MISSING MORGAN: ‘And Then She Was Gone’ Morgan Harrington Vanishes from Metallica Concert
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Charlottesville, VA– Morgan Harrington, 20, a striking blonde junior at Virginia Tech has seemingly vanished.
On Saturday October 17th at 8:48PM, BF to Morgan, Sara Snead, spoke with her friend for the last time.
Turn The Page
By all accounts, Morgan Dana Harrington is a regular girl, with irregular charm and beauty. Out of “The 9”, the name she and her 8 bff’s called their clique, she was the one to wear red to their Sr. Prom when the rest of them chose to wear white.
The daughter of Medical executives Dr. Dan and Gilbert (French Canadian pronounced Jil -Bare) Harrington; Morgan is an education major in her junior year at VT.
Morgan proudly displayed her Metallica tickets on the family Sub Zero a full 6 months prior to that Saturday’s concert. A few days before the event, Morgan brought 3 outfits home to try on for Mom’s feedback and approval.
“She was excited about the concert,” Gil announced to Nancy Grace, “and she brought home three outfits that she tried on for me. We chose one, and she said, ‘Mama, it is a rock concert, so it is probably not what you would choose, but is this one okay?’ It was cute, and she was covered, and I said, ‘That will do fine.’”< ?xml:namespace prefix ="" o />
“You know,” adds the mother– aware that her daughter’s attire has come under fire– “you have to give your kid wings.”
“Ms. Harrington,” replied Grace, “you did something right because there are not a lot of 20-year-olds who would ask their mom what they thought of the outfit she was wearing to a concert.”
When Morgan and Amy Melvin, roomie at VT in their off campus Blacksburg 
apartment arrived in Crozet to pick up Amy Snead and her boyfriend for the evenings event, Morgan called Dr. Harrington, or Poppa, as she affectionately called him, to notify her parents of their safe arrival.
She was due to study for her math test with him as well as reconcile her check book she had recently overdrawn, at noon the following day. When morgan did not show Dr and Mrs. Harrington began calling her friends.
Nothing Else Matters
Like most missing persons cases of young adults, Morgan was thought to potentially be a runaway. Her own parents in an effort to reduce their building panic considered perhaps she had met a new boy and was extending the weekend. They wish she had.
It is unclear why Morgan’s friends did not report her missing when they arrived back in Crozet and Morgan’s car was there along with her keys, untouched. But what is clear, is Morgan’s family and friends are no longer mincing words; they believe Morgan was abducted and has met with foul play.
The Unforgiven 
There is a saying in missing persons cases initial analysis:
Start the clock backwards from the discovery of your best evidence.
Unfortunately, the best evidence in this case was not discovered as tied to a missing persons case; Morgan’s purse, wallet and cell phone found the morning of the 18th were given to local Police as a property recovery.
What your thinking is accurate. Any prints, DNA, compromised.
However, the cell phone had the battery removed. H U G E.
Who dumps a purse and a cell at the verifiable last location of a victim?
Someone familiar with cell pings and tracking, and someone who wants you to think this a local and random act.
What do we know? The VA State Police has issued what they feel to be, a credible timeline of the evenings events after the group is in the venue.
8:30 p.m. - Outside John Paul Jones Arena
8:48 p.m. - Friend called Morgan’s cell phone
9:00 p.m. - Seen in University Hall parking lot adjacent to JPJ
9:10 p.m. - Near Davenport Field RV Park and UVA Track
9:20 p.m. - On Copeley Bridge near intersection with Ivy Road
Rader says, “We know we don’t have all the information there is in Charlottesville about this case.”
He urges anyone who saw anything outside the Metallica concert between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. to call police. Police are concentrating on what happened outside the arena.
Around 8:30 p.m., witnesses saw someone matching Morgan description at the ticket counter outside JPJ, trying to get back in the concert after she ended up outside.
At 8:48 p.m., a friend of Morgan’s inside the arena called her on her cell phone asking if she was OK. Morgan apparently told her friend not to worry as she was going to get a ride from friends in Charlottesville.
Around 9 p.m., witnesses saw Morgan walking and carrying her black purse with backpack straps in the parking lot outside University Hall.
Ten minutes later, Morgan made her way to the RV parking area near the UVA track. On the night of the concert, that area would have been filled with RVs.
Witnesses saw Morgan there around 9:10 p.m., but they said they left about ten minutes later, leaving her in the parking area alone. The morning after the concert, a passerby found Morgan’s purse on the ground.
The last known sighting of Morgan Harrington was on the Copeley Road bridge near Ivy Road at 9:30 p.m.
Police believe people driving or walking along the bridge must have seen Morgan after that time. They believe she may have gotten into a car.
“Perhaps you saw someone stop a vehicle to discuss something with this young lady. That would be important. Perhaps you saw this lady get into a vehicle. That would be important,” says Rader.
The new time line explains why police spent so much time in the Copeley Road area looking for clues. Now, they’re revealing where she was with the hope that someone will know where she is.
Morgan’s parents did not appear the Wednesday news conference, but have said they believe she was taken by a stranger and that foul play was involved.
Police are asking any witnesses to come forward. They say every detail counts, and since the Copeley bridge is well traveled on Saturday nights, they hope to jog people’s memories of the night of October 17.
People can submit tips anonymously by calling the Virginia State Police at 434-352-3467.
*UPDATE*
The body found does not appear to be Morgan, but a young woman with dark hair and dark eyes.
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Dear Father, my goodness Blink, it seems to go on forever. My heart is breaking for her parents and friends. How frightening, how very sad. Someday this crap will end, but unfortunately it ain’t today.
Sister, forgive me, more than usual, this one hits close to home for me.
With ya.
B
Morgan’s friends are lying in my opinion. I have been too many concerts and I would have never let my friends leave go thru a cell phone call. FACE TO FACE MAYBE?
Leave before seeing her favorite group Metallica. Danger BLINK! This does not happen unless she got a death in the family call or she falls ill.
Morgan’s friends are losers. They waited to long to report her missing.
G-
Nice to see you. Nobody is going to like my asessment on this one I’m afraid.
Note the boundaries where she was found, proximity to her home and concert, and scattered evidence.
If this is Morgan, This guy is LE, or has vast knowledge of same. She knew him. He was her target, I have more.
God Bless this child, and the young lady found if they are different people. I can hardly stand it at all.
B
Blink - Are you saying the suspected murderer (if indeed this beautiful girl is gone) is in Law Enforcement?
And, what do you mean by He was Her target? I’m confused by that. Do you mean that she was interested in dating him - and he killed her?
And, I’m also confused on why she left the concert in the first place - and why her friends are telling anyone WHY she left.
It’s all so strange, and terribly heartbreaking.
imo, she knew him. At a minimum the friends knew of him, and he is either LE or a derivative thereof.
That’s my feeling.
B
It seems like the world has gone mad.
There’s definitely a killer hunting there, Blink! He knows and waits for strays, likely empowered after his August murders.
The major question is why she went outside of the arena. She apparently went into the bathroom and then went OUTSIDE! I could see getting confused about where the bathrooms were, but she didn’t even have those ***prized***ticket stubs with her. A fan is going to keep those.
Did Morgan try to use her cell and go outside? Seems the police said she was standing on the apron for about 10 minutes–as if waiting for someone?
Sorry to say, but this was done by a pro. There will be sexual assault and lost life.
And I am so, so sorry about that.
edit above: It should read :why AREN’T her friends telling anyone why she left. Sorry…I have a case of the tireds.
I have a daughter turning 21 on Monday, went to a Jay Z concert on Wedneday. I told her about this girl, and my fears for her. “Oh, Mom!” is what I heard. It is sad and scarey what we feel and try to convey to our daughters. My heart goes out to these parents. I know it could be me. Nothing brings you to your knees any quicker than this. Scarey.
Blink - thanks for the reply.
Horrific..all of it.
I hope they catch this guy in short order - but, if he is In LE, as you think he may be…I would imagine he covered his tracks pretty well. Although - if, as you say, the friends are aware of this guy - perhaps they will be able to shed some light.
And, perhaps, this is why it’s been so “quiet” regarding the friends. More going on behind the scenes than we know, huh?
I believe so yes. Le, faction of, security, you get the drift.
B
it appears confirmed that she was denied reentry, the statement by the person who denied her reentry would be pertinent,surely she gave this person an explanation as to the cicumstances requirng reentry.possibles:to meet someone,to procure something,feeling sick(claustrophic,social phobia,need air..?)cell reception? if she was meeting someone were they trying for their first entry with her as she was denied re-entry. and how much time elasped between her exiting and trying for re-entry?was she upset at being denied reentry.why didnt she call/tell her friends she was denied reentry
oh i see the map now and on it says she discusses getting back in with her friends and says she’ll get a ride home.was it sold out,could not a solution be to purchase a new ticket?its not like an airline ticket,i wouldve offered to pitch in for my friend if it was a matter of low funds.if the situation was such that she just couldnt back in,and couldnt get a new ticket,seems that she didnt go outside to meet someone,seems imo, she decided to walk over to someones house that she knew close by or run into friends somewhere,wouldnt she call them though,maybe she didnt get a chance.
Blink- I have loved reading your site for so long. The work you do is so important right now. This poor girl went missing in my town, and frankly a lot of us locals are pretty appalled at what seems to be a confusing jumble of facts. I understand that the police can’t release anything, but the important stuff came out so late.
Her own poor parents didn’t know she was missing until the next day supposedly. I have been past the arena during concerts as it is near my neighborhood, and there is usually a heavy police/university security presence during events, so I think that you theory is so plausible. It’s just sickening that we are surrounded everyday it seems by these kinds of stories and situations. I truly hope that Morgan is well, but the more you follow this case, the more depressing it becomes. Thanks for featuring Morgan’s story.
TY Amy-
It is a tough call on the part of LE on what to release when, especially with some of the factors being what they are in this case. It seems they are damned if they do… or don’t.
I am equally concerned about the murders of Dave Metzler and Heidi Childs-
B
sorry for seeming dumb but why rv’s (motorhomes?),lots of them?are they sure she made it out of the parking lot & over the bridge to copely & ivy?(to grandmothers house we go)she wasnt wearing red this night was she?(little red riding hood),did whoever denied her reentry say she seem intoxicated?was there tailgate partying in the parking lots?
Oh my gosh, I hope that body is not Morgan. I have been following this case since it came out a couple weeks ago and have been curious why no real questioning of the friends has been released. Her parents seem very genuine and I pray that their daughter is found alive…How far away from the concert, was the female body found?
This may sound a little off, but very real. My son goes to Metallica
concerts..he says,crazy people attend..the ones that gather with the RV’s have drugs for sale..He said that she was probably coming out to meet some one to get drugs..cause this would be a reason she would of left the concert..maybe following someone out to get them. We parents think we know child..but they can surprise us. Remember this group is heavy metal music….people come from all over the USA and Canada.
I think about this beautiul girl everyday, and hope she will be found. The parents need closure.
