Eve of Anniversary Of Harrington Murder: Hannah Graham Still Missing, Jesse Matthew Not Talking
“It is heart-breaking for us that the person or persons who know where Hannah is have not come forward with that information, “It is within their power both to end this nightmare for all, and to relieve the searchers of their arduous task.” – John and Sue Graham on October 13, the one month anniversary of their daughter Hannah’s disappearance.
Hannah Graham Facebook
“…The gentleman with whom I spoke worked as a bouncer at a restaurant and bar where Jesse Matthew was a regular this past summer. And he told me, he said Coy, I had to ban him for about two months because I was concerned about the safety of the young women in the bar…” – Coy Barefoot to Wolf Blitzer, CNN
Jesse Leroy Matthew awaits his first court appearance behind the walls of Albemarle County Regional Jail on charges he abducted 2nd year UVA student Hannah Graham- with the intent to defile. Matthew’s preliminary hearing is currently scheduled for December. Matthew is represented by former Commonwealth prosecutor Jim Camblos. Camblos says that very little evidence against his client has been shared with him.
Matthew was investigated at least twice between 2002 and 2003 for rape allegations involving two female students at Liberty University and Christopher Newport University respectively. No charges were filed in either case however, Matthew’s scholarship was revoked to Liberty and he was expelled the same day of the Liberty U incident- October 17, 2002.
Seven years later to the day- Morgan Dana Harrington would come in contact with Matthew outside of the JPJ arena. It is presumed Harrington made arrangements to secure a ride, or “fare” in Matthew’s gold minivan taxi. On November 5, 2009 a resident of the apartments at 15th & Grady reported what he recognized as Harrington’s Pantera shirt- the one she was last seen wearing the evening of her disappearance- draped over a bush. Charlottesville Police retrieved the shirt and forensic testing confirmed that it was indeed the tee belonging to Morgan Harrington- a gift from her bestie Sarah Snead who had positively identified it to Cville detectives from a photo.
Morgan Harrington courtesy of the Harrington Family
Testing also revealed a DNA profile of an African American male suspect of a brutal, unsolved rape that occurred in Fairfax, VA on September 24, 2005. The victim, whose identity is being withheld as a victim of a sexual assault , was choked unconscious after enduring a vicious beating which was mercifully interrupted by a passerby.
Morgan Dana Harrington’s mostly skeletonized remains were found in a hay-hollow the morning of January 26th, 2010. Morgan had been pulverized by her attacker- according to Morgan’s Mother, Gilbert (Gil) Harrington- she had also been raped.
By July 2010, police and the FBI had a face, physical description, similar victimization pattern and a DNA match-but no name. That changed on September 25th, 2014.
Following the discovery of Matthew’s old cab located on what police will only disclose as “a farm in Albemarle county” the Virginia State Police phoned the Harrington’s the following Sunday afternoon. Jesse Leroy Matthew, Jr. known to friends as just “LJ”, was forensically linked to the murder of Morgan Harrington (translation : he owns the DNA located on her tee shirt found on the bush). While Fairfax investigators have not confirmed his connection to the DNA recovered in their unsolved rape case, sources inside the investigation who do not have permission to speak officially have confirmed that Matthew’s DNA is a solid match. Those sources also say that Jessie’s cab has yielded additional direct evidence in the Harrington murder.
A flurry of false reports that Matthew was the target of a 2009 interview regarding the Harrington disappearance caused Corrine Geller, VSP Public Information Officer to go on the record:
“Inaccurate information was released today by certain media outlets citing unnamed “sources” regarding the Morgan Harrington investigation. Jesse L. Matthew Jr. was never interviewed in 2009 by state police in connection with the Morgan Harrington investigation.”
“Right now the disappearance and death of Morgan are the core focus of the Virginia State Police investigation. Release of information from anyone other than the Virginia State Police concerning this case is not official nor factually confirmed. The Harrington family and public deserve accurate representation of the facts of this case. State police will release new information at a time and in a manner that does not jeopardize the integrity of this ongoing, complex criminal investigation.”
A correction as to who interviewed Matthew appeared to claim that Charlottesville Police interviewed him PRIOR to Harrington’s case in an unrelated criminal matter. How do I already know what that “unrelated criminal matter” alleged?
On this eve of the 5 year anniversary of the disappearance and murder of Morgan Harrington one can presume that inquiry will be on the minds of many. Many wanting to know how “LJ” seemingly ran untethered through various counties of Virginia, PA, NC, and MD eluding multiple charges of rape- and four months prior to Harrington’s abduction and murder grand larceny, assault and battery.
As a felony conviction in VA, Matthew’s DNA would have been taken and submitted into the database where a hit to the 2005 Fairfax assault was waiting.
P.Erik Wilke, Charlottesville Attorney, in an interview with Hawes Spencer contends that the prosecutor in the June 2009 incident asked him if he would be ok with dropping those charges and allowing Matthew to plead guilty to trespassing- a misdemeanor. The 6’2” 260lb “gentle giant” as several friends and classmates have referred to him was able to slip through a hole in the legal fence yet again- after cornering, stealing the phone and splitting the lip of an Attorney and Director of Rivanna Conservancy. Wilke claimed Matthew was remorseful and after helping him locate his glasses, drove him to the hospital where he received 2 stiches. Wilke was located through court records involving the incident and when interviewed claimed he did not even remember Matthew’s name.
Nature Nurture Nowhere
LJ Matthew- a lifelong resident of bordering Virgina counties at one time or another by all accounts had a difficult and impoverished childhood. LJ and sister Latasha (Nicky) Matthew attended school with some of Albemarle county’s wealthiest and legacy land-owning families. Matthew attended special education classes and what he lacked perhaps in learning ability he had State champion athletic ability at first Charlotteville HS and then Monticello HS. Matthew won a full scholarship to Liberty University- a NCAA Division 1 football player. He lasted 3 seasons. Requests to the NCAA to review Matthew’s eligibility applications to include his GPA, SAT and ACT scores in compliance with NCAA scholarship and player eligibility verifications were denied citing “student records are Federally exempt from disclosure.”
