Suspect in Pitt student's murder will also stand trial on separate, rape charges

A man charged with the murder of a University of Pittsburgh student will also stand trial on rape charges out of Elizabeth Township.

The alleged rape victim testified in court Friday and said Matthew Darby raped her just days before he allegedly murdered his ex-girlfriend, Alina Sheykhet.

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Sheykhet's parents were in court while another young woman testified she was attacked by Darby.

Darby is already facing the death penalty for Sheykhet's murder.

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On Friday, he learned he'll also stand trial for the alleged rape of an Elizabeth Township girl just days before Sheykhet's death.

"We have a lot of serious charges against my client and I'm going to be addressing them as I'm required to," said attorney David Shrager.

The alleged victim was 17 years old at the time.

She told the judge Friday that she and Darby went for a walk in the woods near her home when Darby allegedly, "...grabbed and pushed her and she hit her head on a tree..."

The victim said Darby then raped her.

Darby's defense attorney says they'll actively refute these allegations at trial, however, the capital murder case against Darby is the most pressing issue.

Cox Media Group