Ok, just mapped the towns. Its anywhere from 5.5 to 6.5 hours away from the concert location. Also only 4.5 hours away from Myrtle Beach where Brittanee Drexel disappeared from. Whoever it is, I pray for the family that will soon recieve this dreaded news.
Here is a link with pics of clothing found w/the body. Nothing appears to match the description given of either Brittanee or Morgan. Also read somewhere that the woman had dark eyes and dark hair….
oops, sorry. forgot the link.
http://www.wsoctv.com/news/21471322/detail.html
Hey Blink,
In the article you linked regarding the deceased woman they found, there is another article stating that they need help in identifying the girl. It says she has dark hair and dark eyes. It doesn’t sound like it’s Morgan. Another murdered girl? This world is getting scarier by the minute.
I don’t understand why Morgan’s friends didn’t go down to the gate to try to help her get back into the concert when she couldn’t get back in. Also, who were the friends from Charlottesville who she was supposedly getting a ride home from? Does anybody know?
It does sound like she was “meeting” someone. Her friends must know this, if it is true. I don’t see any other reason why she would go outside.
Yes, it does not sound like it is her. There is no doubt in my mind Morgan was lured out of the concert on purpose.
B
Blink-
Cool touch using all Metallica songs as headers.
Somebody knows something and we are offering $50 Grand to help find this girl. We are family dudes too.
Lars
Just a reminder to everyone of all ages and at all functions in days like these: Buddy System! Do not go alone anywhere on class trips, concerts, etc. Remember Natalee Holloway. She left her group and went somewhere with strangers. As Blink suggested, Morgan was lured into it, just as Natalee was.
Lars glad to see Metallica is helping by upping the reward money..good job.
Blink I think you mean York Co South Carolina not PA?
It is so sad that all these young people continue to be prey for whomever is out there stalking them. It would appear the August murders and this one are related. And late August being the time young people start returning to campus.
I hope they find Morgan and are able to apprehend her murderer before anyone else meets a similar fate.
Thanks DD, I fixed that last eve but between the publishing programs I use it reverts sometimes, thanks for the heads up.
Yep. It was the first week of school.
B
I heard about this one earlier. She goes to a concert she was looking way forward to and LEAVES before it even starts? Blink, have they checked her computer and cell phone ? Cell phone for text messages. There was some reason she left and it wasn’t to get popcorn. Lured out? intresting…that would mean some kind of text message perhaps. Or someone gesturing to her. Her friends had to have seen something. Was there some creep bothering them? The answer just might be in her cell phone. Friends called her, friends claim she told them she will get a lift from friends? Her friends at the concert didn’t see something wrong here. Im in NO way blaming her friends, but….whats odd is her parents claim she was looking all to forward to the concert…..Yet her friends left her leave with no explaination as to why? They call her and they stay at the concert even though she tell them not to worry. I see a problem here…… I think there way a guy involved somehow that they all knew. I am having a hard time with the concert she was looking all to forward to….And she leaves……something is not right with that……thats your first clue. Perhaps it was a cover up to meet someones else…. My prayers are with the family.
They recovered her cell sans the battery. I sincerely hope not sans a sim card.
B
Her friend gives her a kiss on the check as she presumably leaves to go to the bathroom..huh? I think she may have been giving her a kiss on the check because Morgan got a call from someone else she was meeting there and told her friends she was going to find them. The friends know more and seem like caring individuals. I am sure they have told LE what they know, which may be a help in discerning who or what lored her out of that buildng before Metallica ever went on stage.
I agree DD, and they are not speaking to the press, which I think is wise.
B
This is driving me crazy. I posted this on her facebook.
Can anyone shed some light on something I have yet to see brought up?
Morgan’s parents said she was not dating anyone.
However, who was her last boyfriend? Recent breakup?
Unreciprocated admiration?
If this had happened at VT, I promise you that is the first place that would be looked at. Perhaps the fact that this happened away is actually the opportunity someone in her life was waiting for?
Just throwing it out there, but like many, what I am seeing is anything but random.
There is no plausible explanation for dumping her purse and cell ( sans battery) except to say “I was abducted here”, “You should look here.”
Imo, this will be his undoing. There was nobody in that area when the last witnesses left. Does anyone think he comes back and dumps it?
Hell to the No.
He evades every camera. This is not some dude sitting around with the hopes some lovely young woman gets shut out of a concert.
I have been thinking about what you said also Blink. When the hubs and I first heard about this story his first words were, “she was meeting some guy from the Internet or something I bet”. Maybe a fellow fan? Maybe a person who works with the band?
People don’t buy expensive tickets and get super excited just to leave at the beginning of the show when they know they can’t get back in. Unless as my husband and I think- what if this mystery person assured Morgan that he could get her back in and not to worry, and she knew he was in a position to do so, which made Morgan trust him enough to meet him outside?
Did the band staff or roadies or whatever park in the RV lot that night? We have been wondering this.
NO. there were no rv’s parked there that evening according to witnesses, and the band was not either.
B
that was my last thought as i went to sleep was: would some one come back and dump her purse or is this where she entered an rv. if she was lured the first thing they might have done was dislodge her cell battery.
Removing the battery, for me only serves one purpose if your throwing it out anyway; So that GPS or remote access for pinging purposes cannot be accomplished. Secondly, if the sim is gone as well, it certainly slows down LE in accessing that information. Why? They need a warrant, and those are not quick. If the account was in parents names, it would go alot quicker, but if it is in hers, right now, there is no crime, and cell providers are wary of that.
I hate to say this, but the reality is, if someone is smart enough to go through all this planning and execution, they are also smart enough to believe however erroneously that they are just buying time for the first weeks to increase the odds of the finger not being able to directly point at them. Again, takes me to the same background of the offender.
B
it seems going over the bridge is leaving the area ,if indeed she was spotted at copely and ivy, where was going?seems she would have to have a destination in mind.
I personally do not believe that sighting. She was spotted crossing the lot approaching the area with her purse, passes the area where her purse is found and then seen on the bridge? Makes no sense to me.
B
Hi Blink,
If I went to a concert with friends and we weren’t all accounted for after the concert, there is NO WAY we would have left without our friend.
We would have looked for him/her. Called 911 and turned to stone waiting at the arena. What were these kids thinking? And why didn’t they call her parents until 16 hours had passed? My “spidey sense” is telling me something is wrong with their story.
Just saying.
I agree with you. But I am not prepared to condemn them for the actions of an adult. What I am HOPING is more likely, is that they have been permitted to say only what they have and are not in a position to address any more or less.
I am giving them the benefit of the doubt on this one. That said, I want people to be crystal clear:
YOU DO NOT GO ANYWHERE at this type of venue BY YOURSELF… MALE OR FEMALE, For ANY REASON.
Try this.. google a destination of a public place you plan on attending, google missing from (insert place). If you get so much as one hit, you have determined it is a POSSIBILITY. You now need to protect yourself by removing the opportunity for anyone to victimize you while you are alone. For the most part, what is the common denominator in mp case?
They were alone at the time they went missing.
B
Blink- in regards to your reply to Susan M, I don’t know if you have been to the area around the arena, but you are spot on. We haven’t believed this sighting either. The bridge going towards Alderman is far past the lot where Morgan’s things were supposedly found. Why would the offender back track to leave those? Also, unless Morgan was incapacitated to the point of unconsciousness, she would know she doesn’t have her purse with her and I think her state would be obvious to the witnesses. This sighting makes little to no sense unfortunately.
No matter what the police say the missing battery has been a point of alarm to us. The fact that it was gone is so telling to me. Perp grabs Morgan quickly, VERY quickly to avoid being heard or seen, and then removes battery from phone and throws it and purse down as she is pulled into a vehicle. I have also wondered, was she chatting with one person while another grabbed, or hit her from behind? So many questions. I actually have tickets to take my little ones to see a show tomorrow at this arena, but I am not sure that I have the heart for it. It has always seemed such a safe place, but clearly, like so many other naive people my eyes are being opened to the dangers to me and my children more everyday.
I can’t seem to stop thinking about this young woman, and I hope everyday for miraculous good news in her case. Still naive, huh?
“Morgan proudly displayed her tickets on the SubZero”. More than one ticket, they probably all knew she was meeting someone for the concert and a sleep over, he made up some excuse that she needed to come out side for and then decided to leave with him. Did he evade all cameras Blink? This creep (if any) did everything right. I’m sure her friends know of him but somehow he will have that covered up too. I know you know more B, wish you could share!
Big ups Lars for offering a reward. Being a family man I’m sure Morgans disappearance during your concert is bothering all of you. I think this would’ve happened know matter what the circumstance.
Someone set their sights on her and she had no clue who she was dealing with.
Just wanted to chime in and say thanks to Lars for the reward.
Is there anything Metallica could have done to make their concert safer?
#24 blink yes and in addition if the perp had sights on her dislodging the battery at first oppurtunity prevented her from taking any incoming calls.
These three beautiful blond girls all look similar..Brittney/Morgan/the couple…how far away are all of these from each other? Wasn’t Brittney from VA?? and drove to Myrtle Beach?? or someplace in a motel with her friends? And she never came back…I do not remember the story..just that her and Morgan look the most a like..very pretty..Think of all the people Morgan could of told she was going to see Metallica in the six months that would pass, until the final day. It is hard for me to believe that she left the concert for a guy, when this was a golden chance to see this band she had waited for, for so long.
Even if there was no RV’s, which is hard to believe, there was for sure,mini vans and perhaps campers….Every time I go to a concerts, mostly Phish concerts..there are people from 8 to 80 from all over the USA and Canada…Everyone has drugs to sell or hand out..If I wouldn’t already had enough,I could get high for another 40 years. These kids, no matter how straight you think they are, are trying X and other drugs today. Recently my 16 year old goodie goodie chubby grandson,said he had tried X and weed…I was so shocked…I remember my son, who went to a private Christian brother’s high school,would tell me anything you want,you can get in the bathroom at school. He waited until college to try weed and like most sheltered teens that attend private school..blossom in college..So I do not think buying drugs should be ruled out..perhaps this is why the other two girls waited so long..because they were high on X already? JMO
Her friends,need to volunteer for Polys!
Confuddled again Blink…her friends let her walk away, get stuck outside, couldn’t get back in and told them don’t worry some friends will drive me back to Charlottesville. Doesn’t add up, what are we missing? Why didn’t the friends react to ANYTHING? Drugs? Okay, sure and she had the connect to go and get them outside maybe but who walks out of a concert can’t get back in and not call their friends for help? More Sunday Blink?
Very, very OT but what did the Blinkettes dress as for Halloween? My son is 12 and I couldn’t force him to go, doggonnit! I admit it…I wanted to go through the candy bag too! Happy Halloween everybody.
I do pray this family and all others here at BOC some peace and resolution soon. God Bless you all for having to endure what you should never have to.
