Jesse Matthew Defense Wants to Delay Murder Trial to Hire DNA Expert

The defense lawyer for Jesse Matthew Jr., 33, charged with the murder of University of Virginia student Hannah Graham, is hoping to delay his trial so they can have extra time to find a DNA expert, according to Lee Catlin, Assistant County Executive in Albemarle County, Va.

The 18-year-old student’s body was found at an abandoned farm in the county after she went missing.

Matthew’s lawyer, Jim Camblos, has filed a Motion for Appointment of a DNA Expert and a Motion for Continuance.

A judge will likely address the request at a hearing scheduled for Wednesday morning in Charlottesville, according to Catlin.

On Monday, Feb. 2, the Grand Jury for Albemarle County returned two indictments against Matthew in connection with the Sept. 13 disappearance and death of Graham, Denise Lunsford, Commonwealth’s Attorney for Albemarle County, said in a statement at the time.

Matthew was charged with First Degree Murder of Graham and Abduction with Intent to Defile Graham, she said. The maximum penalty for each is life in prison, according to the statement.

Matthew, a Charlottesville native, was brought before a judge and formally charged Feb. 4, at Albemarle County Circuit Court.

Matthew also awaits trial on charges from a 2005 rape case in Fairfax City.

Also read:

• Jesse Matthew Charged with First Degree Murder in UVA Case
• Jesse Matthew to Be Charged with First Degree Murder: Report
• Jesse Matthew Pleads Not Guilty to 2005 Fairfax Rape Charges
• Jesse Matthew Booked Into Fairfax County Adult Detention Center; Hearing Friday
• VIDEO: Charlottesville, Albemarle Police Discuss Discovery of Human Remains
• Remains Found in Hannah Graham Investigation
• Hannah Graham’s Parents Release Statement
• VIDEO: Parents of Missing UVA Student Hannah Graham: ‘Help Us End This Nightmare’
• State Police Link Jesse Matthew to 2009 College Student Murder
• Suspect in Hannah Graham Disappearance Won’t Fight Extradition from Texas
• Police Charge Jesse Matthew with ‘Abduction, Attempt to Defile’ in Hannah Graham Case
• Police Issue Wanted Poster for ‘Person of Interest’ in Missing College Student Case
• Missing College Student’s Parents: ‘This Is Every Parent’s Worst Nightmare’
• Charlottesville Police Reveal Name of ‘Person of Interest’ to Media in Hannah Graham Case, No Charges Filed
• Police: Missing College Student Hannah Graham Left Bar with ‘Person of Interest’
• Police Execute Search Warrants in Connection with Missing UVA Student Hannah Graham
• UVA Holds ‘Bring Hannah Back’ Candlelight Vigil
• Charlottesville Police Offer Description of ‘Person of Interest’ in College Student Disappearance
• Security Video Shows Missing UVA College Student Hannah Graham
• New Videos Provide Clues to College Student’s Disappearance
• Family of Missing College Student, Hannah Graham, Issues Statement
• Missing College Student’s Last Text: ‘I’m Lost, Come Find Me’
• Police: West Potomac High School Grad Reported Missing at UVA

PHOTOS: UVA sophomore Hannah Graham, family photo via Facebook; Jesse Matthew booking photo