Hannah Graham Suspect Could Face Death Penalty

The man accused of abducting and killing Hannah Graham has been charged with capital murder and could face the death penalty, prosecutors have confirmed.

New forensic evidence has led to the latest indictment against Jesse Matthew, who was the last man to be seen with the British-born student before she went missing in Charlottesville, Virginia, in September 2014.

The 33-year-old, a former taxi driver, had already been charged with first-degree murder and abduction with intent to defile.

According to authorities the 18-year-old University of Virginia student - who was born in Reading - died from "homicidal violence".

She had left an off-campus party alone and then texted a friend saying she was lost.

In CCTV footage Hannah was seen walking and running unsteadily past a pub and a service station and then on to a block of bars, restaurants and shops.

Her remains were discovered in an area 12 miles away from the campus where she lived.

Matthew, who was shackled and handcuffed during the hearing, appeared expressionless as he sat in the dock.

Denise Lunsford, prosecuting, explained that several other factors in addition to forensic evidence played a part in the county's decision to pursue the death penalty.

"I would consider the nature of the offence, the history of the defendant and the exact nature of what happened," she said.

A hearing on 25 June will determine when Matthew will stand trial over Hannah Graham's murder.

The indictment comes after police claimed that forensic evidence also connects him to the murder of Morgan Harrington, a 20-year-old student at Virginia Tech, whose remains were found in a field in 2010. However, Matthew has not been charged in relation to this case.

On 8 June, Matthew will also stand trial charged with attempted murder and sexual assault in an unrelated case, which took place in Fairfax County back in 2005.