This is going to crack the hallows of BOC up fo shizz. Blink Jr was wearing an orange prison jumpsuit with a skullcap, I made him a sign which he would not take that said “This is how I get grounded, want to be adopted?” And Blinkette was a Genie this year. I want to turn back time daily.
B
Blink, your article says they picked up friend in CROZET to go to concert, newspapers are saying Harrisonburg. Which is it? Thanks in advance!
That is based on an address we were given, if the car was not where we were told, it could have been in Harrisonburg.
B
So much confusing info re: this story . . . LE says friend drove MORGAN’S car to Arena, her parents say it wasn’t Morgan’s car but a friends. Interesting - did someone provide you with an address in Crozet? I actually live in the area and Crozet and Harrisonburg are NOT close to one another. Interesting someone would provide you with a Crozet address. More info on that?
Also, wonder why the “boyfriend” hasn’t been identified. Is that considered “normal” for these types of investigations do you think?
Yes and No.
Yes if they have not been cleared. I do believe this chap has been referred to by Dr. Harrington as a friend to Morgan, texting during the concert.
B
Poor Blink Jr. — bless his little heart. You tell him if he wants to “blow that popcorn stand” just to let me know. We will not leave bread crumbs. This was way too funny!!!
I will if you want him to own your heart in a blink, lol. To tell the truth, I dont think he has ever been grounded long enough to clean up his legos.
B
Blink, you may be as sick as me in the humor dept.! lol I would have gone one further and said “I won’t take you if you don’t hold the sign”!!!!! Too darn cute. My one regret about my son getting older is that I didn’t get many pictures and what I had accumulated was lost by movers in a cross town move. You can’t put a price on that one nor replace them. Aren’t kids amazing! Glad you had a great time, don’t sugar load tonight you’ll regret it in the am.
Blink, I was talking about the “boyfriend” of one of the girls that drove to the concert with them. Reports released the two girls names that were in the car but not the guy’s name.
That would be Sara’s , but agreed I dont know his name. Dr. Harrington was not referring to him in his comments, and I am clear there was an effort to skirt the issue, imo.
B
Blink -
You probably can’t say but do you have any suspects in mind? I wanted to discuss the possibility of someone but I don’t know what you rules are about posting names, etc. if they haven’t been named publicly by police as suspects.
Without saying too much, someone that had been a security guard, who’s favorite show was “COPS”, among other things that I won’t point out yet until I get guidance as to what’s allowed here…someone like that might would think to take a battery out of phone right?
Sal- I know who your referring to “WT”. Candace on my team was on him like a dog on a chew toy early on. Personally, I just feel he is an “interjector”, as happens frequently in these cases. Here is my profile of the “unsub”:
Yes, or rather a profile which will not be popular.
This offender screams LE or faction thereof: Ie: former LE, trained in LE but for whatever reason may also work security.
You have a massive campus and Morgan goes missing at the one place there are no cameras. The CCTV or digital infareds (if they have them) must be approved by zoing or the school board prior to installation. The monitoring contracts must be awarded pubicly, even if the specifics are sealed.
Her Father was on staff at this school for many years, her brother an alumni. I dont believe that Morgan did not know she could not get back in, I think whatever lured her outside was the promise to both get her back in, and something worth her while to take the risk- maybe backstage passes or VIP seating?
Who would you believe had access to that?
If one researches and is able to find all that information, you must consider if there are cameras on campus that may have come from Homeland Security Grants, which ARE NOT subject to public disclosure; but accessible as to their whereabouts, by LE or campus security (via clearance).
You have a cell and purse discarded with the battery removed. I have not had an opportunity to study the ping differentials of this area, but based on how rural it is, let’s say it has a +/- of 5 miles at a minimum. If you really want to throw LE off, why not throw it out the window in 3 miles going the wrong way? Throw it in a creek and short it? He is aware of the technology that would ensue, and help to establish their destination. I am going to make a leap and say that the phone also was missing the SIM card if it takes one and if not, was “reset” before the battery was removed.
In an instance where they cannot establish foul play, if the phone was in her name, you could be looking at 30 days at a minimum to get a warrant.
That said, if they have evidence we are not aware ,or a POI, that would be moot inasmuch as they would already have access to data up until the power is removed from the phone. If they have access, I believe they will have either texts or calls from a prepaid or bat phone, or some other call scrambling mechanism.
Again, leads me to someone with investigative knowledge.
I say this with utmost respect for LE. I also say that having worked with them, that good investigators and officers don’t mind looking in their own backyard because they dont have anything to hide.
Lastly, you have to consider the possibility of the connection of the Metzler and Childs murders in Caldwell Field. Childs Father is VA State Trooper. I can state as a fact that the possibility of someone posing as LE or security is in the top 3 of their offender profile for these murders.
Anyone reading here know if Morgan had a former BF that is VT deputy or security?
***************************************************************************************
I developed that before a poster on MOrgan’s facebook pointed out a guy friend of Morgan’s texted her during the concert, mentioned on NG with no follow up-
GRACE: That`s what I don`t understand. If she was just going to the bathroom, then why did she go outside the arena? Have they looked at her cell phone? Did anyone contact her and lure her out?
HARRINGTON: It does not appear there were other calls to Morgan during that period of time. There was some texting of Morgan to a young gentleman that she was friends with, but it was no one in Charlottesville. It was further away and so — but he`s not a suspect at all at this time.
GRACE: Right. So they were just probably texting about what, the concert, that she was at the concert, stuff like that?
HARRINGTON: Yes.
GRACE: OK. And he was in a different city?
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0910/29/ng.01.html
********************************************************************************************
How would they be sure he was in a different city and why use the words, “not a suspect at this time..”?
Was he supposed to be on duty somewhere?
I could be wrong, but this profile is sticking to me like a shadow.
B
Fan from Metallica site thought maybe she saw Morgan in the bathroom after first act… but before Metallica performed. Said something like… girl looked like Morgan and was crying. Had been hit in face. Let’s say you have alot of wild body gyrations at a heavy metal concert and you are accidently smashed in face. Well it’s possible you would spend time outside to reduce swelling and calm down. Perhaps go to your car to repair your face and in process encounter someone who offers to help …
I am sooo happy to see you covering this, Blink! I have to admit, it’s a new obsession and (mea culpa!) I’ve been away from this site for the past two days reading up on this mystery. So I’ll dive in.
My first guess was just like most folks’—she had arranged a rendezvous with an internet stranger. Facebook makes stalking easier I reckon, since you telegraph your moves, so that’s very possible. But leaving the concert before the band takes the stage? Security most likely would have warned her about NO RE-ADMITTANCE, and there usually are prominent signs as well.
What about the scrape on her chin, consistent with slipping and falling (but not assault, says LE:)
(snip)
Additional specifics on missing Virginia Tech student confirmed
State police said a scrape on Morgan Harrington’s face was likely from a fall, not an assault.
By Rex Bowman
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Missing Virginia Tech student Morgan Harrington sustained a facial injury before she vanished from an Oct. 17 concert in Charlottesville, Virginia State Police confirmed Friday.
….
“Many of those we’ve spoken to during the course of this investigation recalled seeing a minor scrape or cut on the face of the young woman they saw fitting Miss Harrington’s description,” Geller said. “This injury would be consistent with a slip or fall. In no way would such a minor abrasion be associated with an assault.”
more at link http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/224544
So, is she inebriated in some way? She ends up outside of the arena because she is disoriented or feels sick, or is she tossed out by security, or she leaves on purpose and the injury is just from slipping on something innocently, like in the ladies room?
How about the witnesses who said they saw her keep dropping her purse as she was walking outside? That would seem consistent with inebriation, and could also explain the missing battery, if the phone hit the ground hard and she scooped it up with the rest of the stuff from her purse and just didn’t notice (again, drunk or upset or something) that the battery had popped out.
And what about the conflicting stories about whose car was driven there? Dad says her friend’s car, LE says friends drove Morgan’s car the last leg of the trip to the concert, so Morgan did not have her keys. Who walks away from their own car instead of asking the friends to bring the keys to the gate so she could sit in it? Unless she was in a squabble with the friends and they were afraid she would ditch them there.
Why did she go to the ladies room alone instead of in a pack like most young ladies? Does that mean the friends either knew she was leaving to meet someone, or were perhaps in a squabble.
Suz-
I have 2 nieces and a cousin-in- law that are this girls age, sophmore, junior and freshmen. All spindly pretty blondes like our dear Morgan. I learned something the hard way. They are fearless and trusting and it scares the chit out of me.
This is a crisis, make no mistake. I know I sound like a broken record, but if you have a loved one in this category, I implore you to buy them “The Gift of Fear” by Gavin Debecker. Have a book review party with her and her friends and role play possible scenarios relating to their enviornment. Develop plans and processes that everyone agrees to in an emergency.
I have not read where she was dropping her purse, but the interview with Dave Gardner, the witness from NJ was very credible to me. She was bubbly, did not appear intoxicated at the onset, and then we have her with a scrape and crying, getting texts from a guy allegedly not in that city.
I am praying for this sweet girl and her family, but I truly feel LE has someone in their sites and they are in the tracking process, for more than a few reasons.
B
Thanks, Blink. I was also mystified by NG’s lack of follow-up about who Morgan was texting and where that person (allegedly) was—and whether they know for SURE where that person was. The other thing that can happen with texts, of course, is that anyone who had her phone could have sent texts from it. I wish we knew what those texts said.
Seems like alot of info is being kept close to the vest deliberately (for instance, I’m guessing the police originally did not disclose her injury because they wanted witnesses to describe it on their own, as verification it was Morgan?), and I am sure it’s probably a sound strategy, but it sure is frustrating to have so few puzzle pieces.
I wish we could hear from her friends.
Blink, from your experience, does this seem about normal for the start of an investigation—I mean, the very few, sketchy details emerging, the conflicting stories about the car, etc. That is, compared to other cases—are we seeing the usual amount of info, less info than usual, or more info than usual?
Thats kind of a loaded question, but let me say it this way, this strikes me as an investigation that started off in one direction, and is migrating. Dr. and Mrs. Harrington are both very educated and with resources at their disposal. I expect them to cooperate with LE, and I expect them to quietly utilize resources simultaneously and I would not consider anything that comes from them accidental or happenstance. Keeping in mind, I have seen the most brilliant and resourceful people reduced to a “heap” in this situation, as God Forbid, I probably would. Sometimes your faculties fail you for a reason, when your not the best person for the job.
B
Wow, that was one of the longest Blink responses I’ve seen! Regarding the scrape on her face–it may look like it resulted from a fall, but she could have fallen because she was pushed or hit or chased.
Just attended an event at the John Paul Jones arena today and Ihave some questions for more experience sleuthers than me. First, I have noticed while living here in Cville that I get NO cell reception when I drive past the arena. If I am on a call I immediately lose it, so I have suspected for a while that there is some sort of interference with all of the equipment at the arena. Mind you this area is IN my call area and not even roaming, yet no reception EVERY time.