In short, you can bet that a review of Matthew’s eligibility in light of the PSU debacle, as well as the recent NFL Ray Rice entanglements is underway.
When Matthew was approached by a Galveston deputy while pitching his blue tent on the same grounds that were near at least one dump site of famed sick and twisted serial killer , he told the officer his name was George Carr, and that his date of birth was 12/16/1984. A review of several of LJ Matthew’s High School sports records show he used the name Matthews. Court records show some misdemeanor offences for LJ’s father also under the name Matthews- with an s.
Charges for lying to that cop are pending, but what is keenly interesting about what he said is the “Carr” family, specifically descendants before and following George Carr- are connected as far back as the Thomas Jefferson era and are connected to Morgan Harrington’s death knell- Anchorage Farm.
My article opining a legacy connection to the choice of the offender to leave Harrington on the very historical grounds of Anchorage Farm can be read here.
Matthew has genealogy ties to both the Carr and Cabell families. In fact, while on his way to Galveston, Matthew phoned Conley Greer a “Carr” relative and a Baton Rouge resident. Ultimately it is how Charlottesville PD- with the help of the FBI ,was able to track him.
Easy Access
From 2005 through 2010 Todd Divers, VA commissioner of revenue says Matthew was licensed to operate a cab.
Matthew worked for a few different cab companies as a contractor, starting with Yellow Cab. Recently, anonymous former co-workers of Matthew pointed a finger toward Trevis Lynch Poole as “the man Cops should be talking to if they want to know about Jesse”. Indeed.
Poole, along with a few siblings over the years was convicted in one of Charlottesville’s biggest drug investigations, spawning the Jefferson Area Drug Enforcement task force (JADE) on charges of cocaine distribution in multiple states.
Upon Poole’s release from prison he partnered with Cynthia Mook Herndon, owner of Access Taxi at the time- managing the drivers. Up until 2012 Poole maintained the same address in Palmyra as Herndon.
According to recent financial documents obtained exclusively by www.blinkoncrime.com- after Poole was indicted and subsequently arrested in 2012 for abduction and battery Herndon sold “Access Taxi” to Yellow Cab owner Mark Brown for a sum of $60,000 to be paid as a receivable to the newly formed “Anytime Taxi” in weekly increments of $1000. According to Herndon, she owned three 2005 Mercury vehicles as cabs and all 3 were “junked”. One was totaled in an accident and the other two- no further explanation. Poole does have a conviction for selling a vehicle without a title in () and garnishments from his Insurance underwriter. By 2014, Herndon claims she has only received just over $3400 for the sale to Brown.
While it is not known if it is related to anyone at “Access”- there was a rash of cab fires in 2011 in the Cville area.
Of particular interest, would be the flaming cab in the parking lot of Charlottesville Offices of Region 10.’s Board of Directors location on Preston Avenue. Region 10 CSB is an emergency crisis intervention organization specializing in mental health and addiction crisis.
An employee of Region 10 is also listed as one of LJ’s roommates at the Hessian Hills apartment police searched and recovered evidence following Graham’s disappearance.(link
At least in 2007, Jesse Matthew was driving a 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis bearing the bumper sticker- “Rehab is for Quitters.”
Charlottesville Police are offering a $100,000 reward for the safe return of Hannah Graham.
There is a $150,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Morgan Harrington’s killer or killers.
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Well, well, well, so now thanks to Blink’s investigative findings we learn that the “June 2009 prosecutor” dropped grand larceny and assault against JM relating to a crime against……..wait for it………. the Rivanna Conservancy attorney (!!!!! would that possibly be of Hugh Carr Farm Rivanna Conversancy???!!!) to “trespassing”. WTH. And who would this benevolent public servant prosecutor be who did that? and what pray tell lies behind that odd occurrence?
I think I’m beginning to get the picture here, that perhaps there are some strings being pulled. Lets officially ask who, pray tell, is Mr. Matthew’s guardian angel in the court system, or perhaps “probation officer” might be a better term?? I am just making a wild guess. cough cough.
Could Mr. Matthew be one of those special snowflakes who are so prized by “the system” for PC specialness and football skills which turn out to be unlikely to ever amount to anything, that they are allowed to get away with murder while the system looks the other way?
Something smells rotten in the local criminal justice system surrounding all of this.
I’m getting tired of the political correctness while people continue to go missing. The soft shoe needs to stop, this is an abduction and the complicit could still be at large.
Blink we need you to drill these people and find out this information as to who pulled the strings in 2009 and allowed this to play out. Pretty please? This would be a public service and might blow this case wide open. We need the name of this “prosecutor” and we need to know if a probation officer set that up. If not, then who?
If there is a “probation officer” involved, Blink I know you know where I’m going with this…………………
No probation officer is or was involved, susan
B
Hey, it’s been a long time since I’ve posted but am a frequent reader. Great article Blink. What are Mr. Matthew’s ties to Fairfax? Why was he in Fairfax? Or is this something you cannot yet talk about? Just very curious.
Thanks!
I can say that he has family in Fairfax County, and he was residing in close proximity to Fairfax in 2005.
B
This article points the finger at LE for very poor work and the DA being too lazy to prosecute JM for his crimes.
This time, the real background on the so called “Gentle Giant” should be fully investigated by every agency including the FBI.
Some people need to be held accountable for the continued enablement of JM. This includes two colleges and some others as well.
I am glad to know that solid evidence regarding Morgan’s abduction was found in the van cab located on the farm.
