Hannah Graham: Police Search Woods For Missing UVA Student
Hannah Graham has been missing for more than two weeks. Although a suspect was arrested and charged in her disappearance, the missing UVA student’s whereabouts remain unknown. Authorities believe Jesse Leroy Matthew Jr. was the last person to see Hannah. He is currently incarcerated on charges of kidnapping with intent to defile.
Following news of Hannah’s disappearance, Charlottesville police Chief Timothy J. Longo launched an extensive search of the region. Unfortunately, it appears that the 18-year-old student vanished without a trace.
Over the weekend, officials with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management combed a wooded area near U.S. 29. Chief Longo also asked local property owners to assist in the search.
As the region is located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountain range, many property owners have large and heavily wooded plots. Longo said “the response from property owners is overwhelming.” He further stated that the continued searches are “really critical” to the case.
On the evening of September 12, Hannah Graham joined friends for dinner and a party. According to witness reports, the teen left the party at around midnight. It was also reported that the teen was heavily intoxicated.
Authorities used surveillance footage, which was provided by local businesses, to create a timeline.
As reported by CNN, Hannah passed McGrady’s Pub at approximately 12:45 a.m. However, she did not go inside. Ten minutes later, the teen is seen jogging past a Shell gas station toward the Downtown Mall.
Hannah Graham arrived at the mall just after 1 a.m. Twenty minutes later, she exchanged text messages with a friend. In her last message, Hannah stated that she was lost.
At approximately 1:30 a.m. Hannah was approached by Jesse Leroy Matthew Jr. Witnesses said Hannah and Jesse traveled to the Tempo Bar, where they each had one drink. According to reports Hanna and Jesse left the bar together at approximately 2 a.m.
The missing UVA student was never seen or heard from again.
Authorities eventually identified Jesse Leroy Matthew Jr. as a “person of interest” in Hannah’s disappearance. Following a search of Jesse’s apartment and vehicle, authorities said they found evidence linking Jesse to the missing teen.
Although Jesse was arrested and charged in Hannah’s disappearance, he has refused to answer questions about the the morning of September 13.
As reported by News Advance, Hannah Graham has been missing for more than two weeks. However, detectives are not willing to give up hope. Search and rescue coordinator Mark Eggeman points to the case of Elizabeth Smart — who was kidnapped in 2002. Although she was eventually assumed to be dead, Elizabeth was found alive nine months after she vanished.