I texted my husband from the arena, which is 1.3 miles from our house where he was and for some reason it took almost 15 minutes for him to receive it which is a huge lag time for us on locally sent texts. Don’t know if this is relevant or me reaching, but there it is. Also, while being inside today I noticed how clearly marked everything was to include the no entry policy and all of the bathrooms. Also, once the lights are lowered in this place there are at least a kajillion dark shadowy places right on top of the arena seating areas. so many awful possibilities here. Poor Morgan, I am keeping her in my thoughts especially today. Also, after the event as we were leaving, no parking lot security in sight - at all.
Also, and MORE upsetting to me NO posters of Morgan at the arena. Am I allowed to say WTF? If this was my child I would be so outraged right now. I am anyway. Come home safe Morgan.
Blink -
Re the person I mentioned last night. You are correct that is the person I was referring to. Here is more info from his own posts….he admits he worked part time at the arena:
http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=162224546575&topic=10368
(see post 19)
Not only has he been a security guard but he is currently a volunteer EMT and involved in search and rescue in the area. He would definitely know the area well. Here is another quote fom that same site:
“As I’ve told Kristin, I am an EMT and involved with search and rescue in this area. Monday afternoon I called all surrounding counties police departments asking if any sort of organized volunteer searches had been setup. As of that time none had given me any indication when this will happen. I was informed to continue to monitor fire/rescue channels and when and if they do put out a request I will inform everyone here on this group.”
MONITOR FIRE AND RESCUE CHANNELS….he could be listening in to see how close they are getting IF he were the perp.
Have you looked into him at all? He has a strange porn fetish and I will leave it at that. I think you have my e-mail b/c I have to enter it to post. If you want to know more, e-mail me or if it’s ok to lay it all out here, just let me know and I will post it.
You may already know this and have good reason to not consider him. Something about him just doesn’t sit right with me. I trust your judgement as you are much better at this stuff than me.
Wow, Amy J., I’m surprised about the lack of posters at the venue—AND the lack of security, considering. You’d think they’d beef it up just for PR purposes (though maybe they don’t want it to look like they have any liability in the matter).
[...] FBI Agent and Security Expert will be discussing Somer Thompson, the murdered Fla 7 year old and Morgan Harrington, the missing Va Tech [...]
Could it be that concert security or someone posing as offered her backstage or convinced her to leave the arena in order to get backstage?
I cannot understand why she would leave otherwise. Even if she were meeting someone, why not wait until after the concert?
This is one of our team’s theories, yes, but from someone she knew.
B
Are we sure she went to the concert? You reported Blink, that she called her Poppa from the friend’s house. Are there photos or security tapes of her at the concert? Who found the purse? Maybe,it was purposely placed there.
If it happened exactly how her friends reported it. How sad that they have to live with the constant “if only ” for the rest of their lives.
Yes, she was definately there.
B
So assuming the backstage pass/seat upgrade scenario is true, and if it’s ALSO true she kissed her friend(s) goodbye before she left them between acts (is it true?), then can we assume the friends know of her plan to meet someone? Though they don’t necessarily have to know the person she is meeting?
blink#44 i assume you mean a p.i.,i was just thinking and wondering,thats what i’d do if in the situ.,but am wondering,as per my nancy drew trixie belden agatha christie days,i thought i would grow up to be a detective,but puberty and the realization that real detective work isnt about secrets in antique seth thomas clocks,but truly dangerous,life and the explaination that to be a really good pi its necessary to be police detective first, seperated me from the idea.i know for insurance,divorce,pi’s are used.for the family to feel that their doing everything they can,and insight into investigation ,but my question are there crackerjack,pi’s for criminal cases as such,are they necessary if the fbi and le and national attention are already there.does barnaby jones exists.
I am thrilled to see that you are reporting on this case. Since this witness (in the below article) does not appear to be on the police timeline, does anyone know if the report of this witness has been dismissed by the police?
http://www.nbc29.com/Global/story.asp?S=11374052
Does anyone know if these online statements have been verified ?
Dakota-
You will need to be specific.
B
http://findmorgan.com/forums/index.php?action=profile;u=3;sa=showPosts
no idea, sorry. I would take that with a grain of salt.
B
I have an off topic “prayer request”. I volunteer for a sex slavery rescue home. This past week one of the girls rescued was in a car with her life coach. THey had come to a stop when her former pimp saw her and pulled her out of the car and stuffed her into his own. He drove away with her. She has not been heard from since. The rescue is working with LE but as you know these pimps do not take kindly to their girls being taken from them. Please pray for her safety until she is found, (if she is found) and returned to the rescue.
This girl was going to school and really getting her life together. She was on a new career path and very excited about a new life. We are all very worried. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.
Perri- that is heartbreaking. Thank you for what you do in spite of this incident. My first thought, are you positive the girl did not stage this? Forgive the question but I am confident LE asked it already. She is my prayers today regardless.
B
Blink- actually that was one of my first questions but the director seems positive that it was not a possibility. They were not anywhere that it could have been staged. Also, the girls do not have access to phones/ internet to contact others from old life. That is part of the safety of the house, the girls, and the staff. As you can imagine, the other girls are very frightened right now. THe volunteers are just so sad and discouraged. The sex trade in our country is true slavery and the girls are victims. Many times from the age of 10 or 11. They know no way out, and may not even see themselves as worthy of any better.
If that is the case, my first response is to advise the “life coach” or staff to change their routes, or it could have been a familiar one to the pimp, also, if it is common practice for the women in this program, perhaps someone went rogue?
Just throwing it out there as a thought if they truly think this was happenstance, imo, there is no such thing.
B
STATEMENT BY DAN AND GIL HARRINGTON
We are deeply moved by the outpouring of support we’ve received since our daughter disappeared 16 days ago on October 17 from a concert in Charlottesville, VA.
At the request of friends and supporters, the Harrington family has established the Find Morgan Fund to help in the search for our daughter. The Harrington family will donate any unused funds to charities that assist families of missing persons and causes with which Morgan has been directly involved, including Mental Heath America of Roanoke Valley and OMNI Orphan Medical Network International.
Contributions may be sent by mail to the following address:
Find Morgan Fund
P.O. Box 7588
Roanoke, VA 24019
I find some concern wth “iincluding Mental Heath America of Roanoke Valley ith this . ”
Could be a group Dr. Harrington works with but thought I would share .
i don’t know if anyone else has thought about this, but who’s been to a rock concert that ends BEFORE 9pm? What time did the concert start?
Jenn, she left before the concert itself ( Metallica) even started.
B
Why would the perp bother taking the battery out of her phone if the phone and purse would just be thrown to the ground and left behind anyway? Unless she is in the process of calling for help (or threatening to) it seems like an unnecessary step that would risk leaving prints.
And is the missing battery the thing that most makes you guys suspect someone with a security/LE background, or is there something else?
There would be no need, take it one further and why throw it out directly where she was last seen? That is what we call in defining a search perimeter, basically LE 101. The ground zero if you will, LE works in an outward pattern while they are accessing cell pings, cell data, witness accounts. It is one reason, the other is the knowledge and evasion of cameras, the others we are working on and not ready to comment on.
B
Re:#60-
Mental Health America is located in Roanoke, closer to VA Tech. This is a grant program to address the needs of older adults in that area. I would imagine this was something Morgan did volunteer work for.
Woman’s body found in York Co.
1:44
YORK COUNTY, SC (WBTV) - The York County Sheriff’s Office is expected to hold a new conference this afternoon to release the name a dead woman whose body was discovered near Clover last week.
A man riding his four-wheeler on Robinson Road discovered the body on Thursday around 1:14 p.m. He said a purple sock caught his eye.
much more http://www.wbtv.com/global/story.asp?s=11409862
Sorry, meant to say the upcoming presser is about that body we already knew about, with the purple sock(s). Just posted in case it turns out to be related in some way.
As in most cases with concert venues, the arena (promoter) has a separate firm under contract for security, parking attendants, ticket takers, ushers,etc. As is with the case of the JPJ Arena and it appears to me as though RMC Events is the arenas vendor of choice for this:
http://www.johnpauljonesarena.com/employment.asp (on the center bottom is a link for employment opportunities): R.M.C. Events Positions (Ushers, Ticket Takers, Security, Parking): For information about R.M.C. Events visit: http://www.rmcevents.com.
This is the link that verifies RMC had the Metallica concert on their work schedule:http://www.rmcevents.com/Schedules/charloctsched2009.pdf
Those experienced in concert productions know that the venue provides the security and not the band. These private firms are under contract to the arena and are responsible for direct hiring of security personnel, etc. and are NOT employees of the concert hall/venue/arena, etc. They work with the local police department but are a separate entity.
In part, here is a blip from RMC: “At R.M.C., we believe that every position we work has its’ own security aspect. Therefore ALL R.M.C. Employees must successfully complete the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services 01E Security Officer Core Subjects class prior to working for R.M.C. Events.”
Employment applications are taken on-line by RMC according to their web-site and one can only hope they do background checks. However, it is scary in some instances to see how quickly some “security” folks are actually brought on board. In the case of RMC, when contracting for the University of Virginia and JPJ, the RMC staff is required to wear their staff t-shirt (white-can’t recall) and khaki slacks. Some of these staff wear an “All Access Pass” or “Security” lanyard. Concert-goers know exactly what these lanyards represent.
Was she an avid concert-goer and perhaps knew someone that was an employee of RMC? Has RMC been contacted to see if any security employee of theirs that worked the concert that night has not been showing up to other “jobs” or has had a change of behavior recently? Does the gentlemen that texted her inside JPJ work for RMC? This young lady did not step outside the arena and begin walking unless somebody she knew was waiting for her or somebody from security said they could get her back inside IMO.
Since I am not familiar with this particular arena, I do not know for a fact that a small handful of security is not employed directly by JPJ, but I just wanted to make sure that RMC has been questioned. I am quite sure they must have been (and immediately), however, I just had to ask.
As a matter of fact there is some guy claiming to either be with RMC or a promoter for them, saying he spoke to Morgan, but I dont buy it.
I am concerned about several associations that keep popping up for us, working on them.
B
Blink, so glad to see you covering this. I have many many friends whose children are at VT. That area has seen more than it’s share of unsolved crimes like this, and those students should be scared!!! What is going on that LE can’t figure out? I’d say your assessment could be right on. You do know that there is also another unsolved case not that far from there, although not the same circumstances. The murders of Michael, Mary and Jennifer Short in Bassett, VA, in 2002, which is still unsolved. Rumors have been rampant in that case that LE could have been involved, since that area is where the Sheriff and all those deputies were charged & convicted of crimes from conspiracy, to drug dealing (Henry County, VA). I can tell you, as a resident near all these areas, there is that old “good boy network” when it comes to LE in all these areas.
I do have a question. What are the id badges for UVA like? Do their badges designate what their position is, or what department they work in? Or, are the badges generic, only saying they work for the college?
