GALVESTON, Texas (AP) – A man charged with abducting a missing University of Virginia sophomore has been captured in Texas and is awaiting extradition – but there is still no sign of the student, authorities said.
On Thursday morning, Jesse Leroy Matthew Jr., 32, appeared briefly before a Galveston County judge via a video link from jail to hear the charges against him. In Texas, he’s charged with being a fugitive from justice and with giving false information to an officer, in addition to a count of abduction with intent to defile in Virginia. Judge Mark Henry held Matthew without bond on the fugitive count.
Matthew – in a dark green jumpsuit, with his hands cuffed – signed papers and refused a court-appointed attorney. He told Henry that before his arrest in Texas, he was not out on bond on any other charges.
Matthew appeared confused and asked the judge a few short questions. He expressed concern that his clothes were taken when he was booked into Galveston County jail. “I should be able to have some kind of clothing,” he said.
Henry told him that his jumpsuit was sufficient and that his personal items would be returned later.