September 6, 2005
A man suspected of raping a UVA student over the weekend is behind bars today. Police are hoping they have found the man responsible for several rapes in our area since 1997.
Charlottesville Police arrested 27-year-old Christopher Lynn Matthew, early Saturday morning. Police say a female was walking from a party along Sunset Ave. on Saturday when she was forced into a wooded area and raped. Police are awaiting Matthew's DNA results to determine whether the incident could be linked to at least seven other similar incidents within the last 8 years.
"We are pleased and hopeful that this apprehension is not only a resolution of this case, but perhaps others," said Charlottesville Police Chief Tim Longo.
Matthew is charged with one count of sexual assault; the results of his DNA test could be in as early as next week.
Rape Suspect Set For Bond Hearing