Notice where these guys work at, and although it doesn’t state what type of work, the 1st guy was in the military, which could give him experience as in LE or security:
http://i729.photobucket.com/albums/ww294/jforkids/morgan%20harrington/163faa38.jpg
http://i729.photobucket.com/albums/ww294/jforkids/morgan%20harrington/1c183cc9.jpg
Yes, that case is a mess, to be honest, I would like to know if anyone ever looked at Jett Duncan for that-
B
Blink- I have a question and I hope to God the parents of these girls don’t read my post and have to think of just one more agonizing thought of what has happened to their daughters.I know people are abducted and murdered and sometimes their bodies are never found, but there is something about the Jennifer Kesse (sp?) and Tracy Ocasio cases along with this one that sends my mind into horrifying thoughts I wish I could erase. Do you think there is some way one (if not all) of these girls have been abducted for the purpose of selling them for sex? I just can’t stop thinking about the fact that these girls just vanished into thin air. The people who knew Morgan speak of her as a normal girl with a plan in life and not someone who would go to a concert just to meet up with some guy for a rendevous. I mean absolutely no offense to those who have theorized that- we are all just trying to help. I really feel in my heart she was under the assumption she was going to get backstage passes or some sort of upgrade- she was looking forward to this concert. It seems as though her perp had a plan- not something that just happened at the opportune moment. I don’t think I really ever thought twice about something like that happening in this country in this day and age, but I think our world is getting crazier and sex offenders are getting braver and we are all suffering because of it. I hope I am way off base and this is just a ridiculous post - because it is just so devastating to think of. May this family- along with all of the others we have read about find peace and justice. May their little girl be home soon.
Re: #66 your response –
I can feel extremely comfortable saying this man you referenced most likely was hired by RMC. Most are hired locally for minimum wage and it is a part-time gig for them…meaning they work until the concert is over and then they move on to the next RMC event if they are asked to do so. In some cases, an out-of-stater can be hired, but not often. This is a job where the peacock feathers can be shown proud, and telling someone you “work for the promoter” leads to “I know the band”, or “I can get you backstage”.
It is in my opinion since Metallica is on tour, the promoter for Metallica at this venue was the Administration of JPJ. They are the promoter! Unless this man you referenced is on their payroll, he did not work for the promoter.
I would not discount this man’s statement. Could be true, could be false. However, this position brings out the ego like you have never seen before. It is the craziest thing to witness….and not very safe for young girls/women to be talking to someone that wears a lanyard/t-shirt at a major concert. The stories they spin just to talk to girls is amazing and surprisingly enough, believed! Trust me young ladies, the guys with the “real pull” are not wandering around in front — they are very cozy in their provided management/dressing rooms or in the bands trailor in the back, eating more food then you could possibly imagine (covered in part by your concert ticket of course
) Be very, very careful and selective of the strangers who are promising you “things” at a concert….no matter what they are wearing or the lanyards they display. Many of them want to get close to you just to put their hands on merchandise they have not paid for, if you get my drift.
Blink - This man you reference is either a wanna-be locally hired guy by RMC who wants to be a part of this travesty because his feathers are still spread (very sad indeed if this is so)….or he did talk to Morgan. But the only way for that to happen was if he was out front when she came out of the building and was obviously alone. Do the security cameras show she was near anyone in Khaki pants out front that evening?
I want to be clear. My concerns have nothing to do with RMC. However, personal experience is driving me to ask about who worked for them the night of the concert and have they all been questioned?
More inquisitive and important for me….did RMC have a security trailor in the parking lot?
I am having a difficult time with the sighting on the bridge, and am leaning more towards the grandmother who saw (possibly Morgan) arguing with a man around 9:30 p.m. in the parking lot. I just don’t think she was on the bridge….sorry.
update on the teenager’s body found in SC:
Investigators identify teen’s body found near Clover
By Kimberly Dick - The Herald
The York County Sheriff’s Office has identified the teen’s body found Thursday on Robinson Road near Clover as Heather Marie Catterton, 17, of Gastonia…..
Police would not say if she died on Robinson Road, although they noted that she was there for more than 24 hours but less than 72 hours before police found her….
Investigators are looking for anyone who may have information about Catterton’s whereabouts and activities since Oct. 18. She was not in school, Hoffman said.
Police also are looking for information on two suspicious vehicles. One was a red, Ford F-150 pickup with tinted windows and a flat liner bed cover. The truck was seen in the area of Robinson Road between noon and 1 p.m. Oct. 27. The second vehicle is a two-tone Chevy S-10 pickup with a blue top and tan bottom, possibly a 1987 to 1990 model. That truck was seen in the area of Robinson Road on either Oct. 25 or Oct. 26 between 9 and 10 p.m.
much more here http://www.heraldonline.com/120/story/1715094.html
Blink - There is a connection with RMC Events, Inc. and Virginia Tech (and various other universities). They have just renewed their “Event Staffing Services” contract for June 2009-May 2010:
http://www.vcu.edu/procurement/contracts/151951CM_01_CSS.pdf
Here is an article verifying that RCM has handled athletic events for Virginia Tech (this one below anyway) at least since Sept. 2006:
http://www.roanoke.com/sports/vtfootball/wb/81554
And as I suspected RCM Events is quite well known as they are the security provider for the Virginia State Fair this year:
http://www.statefair.com/pdf/sfv09safety.pdf
I am not feeling good about this at all….please tell me they haven’t hired someone that is responsible for….well, you know. I am feeling ill but prior experience is pushing me here. However there is a connection between RMC, Virginia Tech, and the JPJ Arena at least as far as security goes. To obtain these contracts requires a highly professional management and immediate staff team.
That does not mean that who they hire and the process in which it is done, brings forth the most honorable of people looking for work. My apologies to RMC if you happen to be reading on this comment site, but respectfully, you know what I am saying and there just isn’t a polite and gracious way to put it.
My ears have really perked up in this particular case, so thanks for hanging in there and letting me continue to share…..
Yep. I do think we will be coming full circle on this one. I would be happy to be wrong.
B
Thanks, Blink. Agreed that deliberately evading security cameras would be mighty significant.
The public info is so sketchy, it’s hard to put together meaningful theories. Sounds like Team Blink has more robust info, so..phew! Go get ‘em!
@ Blinks comment after post #3: This is why you are the best, Oh Mighty Blink and it apparently is not wasted time and pays to be a lurker and observer on your website…..I fear you may be right with your most recent theory.
At the very least, what sticks out like a sore thumb is the actual “unclear” reason(s) and final parting from the evenings concerts w/Morgan’s friends also. (Any more deets from LE or more feedback from any of these friends after LE’s interviews?) For all intensive purposes- it does appear abuction is the case and now we must hope for the best while our instincts most likely tells us to expect the worst at the same time…..
The more days which pass, the more certain it appears that this beautiful young lady has been murdered. Realizing this statement is not a popular theory to post either, my heart breaks and my prayers and thoughts are yet again with another family.
God, please bring this young woman home to her family where she belongs. Some divine intervention and a miracle would also be greatly appreciated….
=(
By the hour, NG ,I am discouraged as to our findings in this case. There are stories amongst people that are inconsistent that should not be.
B
#31- Fair question, however—
Metallica and all other Professional Bands pay big bucks for various Management Teams, etc. whose job it is not only to review contracts and go over these types of details when a location to perform is picked- but again- accountability is in the hands of their Management to address this important issue-cross every “t” and dot every “i” so to speak so as to reduce the general liability for the Band. Of course, it depends on how good their Management is at doing their job and the quality of security in the Stadium/Arena where they are playing in the end.
As has been mentioned also- an arena this size certainly must have plenty of on-site survelliance and usually it’s own In-House Security team (which are usually Contractors). Regardless- as another poster who has been there has stated-she never felt safety was an issue when attending events here. So, so scary b/c it also proves that even in this day and age {and even with certain levels of security being in place}—undesireable events and all sorts of things can still happen. This is another reason I believe Blink’s theory is correct—the perp of this crime is either in LE themselves, possibly security of the arena or at a very minimum has the intelligence- (or is a seasoned criminal who has done this before)- to have scoped out the Security at the arena before hand in knowing where the “blind” spots were to avoid being caught on tape. Sincerely doubt it was a random act by some crazy Rock N Roller or concert attendee just looking for a good time with a pretty blonde—that would be too much of a great stroke of luck w/incredible timing to pull off successfully, IMO.
Our Perp is on the inside. Either knows her through friends, or is connected through their line of employment as Blink stated. Morgan was definetly lured outside the event for a reason, and at the exact time someone knew it would be possible to get her away from the Arena without anyone noticing…(picked a very busy time with a high volume of foot traffic).
Yes, to the point I am thinking she thought she was tricked, tried to get back in, and that was purposeful on the part of the ruse to see if she came out alone.
B
#73-B………. ((((((Sighhhh))))))… Inconsistencies amongst those who should have consistent accounts of the evening/events leading up to concert…. Not good~ When Blink is discouraged—we are all discouraged.
=**(
well it seems surely to not be a metallica fan (with a ticket),cuz they wouldve enjoyed the show with her and then abducted her.
Blink — I believe I have stumbled across the guy you referenced in your response to my #66. Have you seen his myspace? What guy only has one friend that does all the posting….creepy
Pam or Sal- ok to post his myspace and/or name, he is discussing Morgan openly on it.
B
We should stay encouraged and positive. Lets keep our heads up in this case.
Blink - love the site
-Fellow crime blogger.
My feeling is this is right off TV. The perp(s) is watching and interacting with LE and media. He or they are/where employed by the venue, either as a regular or contract employee.
Yes, in the area of security in some fashion, we agree.
B
Blink, beloved Blink, I’m with you there. The way I see it, she was quite familiar with this whoever, who may have been from campus security in general, and not otherwise affiliated with the concert. Because she was among a group of friends, she may not have held her own ticket. One person may have been holding them, and a head count was done upon entering. This would explain why she didn’t have her stub. I also think she was expecting to meet him — a love interest, perhaps — and left the concert arena to do just that, but upon passing through the gate didn’t see him there, at which point she couldn’t get back inside.
It’s doubtful that she would have gained entrance had a friend come to the gate with a ticket stub that could have belonged to anyone. I think she may have been told this when she tried to get back in. “I left my stub inside! My friend has it! She’ll bring it to me!” To which she may have been told, “Can you prove it’s your stub?” At which point she probably informed her friends that she couldn’t get back in and would be finding another way home.
At some point, around this time, she well may have received a text from this guy telling her how sorry he was for being late, and telling her where to meet him, outside the range of the security cameras, and of course off she went. This would explain why people saw her pass by but couldn’t say what transpired thereafter. He was probably waiting for her, and without hesitation knocked the phone out of her hands, dismantling it. It wouldn’t have taken much for him to have snatched up the battery. Let’s hope he didn’t have time to take the sim card, though he probably did, especially if he didn’t act alone or knocked her unconscious. It’s all so horribly sad.
