Jesse Matthew Jr., a suspect in the disappearance of University of Virginia sophomore Hannah Graham, was denied bond and is expected to be extradited to Virginia on Friday. The search for Graham continues.
“Everyone realizes the more time goes by, the more difficult this is going to be for everyone. I can’t lose hope until I have to, until I need to,” Charlottesville Police Chief Timothy Longo said at a news conference.
Matthew, 32, was arrested Wednesday at a Texas beach about 1,300 miles away from the disappearance of Graham, who was believed to be seen with Matthew in surveillance video about two weeks ago. He is charged with abduction with intent to defile.
Matthew’s father,
Jesse Matthew Sr., told CNN affiliate WTVR about his son.
"For a big man, he's as gentle as they come," he said. "The only thing I could see, him, maybe trying to give the girl a ride or help her out. To kill or hurt somebody, that's not my son."
Matthew was questioned in connection with an alleged sexual assault in 2002, CNN reported. No charges were filed in that case.
Police have asked property owners and real estate agents in Charlottesville to search for any signs of the missing teen.
Employees at Tempo Restaurant in Charlottesville reportedly saw Graham, who appeared to be drunk, outside the restaurant and
saw her leave with Matthew, The Washington Post reported.
Twitter users expressed horror about the story.
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