Now there should be a major effort to get someone to disclose where JM took Hannah so she can be recovered.
All people in positions of authority who have enabled JM for all these years should receive the same fate as the monster they have let him become. I am so sad for the families of these young ladies. I have never lost a child and could not imagine what it would be like to loose one and then realize if people would do their JOBS their loved ones would still be here. So very heartbreaking.
Do you think Jesse will eventually talk? What about his sister and other family members? I would think they’d want to help in every way possible or bear very negative consequences within their communities.
Personally- no. I do not believe he will utter a syllable.
I would change my mind if whoever helped him gets pinched.
B
Shouldve waited for this update Blink-as youve answered alot of my questions and brought more to the forefront.
So there is more direct evidence found with the vancab connecting LJ to the Morgan Harrington case
And it seems the DNA link is the shirt
If so I Still dont understand Rader’s statement of:
“Forensically ,there’s a DNA connection that Morgan Harrington at some point during her time at Charlottesville prior to her death came into contact with a person who has already been in the unknown subject data base of Virginia”.
—The shirt placement w/DNA alone would not allow for the certainty of Morgan came in “contact” with LJ/Sketch while alive in Cville for all LE knew the shirt was removed from Morgan elsewhere after death by a person who has already been in the unknown subject data base of Virginia
I hope Hannah is found soon and that LE has more than sufficient evidence to prosecute each case.
Still going over all that you have written Blink so much to think about.
AJMO Peace
Thanks, Blink, for the additional information!
Question: Could JM have worked with or for Poole as more than a driver? What is the abduction/battery charge that Poole apparently walked away from easily in 2012, when he started Anytime Taxi? Could Matthew truly have incriminated himself by placing the shirt on the bush–assuming or praying that he would not be linked forensically, just to mislead police??? (We know he may not be very bright, so it’s possible.) Or did someone ELSE do it who had “Access” to the Harrington items? Poole’s live-in companion was Herndon, who sold Access in 2012, you say. Very confusing.
Poole actually got 6 years for that- 5 suspended though (wth). To my knowledge he is not affiliated with Anytime Taxi- that is Herndon’s. I don’t think it would be a stretch to think there is likely a Federal investigation going on into the Cville nightlife to include security/bouncers/bartenders/transportation as a result of the underpinnings of these cases.
B
Matthews hasn’t been convicted of anything yet. Indeed, if the police had any hard evidence, they’d be trumpeting it.
I’m not suggesting Matthews is a nice guy – it seems he isn’t – but that doesn’t make him a murderer.
Phoenix- I respectfully disagree as to hard evidence- but I do agree that LE and prosecutors will have a significant journey to get to a capital case.
B
Methinks you should read this article written by Courteney Stuart who did award winning coverage of the Morgan Harrington case.
http://www.c-ville.com/misinformation-media-frenzy-around-hannah-graham-case/#.VEBzqsk0-6k
Every article here has misinformation on this case. The Virginia State Police never concurred that Morgan got into a cab and there were no witnessed to that “theory”.
Further the DNA theory – LJ Matthews was swabbed in TX, if there had been a DNA “match” to Morgan Harrington, there would have been a match to the Fairfax Murder – they stated there was a forensic match – not DNA. And you can not confirm that source now can you?
The rest of what you write is speculation and fantasy. Good luck with that!
1. Oh? Name the article you reference and the error.
2. I never said VSP concurred with any theory, nor have I ever stated that a witness corroborated same- to my knowledge to date there is no witness to Morgan getting into a cab- but I believe she did, against her will.
3. LJ Matthew ( last name does not have an S Mr. Facty-fact) was NOT swabbed in Texas- that is misinformation.
4. Read the piece again- the answers are in here as to DNA and forensic match- albeit maybe not simplistic enough for someone of your Um, discernments, so good luck with that!
B
Was JM born with the last name “Matthew”?
@ATG – your knowledge of just about everything fascinates me!! Thank you for sharing!!
I question the car so much because I spent many days in my early 20s traveling up 29 to Virginia Bapist Hospital in Lynchburg visiting my grandmother in her last stage of life. I drove many times alone, after work and back home that same night. I enjoyed the scenery, the mountain views and hills…. Thinking of that time, there are so many places on that route one could pull over, pull off down a farm use road, day or night and easily do it undetected. I hope and pray locals are searching property, roads, bodies of water, and power lines in that area, route 29 goes quite a long ways with virtually nothing but trees and road, not very many people.
I am still on the fence about whether he worked alone. Based on his profile and reading what I have, it seems to me he had many, many acquaintances but not any friends.i just can’t get there yet. Blink & ATG, enlighten me, please!
@susan. the attorney assault Blink referred to above was well-publicized earlier, for example here:
http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/5929602
an example of temper loss with a concommitant physical attack followed by “remorse.”
tho I think it not remorse, but an attempt to escape punishment.
I do not think a misdemeanor plea was out of the ordinary.
@Phoenix Lives.
wrt “Indeed, if the police had any hard evidence, they’d be trumpeting”
No. The absolute last thing any DA would do would be dish up evidence, forensic or
circumstantial, prior to charges and subsequent discovery, That’s why Camblos said he has
very little. Put it in the press via leak or directly, gotta put it in defense atty’s hands.
Been a professional prosecutorial op so far.
@Blink. wrt yr reply to Jane. darn straight.
If a helper, it was in the Morgan disposition,
imo not the violent opportunistic sexual assaults.
Why was a drinker like JLM (dna trumped there)
living with a Rehab worker, btw?
and who was the 3rd roommate party?
is it too much of a reach to think sister helped him,
and that is why mother is so protective?
Excellent Question, not that a minimal search turned up, no.
B
Susan, I don’t understand where you were going with your comment, but I would like to hear more.
