Charlottesville, Va. (WRIC) — Jesse Matthew Jr. was in court on Thursday. He’s the man accused in the abduction and murder of both UVA student Hannah Graham and Virginia Tech student Morgan Harrington.
The hearing in Albemarle Circuit Court was brief. Attorneys talked about the progress of both cases as they move forward.
The Commonwealth’s attorney also asked the judge to extend a deadline.
Even though it was a hearing that addressed dates and procedural issues, Morgan Harrington’s parents still made the two hour drive from Roanoke to be here.
Gil Herrington has been at almost every Jesse Matthew hearing since he was arrested 15 months ago. She says it’s her duty to show up in honor of her murdered daughter Morgan.
We asked the Harrington’s if this Christmas will be any different knowing that the man accused of killing Morgan six years ago is finally charged with the devastating crime.
“It has given us some psychic release,” explained Morgan’s Mom, Gil. “You know for all of us, it’s not quite as angsty as it was and I feel more progress towards the possibility of celebration and joy than we have in six years.”
This was the last time Commonwealth’s Attorney Denise Lunsford will participate in either case against Jesse Matthew. She lost last month’s election, and her successor Robert Tracci takes office on January first. He has been in the courtroom for the past couple of hearings.
The Harrington’s are hopeful the change won’t impact their case.
