U.S. News

Actions

Parents Of Hannah Graham Plead For Help As Search Continues

The missing University of Virginia student's parents asked the public for help as police continue searching for the man last seen with Graham.
Posted
and last updated

The parents of missing University of Virginia student Hannah Graham spoke publicly for the first time Sunday. 

Graham: "I appeal to anybody who knows anything, please, please, help us."

Throughout the weekend, thousands of volunteers spread out across Charlottesville, Virginia looking for any sign of Graham. Some possible clues were reportedly found but still need to be examined by police. 

Graham went missing during the early morning hours of September 13 after leaving a party. Those who were with her said she was under the influence of alcohol when she left. 

Various security footage of Graham walking through downtown streets has been found has been perhaps the most helpful. 

A man can be seen following Graham in the video, but police talked to that man and he said he last saw her with another man Graham seemed to know. Police named that person of interest as Jesse Matthew and searched his apartment and vehicle. 

CHARLOTTESVILLE POLICE CHIEF TIMOTH LONGO VIA CNN: "In fact, I believe that Jesse Matthew was the last person she was seen with before she vanished off the face of the earth."

On Sunday, authorities released photos of Matthew's vehicle to the media. It is clearly damaged and is missing part of its front right bumper. 

Police previously had no warrant for Matthew's arrest because there was not sufficient evidence suggesting he had anything to do with Graham's disappearance, so they didn't detain him for questioning. 

But on Saturday, he reportedly came to the Charlottesville's police station looking for a lawyer's contact information and then dangerously sped out of the parking lot. Police now say they have a warrantfor his arrest under reckless driving charges. 

While the police are not yet calling Matthew a suspect, this newly released informationhas taken over Twitter. A picture of Matthew continues to be posted and people are asking anyone who might have seen him in his car with Graham to call police. 

Authorities say they are still waiting for the results of forensic testing from Matthew's apartment. 

This video includes an image from the Charlottesville Police Department.