With an appreciation that hindsight is always 20/20, I don’t think this was “allowed to play out.” I do think it is very unfortunate that the alleged sexual assault cases at the schools were not prosecuted, but I also understand how extremely traumatic it can be for the victims to testify, particularly young victims. I think when JLM got away with these earlier sexual assaults he was emboldened and felt like Teflon. In my experience when offenders reach this stage, they are much easier to apprehend. They make more mistakes.
From the moment I learned about JLM’s violent encounter with the attorney and his almost immediate “remorse” I have always thought that this remorse was entirely self serving. JLM is not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I strongly suspect he knew his DNA would be entered into the system if he was arrested and convicted.
I do not think the ADA was too lazy to prosecute the assault against the attorney. It is more likely the attorney/victim was hesitant to follow through after JLM charmed him with his remorse and took him to the hospital to be sutured. I think the ADA sensed the victim would be a reluctant witness and the case would go nowhere. DH tells me this is a fairly common occurrence in assault cases that are dismissed. Nervous, reluctant witnesses.
Just my itty bitty two cents; nothing more. Thanks for this update, Blink. Thanks to all of you for all the interesting theories!!
Grace In The Hills- I agree with your thoughts generally. Earlier today I was interviewed on The Dana Pretzer show ( which I have not listened to yet, lol, Blinkette had championship game, double overtime went to penalty kick shootout and a hugely disappointing loss ) I am going to update this piece with the link, but here it is for now: http://scaredmonkeysradio.com/audio//2014/10/20141016s.mp3
I prolly do a better job articulating the circumstances of the Matthew/Wilke incident and prosecution “live”- and address the reluctant victim.
B
@rose… i think you are right on point
Rose
The defense attorney is just doing what defense attorneys do when their client is in big trouble. At this point, I think LE should continue their investigations and share as little as possible with the defense. Eventually of course, they will have to share the material they have.
I am more than a little disturbed that the DA plead down a felony assault to a misdemeanor. Had that not happened, JM would have been in jail and Morgan would still be with us. When officers of the court make plea bargains with felons where there is no reason or benefit to the public or victims, it tells me that they are too lazy to properly do their job. In this case, if the shoe fits the DA must wear it.
JM needs to be given a thorough mental examination by more than one expert. Some people believe him to behave like a child. Until proven true, I believe he uses that persona to gain acceptance for his behavior.
Until the public insists that people who play sports in high school and college have the academic skills to maintain proper grades on their own, we will find instance after instance of poor behavior.
Jessie was able to graduate from high school even though he was already enrolled in a challenged student program.
If the average SAT or ACT score required for entrance to a college or university is not met, then no matter how good their athletic ability, they should not be accepted. In the early 1970′s for instance, Rice University required a SAT score of 1425 out of a possible 1600. State schools were between 700 and 1,200. I know the facts about Rice because one of the engineers I worked with had two children who met the entrance requirement.
NCAA did revise regulations for eligibility since JLM “issue” but in my view Division 1 schools stand alone to be poised for increased scrutiny as they are the forerunner for Athletic Scholarships to matriculate athletic talent. Lots of history where this has gone bad.
B
Jane says:
October 16, 2014 at 5:16 pm
Do you think Jesse will eventually talk? What about his sister and other family members? I would think they’d want to help in every way possible or bear very negative consequences within their communities.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Personally- no. I do not believe he will utter a syllable.
I would change my mind if whoever helped him gets pinched.
B
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You just never know. If the death penalty is placed on the table, he may lead them to a body in exchange for a life sentence. That, and as you said, Blink, if any individual who may have helped him gets pulled in. LE has a tremendous amount of work to do prior to going to the grand jury (assuming Virginia uses grand juries).
I just get a feeling this is his work product, and his alone.
I keep thinking of his 6’2″, 270 lb frame. These young women never stood a chance.
Beyond tragic for their families.
Agreed Grace ITH, and yes, the Commonwealth of VA uses grand juries heavily.
B
Grace
The knowledge about the cars was brought about because cars and airplanes fascinated me and a lot of other boys and men of my generation. They were a lot more simple in the 1930′s-40′s and could be repaired by the owner with a little mechanical ability.
Then it became a necessity when our children began driving. One would have thought I was running a car lot by looking at the vehicles in our driveway. I made each child learn to drive in an old 1960 Dodge with a slant 6 engine and standard transmission. It was a tough old car except for the clutch pedal mount located in the engine compartment. I replaced that mount several times until I got tired of doing it and took it out, measured every piece of the mount and modified it to what it should have been from the factory. No more problems. I also got plenty of practice repairing minor and some major dings to body parts.
I really am in a quandary regarding all of the things we have learned about JM. There is a huge back story leading up to Hannah’s abduction. LE and the courts cannot let schools and athletic departments play cover up of crimes by their students. This guy should have been locked up for the rest of his life in 2002 or 2003 if Liberty University had not failed their duty to the students and the public. Can it be proved? Maybe, but it has been a long time.
There is also a probable connection to the drug ring that operated in the Hwy 29 corridor. That needs to be reexamined.
I understand about the many places along hwy 29 that one could pull off the highway and down a county road or private road and never be seen. I traveled the the Blue Ridge Parkway in 1979. We camped in our van near Blacksburg and drove there for breakfast the next morning. The population of Albemarle county in that time was about 80,000 with a land area of 721 sq. miles it means that the density is low. Similar to the less populated counties in our Texas Hill Country.
Did JM have a group of people who aided him in his criminal activities? The probability of that being true is great. I just don’t think he could have survived his behavior of attacking people without someone or several giving him help. A thorough investigation may find that connection.
Enjoyed the pod cast Blink. Still not getting the northern twang out of you, must be the speech lessons. lol.
I think LJ has a fan in the infrastructure somewhere, like a fairy god mother maybe. Maybe it’s Hannah’s turn.
