Challenges remain in missing UVa student case

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) – Now that they’ve captured the man charged with abducting a missing University of Virginia student, police can focus on other major challenges.

One is making the charge stick. But foremost is finding Hannah Graham.

Charlottesville Police Chief Timothy Longo said Thursday he still has hopes of finding the 18-year-old sophomore alive. But he acknowledged that the hope grows dimmer as time passes.

The search has expanded to rural areas in Albemarle County. The Department of Emergency Management says up to six two-person teams have spent about 44 hours searching since last weekend’s massive volunteer search.

Meanwhile, 32-year-old Jesse Leroy Matthew Jr. has declined to fight extradition from Texas, where he was arrested on a beach Wednesday. He likely will make an initial court appearance in Charlottesville next week.

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