

“Once convicted, my hope is that Mr. Matthew will not go free and be in a position to harm innocent young women ever again,” Magniglia commented to reporters.

FSA Connection Questions:

1. According to the article, what area of Texas was Matthews found and taken into custody?
2. What is the main idea of this article?
3. Based on your answer from question two, chose two sentences that support your idea//
4. How were officials able to discover the connection between Matthews and previous unsolved crimes?
5. Why was Matthews not charged with a capital murder charge?