Grace, my concern about the June 2009 incident being pled down goes beyond the assault being minimized. Although that is compelling to think of the tragic consequences of that action with what we now know. We still need to know which prosecutor did that and what was in his mind at the time. I am thinking, perhaps unfairly, of appeasement.
An assault against an official of the conservancy which subsumed the “promise land” of the ggg-grand father former slave, is one more undeniable appearance of a grudge which cannot be overlooked. Besides the placement of Morgan Harrington on land which is in close proximity, if not the exact land, of this same Hugh Carr River View Farm.
So my question now becomes, exactly how well known in local circles was this JM anger over the “promise land” which became the Conservancy? Maybe it has been out in the open knowledge to some people who also suspected as Blink did that Morgan’s placement had a special significance. And if this was a public, not hidden grudge, then maybe someone should have connected the dots sooner as to who was harboring this grudge.
We just don’t know how visible this grudge was to “the system.” But it appears compelling and undeniable when this 2009 assault is taken into consideration.
Let me be even more frank. The historical AA village of Union Ridge-Hydraulic “became” a body of water in the 1960′s , the Rivanna Reservoir, so that AA history is now at the bottom of a lake. The former freed slave’s 200 acres, Hugh Carr Riverview Farm, in direct proximity to this reservoir was attempted to be developed into a high density housing project in 1975 which became a nasty and acrimonious court fight going to the U S Supreme Court twice and resulting in a public battle between this AA developer Carr family friend, James Fleming, and a UVA professor back in the 1980′s (who owned a replica home of Monticello—a historic landmark—also in close proximity.) Instead this historic land “became” a nature conservancy.
Is all of this compelling evidence of the underpinning of a grudge? Now we have found that the public record contains an assault against an official of this Conservancy, as well we have been hearing Blink’s suggestions that Morgan’s placement had special significance. Is this all just coincidental?
Connecting these dots I would say that this “grudge” should have been more prominent on the radar than seems to have been the case.
Excuse me if I am way off here, but is it possible that JM’s assault on Wilke was more than a road rage incident. Hugh Carr only had one son, Marshall, and it doesn’t look like Marshall had any kids, so no way is JM’s mother on that branch of the family tree by way of the name Carr. Hugh Carr did have brothers, so maybe she (Debra) is a great niece of Hugh Carr. If JM had a bone to pick, was it with the fortuitous Hugh Carr family whose patriarch worked and bought his way to prosperity and then his offspring sold his perceived birthright or was it with the people charged with the stewardship of the preserve that he had a problem with? (The assault on Wilke as an example.)
There was all sorts of research and factoids we uncovered that on paper really present the picture it may be- but as is usually the case, we may just have to wait this out.
B
clarify: JM’s perceived birthright
Images of America
Charlottesville
The African-American Community
http://books.google.com/books?id=zItuPDQoXcAC&pg=PA18&lpg=PA18&dq=marshall+carr+%2B+hugh+carr&source=bl&ots=PgEo52FOuN&sig=EyRzBKF4FVOOaPoBe_VAV3Z3z0Q&hl=en&sa=X&ei=G79AVP-NE6e5igKet4HgDg&ved=0CEYQ6AEwBw#v=onepage&q=marshall%20carr%20%2B%20hugh%20carr&f=false
” Many wanting to know how “LJ” seemingly ran untethered through various counties of Virginia, PA, NC, and MD eluding multiple charges of rape”
Blink, are you suggesting that JLM is also a suspect in rapes in PA, NC and MD? I know LE is taking a second look at a lot of cases, but this is the first that it’s been suggested that he’s responsible for crimes outside of VA.
I am suggesting he has a victimization profile that matches unsolved cases in other states that matched with his change of address patterns and timing- is being evaluated for any possible connections. I neglected to mention DC.
Also of note- if we just take the statistical data – meaning we know that rapes are one of the highest underreported violent crimes (overall stats figure less than 60% of all crimes are reported by direct victims to LE) he would be a statistical anomaly if he did not have other victims out there. I believe he does and those will hopefully become known.
B
ATG – My father made me, just as I have done with my son and daughter, learn how to check tire pressure, change a flat, check the oil and learn how to jump a dead battery, long before I was allowed to get behind the wheel of a car. I love him for that!
I suppose I can’t wrap my head around someone willingly helping a “monster” hide his horrific actions, though I suppose after learning what we’ve learned with Holly Bobo, true evil does exist and they do work together. This brings me back to my question to Blink, is transferring of vehicles a possibility, in regards to the discovery of the taxi van/car? Someone with JMs supposed low IQ and strong impulse makes me feel as if he’s more prone to “going for it” in the moment and then having that “oh no” moment. Is it then that he requires assistance or is it possible, much like in HBs case, he has a go to person or a group that willingly participates in his crime? And if this is the case, there is always a weak link, will someone talk?
I pray today is the day, It’s time for Hannah to come home.
Matthew’s scholarship was revoked on October 17th. He had better start talking. I am going to be very upset if they go lightly on him and find mental health to be an excuse for his predator behavior and his very evil actions. He walked around Charlottesville NOT as a person with a mental health problem. Evil people doing evil things do not belong among us.
Wow, excellent article B!
I have a question. Can’t they track his whereabouts through his cell phone pings from when Hannah disappeared? And, if so, how long are these records kept (in other words, how far, aka years, can they go back and pull his whereabouts through cell phone pings). He always made it a point to disable the victim’s cell phone quickly, but how about his own?
I believe he disabled his phone, yes. Once cell records are secured via a warrant- they are typically flagged to be maintained for 7 years. Outside of LE going back to get records- it depends on the carrier- some are gone after 90 days.
