Parents of Hannah Graham Plead the Public to Help in Search of their Daughter

Hannah Graham

Hannah Graham
(Photo : Charlottesville Police Department)

Hannah Graham, an 18-year-old college student from University of Virginia, had gone missing a month ago, yet still remains missing.

Graham was last seen in the early hours of September 13 as she was leaving a party. Her last form of communication was a text message to her friends at 1:20 AM, telling them that she was lost. She was wearing "a metallic black crop top with mesh cut outs and black pants," according to a statement on the University of Virginia website.

A suspect, which officials identify as Jesse Matthew, has been arrested and charged for kidnapping Graham "with the intent to defile her,' which means that he kidnapped her with the intention of sexually assaulting her. Though Matthew has been arrested, to the mystery and desperation of her parents, Graham has not been found.

"It is heart-breaking for us that the person or persons who know where Hannah is have not come forward with that information," John and Sue Graham, Hannah Graham's parents, said in their most recent statement released Monday.

"Again, we would like to urge anyone who has not already searched their property in the city of Charlottesville, or any of the neighboring counties, to please do so today," they added.

Graham's parents have repeatedly used media and public statements to appeal to the public to help in the search effort. On October 4, they released a statement in which they expressed that "this is every parent's worst nightmare."

"It is also a nightmare for our son, James, for Hannah's grandparents and other members of our family, as well as for all of Hannah's many friends here in Charlottesville and beyond," they added. "Please, please, please help end this nightmare for all of us. Please help us to bring Hannah home."

According to the Examiner, Matthew has been linked to previous murders of two other young women, and the rape of another.

Thus far, many have been involved in the search for Graham, including professional search teams, students of University of Virginia, and the police. The police have so far received thousands of tips to help them in their search, submitted by various people who may have information regarding Graham's situation.