On that note, I’ve calls to make. There’s an infant missing from Chipley, and this is especially distressing, as I lost a five year old nephew in Chipley, a few years back. He was struck by a car and killed, while visiting his mother. Chipley holds, then, such sad memories for all of us. And of course, this infant’s disappearance is all too suspicious.
Gavi
O my dear Gavi, Im so sorry to hear about your nephew. God Bless. Good luck with your calls.
I am told it would not have mattered if Morgan had her stub on her or not, once your out, your out.
B
would like to see the my space of the guy who is talking about Morgan.TIA
Which myspace page are we talking about? Is it Daddy Wayne the EMT, or someone else?
Re: #77 response and #81 radiogirl (and anyone else) —
OK Blink, I just wasn’t sure if it was appropriate to post — thanks! Here is the myspace referenced:
http://www.myspace.com/silverity —
He goes by DW and obviously works for RMC Events, Inc. (at least according to his friend Sarah as she frequently references it). If you click onto Sarah’s myspace one of his posts (around the date Morgan vanished) to Sarah was in reference to Morgan.
Strange that this particular post to his friend Sarah made it appear as though he didn’t know her…but underneath his “DW” name and posted by his “mood”….well, you will see.
IMO he’s just plain creepy…others may see differently.
Here is DW’s post:
“Oct 19 2009 11:21 PM
no i’m fine. but this girl, morgan harrington, went missing at the metallica concert. if you’ve seen the news. well i had spoken with her that night, and i just feel like i should’ve done more to help. i feel quite distraught about it.”
I agree. It’s kind of wierd and creepy…
I agree PamTX. He is pretty creepy. You can also look up his past status updates. They mention many times of loneliness and once of shrooms. I know that “1-4-3″ means I love you; what do you suppose “2-4-1″ means other than actually “two for one” which totally creeps me out?
Those MySpace exchanges are odd.
Makes me wonder if Sarah is an actual person or DW conversing with himself. The posts seem fixated on DW’s shifts and various concerts. Almost like that job is all DW has going for him and he needs a way to talk about it. So he invents this friend Sarah who constantly talks about it.
Of course, she could just be a really loquacious person with a lot of time on her hands.
Upon further inspection, I’m going with loquacious. But still rather odd and one-sided exchanges.
DW seems pretty docile from his page, imo. He does not seem at all suspicious to me. Maybe I am missing something, but I am not seeing any red flags on this DW kid.
#82 suz - All I know is his first name is Dave which was referenced (I believe) 3 times on his myspace a long while back. His birthday appears to be Oct. 11 or 12 if anyone cares…
From a 2006 myspace post:
Oct 12, 2006 5:18 AM
Happy birthday dave!!!
One of a guy friends post to him (shouldn’t be too hard to find since 99% of his posts are from a female), wants to talk further about DW giving his friend a dead chicken. WTH?
Did you happen to read the comments posted by Nelson Kane on the Help Find Morgan facebook page? How creepy is he?
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=162224546575&v=wall
I seldom get the hair standing up on the back of my neck, but for whatever reasons, this DW is nagging at me. So on further lurking, I am going to throw this out there. After all, we are talking about someone’s missing daughter, so I feel comfortable following up on my gut.
Sarah Hartung from Indiana appears to DW’s sister (verification from his myspace below):
Sep 4, 2008 3:25 PM
“I really miss you and mom. Hope everything is going great for you guys!.. I have my own place now so you should come visit me.. ASAP!!!”
I did not want to list her myspace on this site, because her myspace image is of two little children, and that would completely go against what I believe in. If you click on Sarah Hartung’s photo (from DW’s page of Sep 4, 2008 postings), her 4th listing of her “best friends” is a Lance Hartung who calls himself “LW”.
Not sure of the relation between Lance and DW’s sister Sarah (or Lance and DW), but by all appearances of his uniform, Lance or “LW” appears to be a Texas Ranger or works for the Texas Highway Patrol and is from Houston.
“LW” is LE from Houston and “DW” works security in VA….hinky.
DW is not listed on RMC’s key contact list – http://www.rmcevents.com/contacts.html and imo that means he is one of the many who work events whenever they need someone, but I would wager he has been with them awhile).
I am thinking “DW” has an ego problem, low self-esteem, and is a wanna-be. This guy bothers me, and if he is nowhere near involved with anything other than seeming odd to me, then he shouldn’t have put himself in the position of my questioning him because he had told someone he spoke to Morgan that day! pffft If he made up this story to his friend then shame on him!!! But if it was my daughter, I would want every stone unturned.
You know what, I dont think D last name starts with W now that you mention it
B
Correction on an e-mail from my last post. It should read
http://www.rmcevents.com/contacts.shtml (This is not an exciting link. I just posted it to verify a statement I had made).
Oh, thanks, PamTX. I thought it was that EMT guy they were talking about upthread. This is a totally different one. Interesting.
I can answer the UVa id question.
Basically, there are 3 id’s issued that I am aware of, all are picture IDs. A UVa Hospital ID, which has the employee’s name and position, an academic ID (UVa proper) which just identifies you as faculty/staff or student and a fitness center ID. You must be student, faculty/staff or spouse/ live-in of the same to get a gym ID.
Hope this helps. Oh, BTW the rumor around town is that she was extremely intoxicated.
Cville, thanks for clearing that up on the ID’s for the school. On the rumor issue, it is just that. I have read witness accounts that are in opposition to that.
B
amanda850, 2-4-1 is a thing that morgan’s family and friends use. It’s something like “love you 2 much, 4-ever, and once more”
“You know what, I dont think D last name starts with W now that you mention it
B”
Are you thinking “G”?
FYI: Someone in a previous post was asking what 2-4-1 meant, well, the following is part of a post from the “Help find Morgan Dana Harrington” Facebook page:
“I hope you get home Morgan! - 241 - God be with her, please”
Having gone to Metal concerts in my younger days… IMO friends do not venture off to the bathroom alone. There are long lines and sometimes unwanted advances by strangers. The buddy system is always used. However, there are only 5 scenarios I can point to IMO that would prove to be the exception to this.
1 She was upset with her friends for some reason and chose to go on her own.
2 Her friends were upset with her and chose not to follow.
3 Someone in security or posing as singled her out/escorted her away.
4 Someone posing as a roadie for the band singled her out and promised her and only her a meeting with the band (if this happened they would have had to prove it to her) IMO lots of guys use this as a pick-up line and I don’t believe she would have taken his word for it.
5 She was meeting someone outside that the friends were aware of and trusted and Morgan thought so highly of, that she was willing to miss the concert for this person.
Ok that Nelson guy on the facebook page for Morgan is definitely super creepy! Can’t see his whole page but the comments he left were disturbing. Also weird that he never commented again after everyone shot him down.
The DW guy doesnt seem as creepy although it is weird that the Sarah girl is the only one who comments and constantly mentions his job….hmmmm….
hoping Morgan is found today….
Ok, not sure why it wasnt working earlier, but I was able to view this Nelson Kane guy’s page. Seems a little strange but not sure…he is interested in women and he says he likes getting emails and instant messages and proceeds to give out his email address…maybe just desperate but after reading his “scenario” on what happened to Morgan he is definitely on my radar. Plus he says he drives around on weekends scouting potential athletes…could his “morgan scenario” have occurred when he was out driving…?
heres the link to his fb page…hope it works…
http://www.facebook.com/people/Nelson-Kane/1436795019#/profile.php?id=1436795019&v=info
PamTX–thanks for the “silverity” link. Whew. Pretty scary. And poor Sarah.
D”W” was just online and now his blogs and photos are offline. Sarah’s are all still up.
I’m not liking this one bit.
Blink–what about the Jason S. H….person who claims Sarah called the police on him?
Did you all see that? Probably jumped on it like a chew-toy, days ago…
That dog chew is gonna stick, heh? Believe it or not, you’ll have to give me a source, 3 sarah’s and 2 jason’s so far.
B
Thank you both very much, suz and Heri. I appreciate the clarification. I find it odd that if her close friends and family use that, why would he feel close enough to do the same if he only met her that night? I dunno… maybe he is just a normal, weird guy who is truly affected that someone he randomly met is now missing. He still creeps me out.
Sandy, not really seeing it, sounds maybe a little weird but I really dont think he is the one(s) responsible. I still think Morgan was in the wrong place at the wrong time and someone grabed her, I have a feeling it will be someone she never knew, hopeing they catch up to whoever is involved soon.
Blink,
Thanks for having a victim and family friendly site on the internet. I say this because after reading at WS I cannot believe the comments I have read about friends, family, religion and sexual orientation..none of which pertains to this investigation. I felt sick after I read there..can not even fathom what is posted in the members only section..since I am not a member and would feel embarrassment at this point to be one.
To sweet Morgan’s family and friends..peace and hugs. I know this has got to be the hardest journey life has ever lead you on. I pray for her return to your loving home and arms, I am in awe of the beautiful caring life you have had with each other. You are to be commended for the grace and love you have shown her and your son.
DD-
As usual my dearest Gypsy, you hit my bullseye.
The relevant issue here is the Harrington Family. I could not agree more that they appear to have instilled love, temperance, independence, and tolerance in their home. I COMMEND them for that. In the face of this tragedy, what poise and grace they have shown in this situation. The next time I see a post allowed that critisizes that or makes it wrong, OR goes after Alex- wth?
My stylist, is openly gay, gorgeous, educated, and I will sock anyone straight in the face if they say a bad thing about him.
People- kind souls are just that.
sorry, right on that nerve at the right time you always hit.
Hugs
B
Amanda lots of people posting are using 241 not a big deal really.
I’d be very surprised to find this perp on the internet leaving messages about the concert or her. I think he is more savey then that at this point. I also agree that he may have some role in the killing of the couple in August. He doesn’t need to advertise on the internet, not when he can read about his conquests in the newspapers and on TV. He may read the internet..but he isn’t posting about his sorrow, relationship to or involvement in these crimes. JMHO
As usual friend, imo, right on.
B
I’m confused Blink. Your response to #107 seems to indicate that you
do not suspect the subject of recent post. Am I misinterpreting something?
Honestly, this is a case that hits close to home but I have no solid ideas about what may have happened other than another man overpowered a woman and here we are discussing it. So sad.
I do not think James is necessarily our perp, but I think he is in the circle of these people.
B
Someone above inquired about the mental health connection to Morgan. I found this in an article referenced at SM from a website called collegiate times.
“Kelley, executive director at Mental Health America of Roanoke Valley, worked with Morgan at the organization’s Forgotten Victims program, which focused on helping children who had witnessed domestic violence. Kelley said Morgan had worked with the program from the age of 13.”
Sounds like Morgan is a very special young woman.
Yes Toy, thanks for posting this. She was a mentor to young girls in crisis especially during her volunteer work there.
B
amanda850, it seems like EVERYONE is using the 241 for morgan (and by everyone, i mean well wishers and bloggers and facebook friends and other kindly intentioned strangers who noticed her friends and family using 241 on tv). So it’s not necessarily odd that he would, too.
