Hannah Graham murder suspect takes plea in earlier assault case
FAIRFAX, Va. -- Jesse Matthew has entered an Alford plea on charges that he attacked and sexually assaulted a woman in Fairfax, Virginia in 2005, acknowledging that prosecutors have enough evidence to convict him.
Matthew, 33, of Charlottesville, entered the plea on all three counts of capital attempted murder, sexual assault, and abduction with intent to defile, without an explicit admission of guilt. He faces up to life in prison when sentenced Oct. 2.
Matthew also is charged in a separate case with the abduction and killing last year of University of Virginia student Hannah Graham. Officials have said the Fairfax case is linked by DNA to Graham's murder, as well as to the 2009 disappearance of Virginia Tech student Morgan Harrington, who was later found dead.
Wednesday's plea came during Matthew's trial for the Fairfax attack, after the prosecution rested its case with DNA evidence linking him to the assault. Defense lawyers had tried unsuccessfully to get the judge to strike the case, and Matthew had initially pleaded not guilty Monday.
Prosecutor Ray Morrogh said Matthew entered the Alford plea without making any plea deal with prosecutors.
Matthew said that he understood that he would be giving up his right to trial by jury and to defend himself in court, reports CBS affiliate WUSA9.
A trial date has yet to be set in the Hannah Graham murder case.