Human Remains Found in Hunt for White Student Hannah Graham Feared Kidnapped by Black

NBC Washington
October 20, 2014

Hannah Graham has been missing for over a month now.
It is feared that the remains are those of Hannah Graham.

Virginia police said human remains have been found during the search for Hannah Graham, the University of Virginia student who has been missing for more than a month.

Volunteer searchers discovered the unidentified body at about noon Saturday in an “abandoned property” along Old Lynchburg Road in the Walnut Creek Park area of Albemarle County, authorities said at a Saturday evening press conference.

Charlottesville Police Chief Tim Longo said the remains would be taken to the office of Virginia’s Chief Medical Examiner for forensic testing and identification.

Longo said Graham’s parents had been notified of the discovery. He said volunteers working with Chesterfield County sheriff’s deputies were searching the property on Old Lynchburg Road when they discovered the remains.

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Jesse Leroy Matthew Jr is accused of being responsible for her disappearance.

Albemarle County Police Chief Steve Sellers said, “This, sadly, is now a death investigation. We will not jump to any conclusions after today’s discovery.”

In September, police charged 32-year-old Jesse Leroy Matthew Jr. with abduction with intent to defile in Graham’s disappearance. His attorney, Jim Camblos, issued a statement late Saturday night.

“I understand the search teams found remains on an abandoned farm in Albemarle County. We are waiting to see the results of the medical examiners autopsy. No further comment.”

Albemarle County Police now are asking anyone who saw suspicious activity or suspicious vehicles near Old Lynchburg Road to contact them at 434-296-5807. Neighbors in the area said they had been smelling a foul odor a few days ago.