CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — The man charged with abducting and killing a University of Virginia student is due in court.
Albemarle County Circuit Judge Cheryl Higgins will consider a defense request that she step down from the case at today’s hearing. Jesse Matthew Jr.’s attorney says in court papers that Higgins approved search warrants that will be challenged at trial. He also notes that the judge’s daughter attends the university.
If Higgins rejects the recusal motion, she may set a trial date.
Matthew is charged in the September abduction and slaying of 18-year-old Hannah Graham. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
Earlier this month, the 33- year-old Matthew was convicted of attempted capital murder, abduction and sexual assault in an unrelated 2005 case in Fairfax County. He’ll be sentenced in October.
The Times Record Sustaining Sponsor
We believe a community must be informed to thrive. bowdoin.edu
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less