Okay, maybe this is random, but has anyone else noticed all the Virginia Tech connections to violence in the news the last few years? Wth?
http://www.nbc29.com/Global/story.asp?S=11441510
Some insite
Ok…I want to know more about this DELL and it’s relation to Sprigg Lane and the Morea House…I spelled it D-A-L-E because that’s the only way I was “thinking” to spell it. You could have found a key piece to this.
I had more dreams last night. This time about the cell phone. I had really tried to focus my energy yesterday on WHY the battery was gone. Here is what I dreamed last night: (keep in mind that the night before the guy was wanting her backpack and she didn’t want to give it up)…..I dreamed that she didn’t want him to know that she had a cell phone, it was in her backpack and she wanted to be able to use it when she got the chance, so when she COULD, she reached her hand down inside….she was AFRAID it would ring and he would know she had it, so she pulled the back off and let the battery fall out…THIS insured that it was OFF and wouldn’t ring…and if he found the phone he wouldn’t think it was able to be used….she put the battery somewhere on HER….I couldn’t tell if it was in a pocket, in her bra, in her tights….but she put it somewhere away from the phone…but kept it so if the got the chance she could use it. My entire dream was based on this battery and her feeling like she could TRICK him into thinking she had no communication…..
That’s all I got last night….I wish things would come to me during wake, but they don’t seem to be right now. They have before…in other situations, but I keep DREAMING in this situation. I know that alot of people don’t believe in PREMONITIONS….but they are very real and I only hope that at LEAST these things are being investigated or at least CONSIDERED….
I CALLED THE MOREA HOUSE AND SHE PULLED UP SOMEONE WITH THE LASTNAME OF DELL FIRST NAME WAYNE
The Morea house at the “Dell” has a resident with the last name dell?
B
The Morea house on Sprigg ln as a resident by the name Wayne Dell
Gosh, one route from the Arena to that House is down Copley to Ivy Road.
Blink, you decide if it is okay to post this link for a “music-type” WD:
http://www.seas.virginia.edu/enews/enews_mar09/footloose.php
Forgot to link the map for the Morea House
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=209%20Sprigg%20Lane+Charlottesville,+VA+22903&ie=UTF8&z=15&om=1&iwloc=A
Jeepers. The Morea House is the 3rd house (smaller w. “white” roof) to the left of the green arrow on the map. Sorry about that.
#86 Comment by hk
“Those MySpace exchanges are odd.
Makes me wonder if Sarah is an actual person or DW conversing with himself. The posts seem fixated on DW’s shifts and various concerts. Almost like that job is all DW has going for him and he needs a way to talk about it. So he invents this friend Sarah who constantly talks about it.”
Blink, have you looked at these 2 sites?
On his site, DW doesn’t even say he works for RMC . . . “Sasha’s” comments say that he does. But on HER site, DW claims he was at the concert and he spoke to Morgan, but IT IS “Sarah…or Sorcha if you’re Irish!”, who claims to be not only a music promoter but also the
“R.M.C. Events
Virginia US
Registered Unarmed Security Officer
Event Staff”
What? And “Sarah” says on DW’s site that she was not working the concert that night? What?
From their photos, DW and “Sarah…or Sorcha if you’re Irish!” could almost be brother and sister.
On the Sarah site, DW writes in July something about feeling “more male” lately. (?)
Blink, “Sarah” has a lot of text focusing great fondness on many things Irish. Is Morgan Harrington Irish? What about Heidi Childs?
Morgan volunteered at Mental Health America of Roanoke Valley. Wasn’t Heidi planning on becoming a nurse? “Sarah” also has Christian Fellowship ties . . . Heidi and David were both active in Christian youth groups?
there was an account posted somewhere (i think on findmorgan.com) about a man at a bar who encountered a VERY flustered young man who had come in to the bar asking for directions to harrisonburg. The car he came in had another passenger(s). He became too frustrated to wait and took off. This occurred around 9:30 pm within a few miles of the arena. This report sticks out to me BIG TIME…i wish i could remember the name of the bar. I really feel this is an important lead and i wonder if it has been explored by police.
here is the link to the bar encounter
http://findmorgan.com/forums/index.php?topic=76.0
Why didn’t one of her friends just come down and at least pass her the keys to the car so she could wait there? Where was their car parked? If she had called someone close by that she knew was she going to walk to their home? Does anyone know ? Why would she take that path where she was supposedly spotted? I don’t know the area but the path she supposedly took doesn’t make much sense to me. If her purse and phone were found at that RV lot then why would she have been seen on the bridge and then Ivy Road? It would imply that something happened at the RV Lot or it was just thrown there on purpose. Is there any other entrances to the arena except the front? Is it possible she got back in but never made it back to her seat or never left the building? Did her friends try to call her after they left the arena to make sure she made it back to her car? When her friends got back home, wouldn’t they have seen her car?
This is my issue. Would you leave YOUR car and hump it in 40 degrees while all your friends are in the concert you just got blasted from?
B
#117 wpgmouse -
If you’re interested, you can read my post #85 under Blink’s new article:
Morgan Harrington Case: Are Police Closing In?
Posted by Blink | James Herndon, Jeni, Missing Persons, Morgan Harrington, Sara Snead | Tuesday 3 November 2009 7:17 pm
DW added an interesting change to his myspace page, which I note on that post. He appears at least to me, as a single male, works security, no apparent girlfriends (or many others for that matter), and a few years ago according to one of his myspace posts (or friends — can’t recall) was still living with his mother, finds it necessary a few days ago to make a statement on his myspace page about Morgan and does this from his mobile, and adds an odd statement to his myspace within the past 24 hours.
Of course, there are probably over one million strange myspace/facebook/twitter postings out there….but not very many who say they saw Morgan that night. I try to think that he is just someone who may be lonely, wants to be noticed, and is more important than his life’s reality truly is. He also appears (myspace page only and I must admit not very fair on my part to assume this)quiet/meek, odd individual. Not sure if I would say “alone”, but if a person is actively updating their myspace page (still posting as of yesterday), then this seems to be one of his modes of communication. And only ONE friend posting over a very long period of time. Where are his other friends? These characteristics remind me of Jeffrey Dahmer (quiet, meek, friendly, not a lot of friends)…so I need to sit back and follow Blink’s continuing articles on this case. On the other hand, how many murderers who have never been caught before, serial killers, or first-time killers have been over-looked in the past years, because LE (or others) didn’t believe they could possibly be connected or fit a certain profile?
I just want to read somewhere this guy has been taken in for questioning. I am leaving for a few days…maybe I’ll follow Blink’s site from my “mobile”
PamTX
Have you read DW’s friend “Sarah…or Sorcha if you’re Irish!” space - - the About Me blurb, her work history, DW’s messages to her?
This woman is the one who claims to be a lover of music, lover of the Irish and Ireland, loves horses, is a music promoter, RMC security officer, and claims a whole lot of other employment positions and activities. Can’t understand how she can possibly fit it all in.
In regards to Morgan and the concert, DW tells her about speaking to Morgan. “Sarah…or Sorcha if you’re Irish!” (who appears to live for her RMC job and music concerts, says to DW she didn’t work that night.
Yet, on one of her site blogs on Sept. 21 (?), she writes about getting FIRED FROM RMC, and NOW BEING WITH “ESI”. Also works at The Pavilion.
What? Like poster hk remarked, it seems one person having a conversation with themself. And from reading both sites, it does seem rather odd, with the remote possibility of MPDisorder.
I don’t want to post her link, but just click on her picture on DW’s site to go to her’s, and see what you think.
Blink and PamTX
Another type of “LE” could also include a Park or Forest Ranger, or a Cadet.
Also, next to Caldwell Fields, coincidently, is a shooting range.
Unfortunately I am with you on this one, although I think she is a legit person.
B
Blink (snipped):
“There is no plausible explanation for dumping her purse and cell ( sans battery) except to say “I was abducted here”, “You should look here.”
I agree, but can’t dismiss the possibility that “the Battery” might in itself be a clue, and left by Morgan. Perhaps “battery” or a phone not working due to not charging the battery, might hold meaning to those close to her.
Unless the abductor realized at some point Morgan had intentionally dropped her purse/phone and quickly back tracked, fitting the inconspicuous battery into their pants pocket, as opposed to carrying the purse with visibility (perhaps was not wearing a jacket to hide the purse under).
OMG Breaking News Fort Hood Texas 2 possible gunmen on base
7 dead 12 injured Post is locked down
“This is my issue. Would you leave YOUR car and hump it in 40 degrees while all your friends are in the concert you just got blasted from?
B”
Yes, if I was intending to return to it.
If I could not get back in to an arena, and ran into someone I knew (or “thought” I knew and thought I could trust) and they appeared to share my level of frustration and predicament and they said “Hey, same thing happened to me, I can’t get back in either. It’s freezing out here, want to go grab a coffee or do something (that you’re really in to and will really, really like) and return later closer to the end of the concert to drive back home with your friends?” or “Hey, same thing happened to me, I can’t get back in either. My pals brought me here to cheer me up because I just lost my job, my better half just left me, I can’t focus on my studies and I don’t know how to tell my parents, so I could really need a sympathetic ear. It’s freezing out here. How about we get a coffee in a warm, quiet place and talk for a while, and then come back here.”, I might consider it.
Blink if I may…
#125 Suzee - It’s 7 and 20! Prayers to all
#124 wpgmouse
Hi, very interesting observation. “Battery” is the title of one of Metallica’s songs. It was on their 1986 album Master of Puppets. Chilling if true.
This might be a stretch.. but maybe it was one of Morgan’s “friends” favorite song. Or maybe someone’s nickname…and she left it as a clue.
Possibly the battery could be a morbid clue left by the abductor. Meant to be found in the lyrics. I’ll post a link to Metallica’s lyrics to the song Battery. Also,posting a link to others interpretation of the song.
http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/10230/
http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=3079
“Unfortunately I am with you on this one, although I think she is a legit person.
B”
Yes, Blink after delving a bit more, you are right, she is indeed (my apologies).
She does refer to him as David (PamTX has noted Dave), finds his profile picture amusing (?), and mentions his like for Zippo lighters.
Zippo’s are great for outdoor use especially in windy, rainy or cold conditions. Zippo’s, IMO, would be a “survivor/emergency” type thing for campers, hikers, Park Rangers, Park Guides, Military, Scout Leaders, hunters(ugh), bush pilots - - lighting fires for warmth and SOS, finding the way thru the dark.
She also comments a few to him on his working outside the arena in his RMC capacity, once referencing a “wind tunnel” scenario. Does this fellow smoke or does he offer a fire/light to smoking arena patrons.
I checked that- there are established smoking areas INSIDE the arena, meaning you dont have to exit. She would still have had no need to exit to smoke.
