Scientist's testimony: DNA captured from 2005 sex assault in Virginia linked to Jesse Matthew

Published May 03, 2016

A forensic scientist has testified that DNA found under the fingernail of a woman sexually assaulted in 2005 belongs to Jesse Matthew.

The testimony Wednesday from Elizabeth Ballard is the key evidence against Matthew at his trial in Fairfax. The 33-year-old Matthew is charged with attempted capital murder, abduction and sexual assault in connection with a September 2005 attack in Fairfax City. He also is charged in a separate case with the abduction and killing last year of University of Virginia student Hannah Graham.

Ballard says the chance of a person other than Matthew being the source of the fingernail DNA is less than one in 7.2 billion.

Prosecutors are expected to conclude their case later Wednesday. Matthew faces up to life in prison if convicted.

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/us/scientists-testimony-dna-captured-from-2005-sex-assault-in-virginia-linked-to-jesse-matthew