Suspect In 2009 Murder of Metallica Fan to Plead Guilty

In September, we reported that Jesse L. Matthew was indicted by a grand jury on charges of first-degree murder and “abduction with intent to defile” in the case of Morgan Harrington, the twenty-year-old Metallica fan who went missing after one of the band’s concerts.

Today, WTOP reports that Matthew will plead guilty to both Harrington’s murder and that of nineteen-year-old Hannah Graham.

It was thought that Matthew, who is already serving three life sentences for a 2005 rape and attempted murder, would be sentenced to death if the Harrington and Graham cases went to trial, but this plea deal will save him from execution.

Harrington’s mother, Gil, said the following:

“We knew both sides were working toward this, we’re very relieved…This was the most logical and compassionate way to resolve this. It made no sense to go through a trial for someone who is already facing three life sentences.”

More news as it becomes available.