Jesse Matthew identified as ‘Person of Interest’ in Hannah Graham case
As the family cries out for Hannah Graham’s safe return, police have identified the Person of Interest in the cast, naming Jesse Matthew.
“I believe Jesse Matthew was the last person she was seen with before she vanished off the face of the Earth,” Charlottesville Police Chief Timothy Longo said in a press conference on Sept. 21, according to CNN . “We want to talk to him.”
As part of the investigation and search for the eighteen-year-old University of Virginia student, authorities have searched Jesse’s apartment and car, but did not reveal any information. Jesse went to a police station and immediately asked for a lawyer, the police chief said. Jesse and his lawyer spoke and then left the station.
Police have obtained an arrest warrant for Jesse on suspicion of reckless driving, the outlet reports.
“I hope and pray that we might have an opportunity to talk to Jesse Matthew again because I think he can help up find Hannah Graham,” the police chief said.
Jesse, who is reportedly a University of Virginia nursing assistant, allegedly confirmed he met the UVA sophomore in Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall on the night she went missing, Sept. 12, and bought her drinks at a local bar, Daily Mail reports.
Jesse allegedly told his mother that Hannah did not get in his car and that the pair “went their separate ways” after having drinks together at the bar.
“I have been talking with his mother. He said he went his way and she went hers. He told his mother he bought her some drinks. He said she did not get into his car. The girl went her way and he went his,” Jesse’s grandmother, Christine Carr, told Daily Mail on Sept. 20.
Christine says she instantly recognized her grandson, who is often referred to as “LJ,” when she watched the video released by police investigating Hannah’s disappearance.
“I saw the video tape. That is him, that is LJ. The police went through his car and his apartment. They took away his car and three bags out of his apartment,” she allegedly told the site.
Other acquaintances reportedly confirmed Christine’s story.
“That’s definitely him!” one close friend said, Daily Mail reports. “He is always wearing those dumb shorts.”
CBS 6 has great coverage on the Monday press conference – check that out HERE
