It was an emotional day in Charlottesville, as the parents of Morgan Harrington and Hannah Graham appeared in court to hear Jesse Matthew Jr. plead guilty to kidnapping and killing their daughters. Sandy Hausman was in the courtroom and filed this report.
Jesse Matthew showed no emotion as he sat between his lawyers, listening to the terms of an agreement with the prosecutor. He would not be subject to the death penalty, but would get four sentences of life without the possibility of early release or parole. He listened as Hannah Graham’s mother recounted the impact of his actions, looking down as she attacked him for “dumping our beautiful girl like a bag of trash to be picked over by buzzards and vultures.”
Outside the courtroom, Graham’s father said the family was in full support of the agreement, since it would prevent Matthew from inflicting his depravity on other young women, and John Graham said he and his wife were comforted by memories of Hannah – the most optimistic person they ever knew.
“At the time of her death, she was totally immersed in her courses, making plans and looking forward to Nationals’ post-season baseball," he recalled. "We draw considerable pride in all that Hannah achieved in her short life, cut short by Jesse Matthew. His evil deprived the world of a great talent, but Hannah’s enduring gift to us all was that she enabled this wicked man to be apprehended and convicted. She did change the world but at a terrible price.”
Morgan Harrington’s father told the court that life had been "flat and gray" since his daughter was killed. He said Mathew had robbed them of Morgan and robbed her of a bright future, but "we have not let Jesse Mathew destroy us." Outside, his wife added:
“They say it takes a village to raise a child. I know it takes one to bury a child. We are most grateful for the kindness and compassion you have lavished on our family. Please continue to participate actively in your community. Together we can help save the next girl.”
Through his lawyer, Jesse Matthew said he was sorry and that he loved his own family very much. A spokesman for the Matthew family, the Reverend Louie Carr, conveyed their condolences.
"We are so very sorry for what has been done, and we are sorry for all you went through," he said -- his voice rising as if delivering a sermon. "We pray that somehow and someday God will grant you the peace that passes all understanding."
Commonwealth’s Attorney Robert Tracci said the agreement ensures public safety and would spare the families renewed suffering that might be caused by a trial and years of appeals.