Nation briefs 5/6/2015

Indictment returned in U.Va. slaying case

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- The man accused of abducting and killing a University of Virginia student has been charged with capital murder, and a prosecutor said Tuesday she will seek the death penalty if the case goes to trial. The indictment accusing Jesse L. Matthew Jr. of capital murder in the death of Hannah Graham is based on new forensic evidence, Albemarle County Commonwealth's Attorney Denise Lunsford said after a hearing in which new defense attorneys with experience in death-penalty cases were appointed. She declined to elaborate on the evidence. Matthew already was charged with first-degree murder and abduction with intent to defile.

Attorney general meets Gray family

BALTIMORE -- Attorney General Loretta Lynch pledged Tuesday to improve the city's police department after meeting with the family of a man who was fatally injured in police custody. "We're here to hold your hands and provide support," Lynch said in a meeting with faith and community leaders, including members of Congress. The new attorney general met privately at the University of Baltimore with Freddie Gray's family, days after the state's attorney charged six police officers involved in Gray's arrest. Gray's fatal neck injury in police custody sparked protests and riots that prompted Maryland's governor to bring in the National Guard. Lynch was joined by the leader of the Civil Rights Division, Vanita Gupta; Office of Community Oriented Policing Services director Ronald Davis; and Community Relations service director Grande Lum.

Marine general may be Joint Chiefs head

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama on Tuesday nominated a respected, combat-hardened commander as his next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to lead the military during a period of transition. Obama chose Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford Jr. to succeed Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, who served four years as chairman. "I know Joe, I trust him," Obama said. "He has already proven his ability to give me his unvarnished military advice based on his experience on the ground." Dunford is expected to be confirmed easily by the U.S. Senate.

-- From wire reports