B
Also, in relation to my previous post, if he did have a partner in crime, couldn’t they also use his cell phone records to help identify this person? We know he was alone on the video with Hannah, and per witness accounts, it was just the two of them at the bar, so if he engaged someone else, maybe he called them?
Also, little creepy that he also traveled to those other states. I live in one of them, and have a couple of nieces who would be considered his “type”, and my sons have several friends who would also be considered his “type”. That sends frickin chills up my spine…
This decided it…I am buying my son’s girlfriend, who is in college and attends night classes, pepper spray and a mini stun gun for Christmas (you can buy them on Amazon and they come in all different colors like pink, purple, blue, etc). Same goes for my nieces….I have decided that the chats I’ve had with them about awareness and safety simply aren’t enough with vultures like we’ve got here amongst us.
If you don’t mind my recommendation Judi- buy them “The Gift of Fear” by Gavin DeBecker- the first defense for women in particular ( both need this, but obvs women are more vulnerable) is to develop their “inner voice” in the book they are aptly called satellites. After that, if your choice is to buy pepper spray or stun guns, I would highly recommend they take a class to use them properly.
This is critically important- used improperly- ANY weapon has a greater risk of being used on the intended victim when we are talking about an assault situation. The best thing for anyone to do 1000% of the time is to use the buddy system, and flee an attacker if possible. I am a gun owner – I train religiously and that includes situational training- which is STILL just that- not a real scenario.
B
Thanks for your analysis. Your comment re a former Charlottesville taxi company owner being charged with cocaine distribution, and JM being a taxi driver for several years around that time, made me think about JM’s behavior in general, and especially on the night Hannah was abducted. He was described as “excited” by one witness, and his behavior in a bar the night of the abduction was described as overly aggressive, “even for him”. He seems to be a professional bar-hopper, moving routinely from location to location in a college town, with many “associates”. Was he sharing an apartment with a rehab worker? The self-help style stickers in his apartment, and the “Rehab is for quitters” bumper sticker suggest he may have been to rehab. If so, is it known why? In court documents, he claimed to be making only about $150 a week. Did he have a supplemental source of income? Keep wondering about his behavior, and the psychosis associated with cocaine abuse, and wondering if this may have been a factor in his acceleration. Also wondering if there may be folks who might be able to shed some light on any links between the procuring of drugs and the timing of these attacks.
$150 per week in 2009, not recently, where he was a recent employee of UVA Hospital- patient transport. It appears he made enough cash to engage the Cville nightlife frequently according to the anonymous “bouncer”.
Back to Tempo- how is the wrestling move to the dude who pulls his hamstring, the unwanted sexual overtures and his taking off a girls boots to her dismay un-noticed by security? We are talking about an upscale brasserie. Once again- I comment the bar owner and staff for being as forthcoming as they have been- I am not thrilled that it is clear they are dodging the “was Hannah served” issue- but if what said “bouncer” said was true- then JLM was a permanent fixture of the Downtown mall scene for years and I doubt he is any sort of chameleon.
B
Do you think the fires were set to send a ‘message’ or to destroy evidence?
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Blink says…While it is not known if it is related to anyone at “Access”- there was a rash of cab fires in 2011 in the Cville area.
Of particular interest, would be the flaming cab in the parking lot of Charlottesville Offices of Region 10.’s Board of Directors location on Preston Avenue. Region 10 CSB is an emergency crisis intervention organization specializing in mental health and addiction crisis…
No idea
B
People must not forget that in addition to the shame that a victim of rape may feel (among other psychological traumas), that this feeling would be magnified 1,000 times at Liberty University given its Evangelical foundation. Social shame would be heightened and a sense of spiritual and moral failing and shame might be added to the mix. Very difficult circumstances for JLM’s LU victim to surmount.
In thinking about JLM being described as “childlike,” I can’t help but think of other qualities of children– an inability to delay gratification, thinking that everything revolves around them, lack of empathy, emotional immaturity, etc. Usually these qualities are grown out of or are extinguished by a decent upbringing, but not always.
In regards to why JLM might have been living with an employee of a rehab clinic or facility— lots of times these facilities employ as counselors recovering addicts. They know, much more closely, what the addicts themselves are experiencing and also serve as an example that sobriety can be achieved and maintained.
Hey, it’s been a long time since I’ve posted but am a frequent reader. Great article Blink. What are Mr. Matthew’s ties to Fairfax? Why was he in Fairfax? Or is this something you cannot yet talk about? Just very curious.
Thanks!
I can say that he has family in Fairfax County, and he was residing in close proximity to Fairfax in 2005.
B
Wow, after all this time. So tragic how he was caught. If people would only have went to the police with their suspicions, Hannah could still be here.
If he was convicted on the felony charge in 2009 Morgan Harrington AND Hannah Graham would be here.
B
Mom 3.0, regarding your question about Rader’s statement concerning “the certainty that Morgan came into contact with said individual before her death.” What if her dna or blood dna were mingled with the suspect dna? Don’t mean to be gross, or to disrespect Morgan at all. Just proposing a potential answer.——Anyone??
BTW I am still interested in finding the chain of command of who pulled strings for JM in July 2009. This might be vitally important. How can this info be found? I do not think a cover up of this matter is at all acceptable.
@Blink. Let’s be realistic. What attorney would give up
billable hours to go sit in the Courthouse subpoenaed to testify on
probably several days (rescheduling et al),
all for a personal assault he’d recovered from?
(as opposed to being a witness of an assault against another, which is a
civic good). Most in Erik’s shoes would pray for a plea imo.
PS. Shame can be an effective motivator. Just saying. Shame needs to be unleashed on ALL of the enablers and co-conspirators, inducing within this criminal justice system. THAT will be effective where this soft pedaling and PC approach will not be effective. There are likely multiple accomplices at large, still capable of such heinous acts.
