Missing University Of Virginia Student Hannah Graham’s Remains Have Been Identified

The remains University of Virginia student Hannah Graham, who has been missing September 13, have recently been identified and confirmed by the coroner’s office.

According to an earlier report from The Inquisitr, University of Virginia student Hannah Graham, of Alexandria, Virginia, was last seen on several surveillance cameras around 2 a.m. on September 13 in Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall area.

University of Virginia student Hannah Graham was last seen leaving the Tempo Bar. She appears to have been followed by a man believed to be the prime suspect in her disappearance. Video shows the 18-year-old Graham, a sophomore at University of Virginia, being followed by a man believed to be Jesse Matthew Jr., 32.

CNN reports that Jesse Matthew has been indicted by a grand jury on a 2005 sexual assault that includes abduction and attempted murder.

The Albemarle County Police Department tweeted late Friday that remains discovered Saturday are those of the University of Virginia student.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Graham family & Hannah’s friends during this incredibly difficult time,” the police department tweeted in a separate post. “Please respect their privacy.”

“We remain committed to this investigation and will work to ensure that justice is served,” they tweeted.

“We are devastated by the loss of our beautiful daughter,” the parents of the University of Virginia student wrote. “Although we have lost our precious Hannah, the light she radiated can never be extinguished. We will hold it in our hearts forever and it will help sustain us as we face a painful future without her. We are so very proud of Hannah and all that she achieved.”

The remains were discovered six miles from where the body of 20-year-old Virginia Tech student Morgan Harrington was found after she also vanished in 2009. Police have said forensic evidence connects Matthew to Harrington’s killing, which is linked by DNA to a 2005 sexual assault in northern Virginia. Matthew has been charged in that case as well. He is currently being held in Charlottesville for the Graham abduction.

Charlottesville and University of Virginia is devastated by Graham’s disappearance and the fact that her remains have been identified. This news has resulted in vigils across the state.

[Image via NBC]