Black Kidnapper of White Woman Linked to Previous Abduction and Murder of White Woman

WJLA
September 30, 2014

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Morgan Harrington was abducted from a Metallica concert in 2009.

A forensic link has been established between the man suspected of abducting University of Virginia student Hannah Graham and the disappearance of Virginia Tech student Morgan Harrington five years ago, the Virginia State Police confirmed Monday.

“Last week, the arrest of Jesse L. Matthew Jr., 32, of Charlottesville, Va., provided a significant break in this case with a new forensic link for state police investigators to pursue,” VSP spokeswoman Corinne Geller said an an e-mail to ABC7 News.

Geller did not indicate exactly what that evidence is – or whether it sheds any light on what Matthew may or may not have done with Harrington.

“There is a still a great deal of work to be done in regards to this investigation and we appreciate the public’s patience as we move forward,” Geller said, urging anyone who may have information on the Harrington case to contact VSP at 434-352-3467 or the Jefferson Area Crime Stoppers at 434-977-4000.

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Hannah Graham was abducted 2 weeks ago.

Harrington disappeared in Richmond in October 2009 after attending a concert at the University of Virginia; her body was found three months later.

Graham, meanwhile, has not been seen in two weeks. Matthew was the last person seen with Graham prior to her disappearance, according to police.

“Right now, the public’s focus needs to remain on helping Charlottesville Police locate and bring Hannah Graham home,” Geller said.

Matthew was arrested in Texas last week after police searched his car and apartment. He has been extradited back to Virginia, where he is expected to face a court hearing later this week on a charge of abduction with intent to defile.