I think putting the Graham’s on tv has got to be traumatizing for them. It is time for hardball tactics by LE and stop the Mr. Nice Guy stuff.
We need to find who pulled the strings in June 2009. I can think of several VERY high profile individuals —–one a politician operating at that time in Virginia—-formerly of the highest office in Virginia— who support causes such as what may have been presented to them then.
Did Mathew’s give the name Carr when found in TX to depersonalize or subconsciously disassociate himself from his father (in addition to hide his real identity). I missed previously during the Carr history discussions that his mother’s name was Carr. Did Jr. learn bad traits from Sr.?
~~~
excerpt from aritcle: …Debra Carr Matthew retained custody of Jesse and his younger sister, Latasha. Court records show Jesse Matthew Sr., with a history of public intoxication arrests and one misdemeanor indecent exposure conviction, was living an hour away in Farmville and owed several thousand dollars in support…
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/03/uva-kidnap-jesse-leroy-matthew_n_5929602.html
Susan, you talk about the creation of the reservoir and the attempted development of the Carr Farm. Do you know if, in 1975, the Carr farm was still in the hands of the Carr family? Is it possible that as a descendent of the Carrs, JLM believes that certain wealthy or politically influential locals and the racially unjust “system” (especially in the South, even in the 1970s) colluded to prevent his family (extended or immediate) from becoming wealthy through real estate development? This could lead to an ever-increasing anger towards the middle-class, the wealthy, the entitled, or anyone who “had it easy” growing up. He could place the blame of all of the slights or struggles or missed opportunities in his life– which continue to pile up– on this one idea of how his life might have been different had his family been more financially and politically well-off. This could contribute to his feelings of entitlement. Paired with his anger, this entitlement is dangerous.
Do any locals know if there is lingering resentment throughout the general AA community about the lost history and homesteads of the AA community that was flooded to make the reservoir? Or is the resentment limited to families directly affected? Or is there no lingering resentment about this?
Also, I feel strongly that people need to hold off on saying that JLM is dumb or has a low IQ. I don’t think that this has been published anywhere. We know that he likely struggled in school and came across to others as slow or low achieving, but that does NOT mean he is dumb or has a low IQ. It’s totally possible that he does. I’m hesitant to even say this after getting on a soap box about rushing to judgements or projecting without hard proof of his intellectual abilities, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he is learning disabled as opposed to “dumb.”
I have an aunt and cousins (her kids) who all had severe learning disabilities. They struggled through school and only 1 of 3 went to college. They all have slightly different issues, but the most severe is with verbal and written words. This extends to hearing/speaking words. But they are all very smart, especially in areas that interest them.
My point is that the teasing and judgment by peers, constant struggle in school, the frequent inability for teachers or schools to properly understand, teach to the problem, or adjust testing methods, can create low self-esteem, depression, and I would guess, anger at the school system. (There it is again, another “system” that JLM could be angry with).
This could also explain why JLM may have placed all his hopes into football. Or at least on football as the means for getting him to and through college.
Sorry to keep posting… I’ve had things kicking around in my head but wasn’t sure if it was worth posting…
With regards to SATs and college admission… You can’t “fail” the SATs (some people have talked about passing the SATs here). I’m the same age as JLM. When we took the SATs, you got 800/1600 for properly putting your name on the test. Colleges typically have/had a score that was either their minimum requirement or their average so that applicants could gauge their likelihood of acceptance when applying. But exceptions are made. For example, special consideration may be given to kids with learning disabilities (which I briefly mentioned in an earlier post), poor test takers or kids who get extreme test anxiety, potential athletes, students applying to a specific program (ex: a portfolio of work may be considered more important than SAT scores in a visual arts program), and then you have kids who are either politically connected or whose parents have connections at a particular college.
When applying to colleges, I almost went to Washington & Lee. They wanted me to play volleyball for them. They were Division 3, so no athletic scholarships are given. However, the coach offered to tell admissions that he really wanted me on the team so that special consideration would be given to my application. I asked him not to do that because I didn’t want to feel an obligation to play volleyball there if that’s where I chose to go. Plus I had the scores and grades that I didn’t need his help in the admission process and was offered a partial academic scholarship.
My point is that even when scholarships and championship titles aren’t involved, coaches can still pull strings in the admission process…. as can other people.
This doesn’t even address the issue of fraud occurring during test taking. A teammate of mine in high school cheated on the SATs (and she was very smart to begin with).
Now a lot of colleges are starting to see what a flawed measure of intelligence the SATs are and are using other tests such as the ACTs, a more holistic assessment of achievements, and/or other means entirely, such as essays, films, other creative submissions.
I agree with Judi…safety awareness is not enough. My 15 year old Granddaughter will be receiving as one of her Christmas gifts along with the Gift of Fear… Self Defense Lessons! During my years working at a Juvie Correction Facility, I watched training sessions for employees and have seen a 105 lb., petite female co-worker take down a 6’2″- 275 male co-worker with no problem…even on a simulated surprise attack! We can’t change the fact that these monsters are roaming our communities until it is sadly too late…but we can control how we, our daughters and granddaughters are prepared to deal with them. I am now disabled and after after a failed parking lot abduction, thankfully unsuccessful due to the quick thinking of my younger sister, chasing the car on foot while screaming the license number of the two men who very easily pulled me thru their vehicle passenger window in a matter of seconds…I am always “legally packing”!
Great job Blink! Thanks for all the new information. I know this took a lot of hard investigative work and digging. I truly believe Blink, that you have a calling to be an angel for the missing and murdered and their families. Thank you for that.
The following is of great interest to me:
“While Fairfax investigators have not confirmed his connection to the DNA recovered in their unsolved rape case, sources inside the investigation who do not have permission to speak officially have confirmed that Matthew’s DNA is a solid match. Those sources also say that Jessie’s cab has yielded additional direct evidence in the Harrington murder.”
