New rape charges filed against suspect in Pitt student's murder

ELIZABETH TOWNSHIP — The man charged in the murder of Pitt student Alina Sheykhet is now facing unrelated rape charges.

Allegheny County police on Thursday charged Matthew Darby for the alleged assault of a 17-year-old Elizabeth Township teen on Oct. 3, just days before Sheyhet’s death.

The victim met Darby at a party at Indiana University of Pennsylvania back in spring and didn't speak to him after that, according to the criminal complaint. It wasn't until months later that Darby messaged her on social media and got her phone number.

TRENDING NOW:

• Woman admits to attacking teacher after incident at Pittsburgh school
• No cure, yet, but scientists may have found the cause of dyslexia
• Security guard from Las Vegas shooting opens up
• VIDEO: Surveillance video captures woman taking dog from veteran

Police said Darby set up dinner plans and picked the victim up at her home on Oct. 3. They began to drive, and Darby ended up pulling off into the parking lot of New Hope Assembly of God in Elizabeth Township, according to police.

At this time, Darby was on his phone with his work friend and told the victim he had to meet his friend in Pittsburgh around 7 p.m., according to the criminal complaint. Darby and the victim began to walk into the woods, where he pushed her down and assaulted her, according to police.

Police said, "She told him she did not want to have sex and told him to stop."

After the sexual assault, Darby told her, "I wouldn't say anything about what happened," according to police.

He then allegedly drove thru a Chick-Fil-A to get food before dropping the girl off at her house, according to police.

Darby, who remains in custody in Myrtle Beach, faces several charges, including rape, sexual assault and corruption of minors.

Channel 11 was first to speak with Darby’s defense attorney, David Shrager, after police investigators filed new rape charges against him on Thursday,

“They are very serious and disturbing allegations,” Shrager said.

Darby was already accused of raping of another woman in the spring.

Shrager said he will have to speak in detail with his client, not only about the murder charges, but now about the two separate rape cases.

“I am going to have to speak with my client to and get his side of the story and get a look at the evidence,” Shrager said.

Investigators charged Darby with criminal homicide in connection with the death of Alina Sheykhet in her Oakland home back on Oct 8.

Investigators said Darby broke into her home and beat her to death. He fled and was later arrested in Myrtle Beach after investigators there said he tried to break into a home.

Darby is also facing charges for violating a protection from abuse order Sheykhet filed against him in September, officials said.

He is expected to be brought back to Pittsburgh as early as Oct. 25.

Cox Media Group