Hannah Graham Update: Suspect Jesse Leroy Matthew Jr. Held Without Bond
Eighteen-year-old Hannah Graham remains missing. However, the suspect in the student’s disappearance is now behind bars. On Wednesday, Jesse Leroy Matthew, Jr. was arrested in Galveston County, Texas. He is currently being held without bond, pending extradition to Virginia.
Although the suspect is in custody, Charlottesville Police Chief Timothy Longo said the “case is nowhere near over.” Most importantly, authorities are still trying to find out what happened to Hannah Graham.
The missing University of Virginia student was last seen on September 13. Charlottesville authorities were able to track her movements using surveillance footage and witness testimony.
According to reports, Hannah left the Tempo Restaurant & Bar with Jesse Leroy Matthew, Jr. at approximately 1:30 a.m. She was never heard from or seen again.
In an official statement, a spokesperson for the Tempo Restaurant & Bar admitted Matthew visited their establishment. However, they said Hannah Graham was “not seen inside and was never served.”
Instead, the spokesperson stated that Hannah stayed outside when Matthew entered the bar. She was “seen leaving with Matthew shortly thereafter.”
Following a search of Matthew’s vehicle and apartment, authorities identified Matthew as a person of interest. On Saturday, the suspect spoke with officers at the Charlottesville Police Department. However, he refused to answer questions about Hannah’s disappearance.
Authorities said Jesse Leroy Matthew, Jr. left the parking lot at a high rate of speed. Although several officers attempted to catch up, the suspect got away. He was later found inside a tent on a Galveston County beach.
Although he will eventually be extradited to Virginia, Matthew appeared in a Texas court on Thursday morning. During the hearing, the suspect declined legal representation. He is currently being held without bond.
Following his extradition to Virginia, Jesse Leroy Matthew will be represented by attorney James Camblos. He is facing charges of reckless operation and abduction with intent to defile. Matthew remains the only known suspect in the disappearance of Hannah Graham.
As reported by WTVR, authorities have “received more than 100 tips,” and volunteers have scoured the region for the missing teen. Unfortunately, Hannah has not been found. Authorities are now focusing their search efforts on wooded areas and open fields.
WRIC reports that the Tempo Restaurant & Bar underlined their commitment to cooperate in the investigation.
“Our focus remains on finding Hannah and returning her to her family, and neither the Tempo staff nor our friends and neighbors in this community will rest until that goal has been achieved.”
Although Jesse Leroy Matthew, Jr. is now in custody, authorities are continuing their search for the missing teen. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the tip line at 434-295-3851. The reward for any information leading to Hannah Graham’s current location is $100,000.
[Images via ABC News]