I’ve been wondering why no connection has officially been forthcoming between whatever forensic evidence was found to the FF case. It seems like if it connected to Morgan, it would have to connect there too. Maybe, it’s because it’s in a different jurisdiction and FFPD just haven’t made a statement for whatever reason. I don’t know much about the legalities, but if for some reason the Fairfax victim has dropped the charges (or is that even a possibility)what would happen then?
Now for the piece of information that really has made my day:
“Those sources also say that Jessie’s cab has yielded additional direct evidence in the Harrington murder.”
I sure hope that pans out!
What a shame that Jesse Matthew got away with all his criminal activity for so long. So sad for the young ladies and their families that have had to pay the price. The good thing is that he became over confident and let down his guard, thinking he would get by again. Didn’t we all know though, that that’s most likely how he would get caught, when he attacked another innocent?
My thoughts and prayers go to Hannah’s parents and family today and for what lies ahead. I pray that she’ll be found soon. As always, my thoughts and prayers are with Dan, Gil and Alex Harrington for their huge loss and what they’ve endured over the last five years.
Was Jim Cambloss the prosecutor in the ’09 felony charge?
Susan, with great respect, what exactly are you accusing this ADA of doing in this case? Are you also saying that JLM targeted his road rage against a man who is involved with a conservancy because JLM had a grudge against said victim? I haven’t read anything that suggests that to have been the case. As far as the assault goes, I don’t think that the victim had any idea he had come into contact with an alleged serial offender. I think JLM manipulated him and the ADA. That speaks to his ability to use his personality to get out of and engage in unlawful behavior. In this case it clearly worked for him.
Could JLM have targeted the farm because he attended events there or trespassed there in the past? Or did he place her there to suggest he was someone who was familiar with the farm? The placement had LE looking at suspects who lived in that area. It focused attention away from him, imo.
Here is where the tin hat society may branch off, it may branch off and come back together at the end- just like the Hardware and North Fork.
I have no evidence to support, nor do I think- Wilke knew Matthew was a serial offender or rapist. I will say that I do not believe the entire encounter occurred as stated- but I also know that he refused to be recorded and specifically said he did not want to “pile on” allegations without probable cause. For me, that is an awfully contradictory statement when stating you forgot a person’s name, etc.
That said- Matthew IS from the general area surrounding AF. He went to Red Hill Elementary-
He has personal associations with AF- there is no question about that- but I admit there could be multiple motivations as to “why AF”.
I do not wish to jump to conclusions about the ADA- but I definitely believe it deserves further scrutiny with the end goal of transparency. We are talking about 2 felony charges, one of which classified as a violent crime- that were reduced to a trespassing misdemeanor- which was not even part of the original charges.
I just can’t see my way clear to NOT thinking that decision has affected the lives- and deaths of people in this case.
B
In my above post I should have written “…the perp who was someone who was familiar with the farm.”
I’m actually shocked that most people on here seem shocked that the felony assault case was handled the way it was and that the prosecutor dropped the charges and allowed JM to plea to a misdemeanor charge. Prosecutors get overwhelmed and have bigger fish to fry than some road rage case in which the victim ended up probably feeling sorry for the perpetrator as he was remorseful. It’s terrible that he wasn’t tried but this happens everyday – makes me sick. Look at the Ray Rice case- dude knocks out his fiance in an elevator (and there’s video that the court had at their disposal!!) and all he gets is a freaking anger management class. What a joke our system is.
I’ve heard of so many first degree murder cases in which the defendant pleas to second degree murder and is sentenced to 10 years! Unreal.
As for JM’s family- I highly doubt they are going to help. They most likely believe their son/grandson/brother is being scapegoated because of his race and that forensic evidence was planted. After-all, he is a God fearing, ‘gentle giant’ and could never hurt a soul. *Rolls eyes*
BlackPearl, I did extensive research on all of this. 1975 is around the time that James Fleming the AA developer was starting to try and get approvals for the 80 acres he was in charge of of Riverview Farm for the housing development project he wanted to build on this land. Some of this is in the Chronicles of the Conservancy. There is a nasty public battle going on in years right after that, as zoning was denied him in multiple steps and then put under a moratorium due to overtaxing the reservoir. The court and public fight between Bedford Moore a UVa English professor in the Engineering school, and Fleming went through multiple federal courts and was turned down in DC Federal Court, and as I recall was refused Cert in US Supreme court twice, and did go multiple times to the Virginia Supreme court about an ad that Fleming put in the Cavalier Daily and another paper calling Moore a racist over Moore objecting to this housing project near his little Monticello called Shack Mountain, near Anchorage Farm,(Shack Mountain has been extensively written about, is a historic landmark, and has a wikipedia entry), which he was assessed to pay Moore $600,000 for in Virginia Courts, eventually. This fight went on for years.
Shack Mountain was sold several days before Hannah went missing last month if you check the real estate website of the broker.
You can find the old news articles. Key words, Bedford Moore, James Fleming, libel judgement, UVa, Supreme Court. Also US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and DC Circuit. Also Virginia Supreme Court. Chronicles of the Conservancy, some of that has links in this site. Babs Conant was another UVa “teacher” involved.
I also did research on the family tree. Louie Carr is buried in the Hugh Carr cemetery and is listed in funeral home records as the deceased husband of CC, DM’s mother, JM’s Gm.. The connection through Marshall or anyone else is not clear. But he is in the family plot. I posted these records in this site previously if you want to go back and look at them.
I believe the “wrestling move” occurred earlier at Blue Light Grill, which is normally more crowded than Tempo. According to the reports, the friend and his group left Blue Light and went to Tempo to get away from Matthew but he turned up at Tempo. That is when the foot incident occurred iirc.