ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. -- Accused murderer Jesse Matthew Jr. is due in court Monday for what is considered a last-minute hearing, compared to his other court appearances. Court documents indicated Matthew was scheduled to appear before an Albemarle County judge Monday at noon.
Matthew faces two first-degree murder charges. One charge is in relation to the 2014 abduction and murder of 18-year-old University of Virginia student Hannah Graham. The second for the 2009 abduction and murder of 20-year-old Virginia Tech student Morgan Harrington. Harrington was attending a concert at the University of Virginia when she was killed.
Hannah Graham (left) and Morgan Harringon
Originally, Matthew was due back in court December 17 for a hearing on the Harrington case, but his defense team recently wrote a letter to the judge that indicated there was now no need to have that December 17 hearing. In the past, Matthew's hearings have been scheduled weeks and even months in advance, but Monday's hearing came with just a few days notice.
Matthew is scheduled to go on trial for the death of Graham in July 2016. His trial in the death of Harrington is scheduled for October 2016.
Earlier this year, Matthew was convicted of the 2005 rape and attempted murder of a woman in Fairfax, Virginia. Matthew was given three life sentences for that 2005 crime.
Laura French will be inside the courtroom Monday and will have updates throughout the day.
