Witness testimonies important in timeline in Morgan Harrington and Hannah Graham cases

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RADFORD (WSLS 10) - Several witnesses helped in the cases involving Morgan Harrington and Hannah Graham.

Court documents detail the nights they went missing and when they first met Jesse Matthew, Jr.

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Criminal justice expert Dr. Tod Burke talked to us about the importance of witness testimonies even though some may not be reliable.

"Eyewitness identification and all types of witnesses help establish a timeline and help support the evidence," says Burke.

Police were able to plot out who saw Hannah the night she disappeared and how she met Matthew.

Witness testimonies and surveillance video showed Hannah throughout Charlottesville and at some establishments like McGrady's Pub and then at Tempo with Matthew.

In Morgan's case, investigators also used witness testimonies and cell phone records.

"As technology increases it will aid law enforcement so we just don't know 10 years from now how much technology will really aid in the investigative process," says Burke.

While the cases are closed for Hannah and Morgan, Burke says it doesn't mean Matthew is in the clear for others.

"I think what's important with a case like this is while the public thinks this is over and while there is closure it's not over till it's over and I saw that because there could be some open cases around the country," says Burke.