B
#127 Pam
Yes Pam,now its 12 and 31
# Comment by Momof3 — November 5, 2009 @ 7:17 pm
“#124 wpgmouse
Hi, very interesting observation. “Battery” is the title of one of Metallica’s songs. It was on their 1986 album Master of Puppets. Chilling if true.
This might be a stretch.. but maybe it was one of Morgan’s “friends” favorite song. Or maybe someone’s nickname…and she left it as a clue.
Possibly the battery could be a morbid clue left by the abductor. Meant to be found in the lyrics. I’ll post a link to Metallica’s lyrics to the song Battery. Also,posting a link to others interpretation of the song.
http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/10230/
http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=3079
Momof3, darn good job. Nothing’s a stretch, IMO. The “battery” as a message made a little more sense to me than the disabling of a left-behind phone.
Oh, my, gosh. The lyrics. This DW has apparently been hanging on to one of S’s beloved guitars, and from what I read this song has “raging guitar riffs”.
I was prepared to dismiss this until I read the lyrics, very interesting.
B
“I checked that- there are established smoking areas INSIDE the arena, meaning you dont have to exit. She would still have had no need to exit to smoke.
B”
That is right, Blink - - sorry, I should have clarified.
Once Morgan realized she could not get back in (if this was the case), she may have been very frustrated and reached for a cigarette. If she was lured out, the individual may have “come to her rescue” offering a light with a trusty Zippo. If this was a stranger, good way to initiate contact while continuing the control. I don’t know if she smoked pot, but that might also been offered to her outside to “mellow” out from the situation, and may have been laced with a control-type drug. Or forget about the pot, perhaps offered a laced cigarette.
Control, control, control. The links that Momof3 provided for the song “Battery” comment to this.
Reference to post #129
Very correct B.
JPJA has all amenities one would enjoy , all the necessary facilities one would need . smoking areas , bathrooms first aid combined with huge informational signs everywhere along with staffed help desk and numerous security personnel wandering the huge arena . JPJA is nothing short of state of the art . With a cost of 131 million in 2006, JPJA also has from what I have seen from past visits , state of the art surveillance . I intend on counting the security cameras and noting their locations Sat AM on the exterior of JPJA and adjacent buildings .
With that said . Considering the astronomical cost of JPJA along with the vast amount of surveillance cameras I say you would be hard pressed to find a “dead zone” of surveillance around the perimeter of the arena .
Factoring in the vast amount of people , cameras , cell phones and JPJA surveillance I am at a complete loss to how Morgan vanished without a trace . 10 years ago , maybe ; Today in a state of the art facility it just does not stand to reason we do not have a single frame of footage containing images of Morgan and the elusive “friends ”
JPJA had all the amenities and long awaited excitement for Morgan inside . I feel the clue to the Pied Piper that led Morgan outside away from the arena in closley tied to those “friends” .
six-degrees-of-seperation
http://www.johnpauljonesarena.com/about.asp
wpgmouse,
Thank you for the kudos but, if not for your theory jogging my memory about the song, I never would have made the possible connection. Question: Who is S? Where did you find this information? TIA
The lyrics of the song Battery, to most, IMO are a reference to the mosh pit at the front of the stage.( people slam dancing, pushing, shoving ect) Metallica, themselves are the “battery” that energizes the crowd into a frenzy.
I don’t think in the minds of most people/fans the lyrics would be taken to such a dark place.
I however, can definitely see how a sick, demented person could twist the meaning to satisfy their need to leave a morbid message to Morgan’s family or whomever.
I can see Morgan, being a Metallica fan and at the concert, having the whits to try and leave a clue behind for her friends to follow. I hope if either of these theories are true, LE can interpret them, and act accordingly.
Blink, Do you really think there is something here? If so, do you think LE has looked into this possibility?
No, I think it is an interesting co ink y dink at this point. I think if he wanted to send this message he would have left only the battery. I just think what I have said all along. No battery, no sim, no ping, no track.
B
#123 wpgmouse: Your last sentence makes sense to me. Are you familiar with the area? Or Blink do you know if in regards to
the murder case of David Metzler and Heidi Childs, is Caldwell Fields that wpgmouse refers to the same as in the below articles?
http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/216886
“Sheriff Tommy Whitt said both victims appeared to have been shot where they had parked in a day-use area of Caldwell Fields. The area is a large group campground in the Jefferson National Forest more than eight miles down Craig Creek Road, where a shooting range and Camp Tuk-A-Way are located, off U.S. 460.”
(another reference):
http://blogs.roanoke.com/rtblogs/news/2009/08/
“Lt. Brian Wright with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office just released the following:
Investigators from our Office are seeking to speak with anyone who was in the area of Caldwell Fields or the Jefferson National Forest Shooting Range on Craig Creek Road between the times of 8:00 a.m. Wednesday August 26 and 8:00 a.m. Thursday August 27.”
It is one and the same, yes Pam.
B
Oh my lord, I believe in a possible connection of the two cases but had no idea!!!! — Thanks, Blink for clarifying #135. Why the heck isn’t the media screaming from the top of the tree forests??!! I just don’t understand that.
All I can say is the possibility of a connection is being investigated simultaneously. The reward on the Childs/Metzler Murders was increased and announced on October 26th.
B
Thanks for the answer Blink.
Its amazing how many unrelated coincidences arise in these situations. I never would have believed it. But in following your site, stranger coincidences have been found. I guess you must get used to weird coincidences. Although, it all must be mind boggling for you sometimes. Thanks for sifting through the muck to help victims and their families.
PamTX,
Never been to VA.
Referenced Caldwell Fields in relation to the August tragedy, as confirmed by Blink.
Blink,
Sorry to keep going on with this - - Taking and keeping the battery is like keeping the power. Leaving the purse and phone to be ID’d as Morgan’s could be a deliberate controlling of the scene, as a visual proclamation of owning the power and control.
Otherwise, why would he (or she) leave any of that to be discovered unless Morgan herself left it behind.
I know I’m looking at deeper complex scenario theories rather than keeping it simple and straightforward, but I feel this individual may be somewhat complex with a mind that runs quietly deep. I do favour PamTX’s assessment.
“All I can say is the possibility of a connection is being investigated simultaneously. The reward on the Childs/Metzler Murders was increased and announced on October 26th.
B”
Thanks for posting this, Blink. This is very good to hear for the sakes of all 3 families.
So, Blink, are you thinking W is a middle initial?
wpg, catch me up, which one are we on now. Dave?
B
Good Morning, Blink
Yes.
Good Morning How is your Cheesecoffee?
I am not sure we know whether middle or last, do you?
B
Cheesecoffee . . . ha - - I try to keep my cheese from melting as best I can, but sometimes the information and comments I read or develop in my head makes it hard for me to keep my cheese (and emotions) in check.
Yeah, I am really leaning towards a connection of a middle initial based on PamTX #91 comments and observations, but haven’t yet “got there”.
S’s comment of finding humour in his profile picture - - why, is this not him or how he usually looks? He lists he is Native American - - is this inherent from his parents, does he follow sacred beliefs?.
Blink, am I missing something in that is there anything to indicate that he really is an employee of, or on-call to RMC?
I have only seen that discussion between those 2. I am a bit confused as the schedule shows RMC was posted for the event; however, it is not on their events calendar. Somewhere in here, the wife of a local LEO posted they man these events. SMG is the arena management company, different from RMC.
B
#142 Blink’s response –
Just throwing this out there. In my experience, this is how it unfolds
(keeping in mind I have never been to VA or the JPJ arena) — but I am familiar with Outback/Frank Productions who brought Metallica to the JPJ in the first place as part of the tour routing.
1) Outback/Frank Productions - #1 representative of the Metallica tour.
2) SMG - JPJ Arena Management company - IMO and experience (not with JPJ) they would handle the arena; from the building, to the parking lot, to everything that goes on, in, or around it. Everything from soup to nuts! (upper management, maintenance, indoor vendors, booking contracts, etc.) They most likely have some building security employees on their direct payroll, but again IMO, contract out remaining security for huge events — (Metallica would definitely be one of them.) That is most likely why we see on JPJ’s homepage a link for employment/security directly to RMC.
3) local police/fire/EMS - City payroll — always are on site and outrank any locally hired/contract security firm — sometimes their pay comes with their usual paycheck direct from the city, other times, it comes from the arena depending upon their agreement. Security firms work in conjunction with local police. But can you imagine for a concert like Metallica — my lord, you would have a HUGE show of police force at that event, including walking the front/sides of the building, handling the parking lot, and about 30 of them standing in front of the mosh pits close to the stage (not to mention about 25 other areas that need to be covered). They are soooo very necessary, but city management usually only spares so many direct “on-site” officers. I can imagine they were quite thrilled when Metallica rolled out of town - Maybe, just maybe, JPJ thought their security contract firm RMC could not handle this huge event and let them off this concert and just added a ton of extra police officers, sending RMC away fuming as RMC’s financial loss from this contractual event would have been huge.
4) Locally hired security firm — in this case the big firm in this area of VA is RMC.
That is why it is confusing. If I am off, I gotta tell ya I don’t believe it’s not by much. I am feeling a lttle awkward, as I don’t want to appear as though tooting my own horn so-to-speak. But with so many individuals wearing some kind of uniform at these events, it’s hard to know who’s who.
What happens is that a locally-hired person, can fall through the cracks so easily. It would not be hard for LE to overlook that little person who blends in with the amount of people it takes to put on these types of events. I have a hard time thinking it is anyone in LE and “security” just screams out to me. I do however, sense a possible connection as I have mentioned before about this case and the August murder case. Both tragedies so close to the shooting range also. That says “local POI” to me. Actually POS if I may be so bold. Is anyone from LE on Morgan’s case following this site that you know of? I need to call some of my “buds” to get their input.
~~~Blink,
The posting by the wife of LEO who worked the JPJ center is on your article “Are Police Closing In?”~~
#138
Comment by Cville Girl — November 6, 2009 @ 10:34 am
Regarding security at JPJ Arena:
As far as I know, the Arena uses local police for security. My husband has worked several events there.
Thanks Word. Very Interesting my original thoughts on this being a possible LEO or security are hitting the web everywhere.
B
First much love to Metallica for upping the reward, and to Lars for posting on this site. Second way to go Blink, this site has some very informative info/posts and I also liked you use of the song titles in your story.
Now post #86 really caught my interest. I looked at this DW guy, gives me a creepy feeling. I also think its really weird that only one person posted on his myspace page and futhermore I kind of get that sense of this sarah person being fake. I mean like it was mentioned before this DW making up a fake myspace profile (Sarah_) and posting on his page as if she was a real person posting, just a hunch.
Does anyone know if this DW has spoken to LE? I think they should talk to this guy, especially if he is admitting that he had some contact or at rather at least spoke to Morgan that night.
Also if DW was working at the show then LE should be able to confirm records if he was on duty at his post. I have never worked security so I don’t know how they operate shifts but I am sure the managment would want to make sure the people they are paying to work actually stay at their posts, but that is probably easier said then done.
I agree with you blink about it being either inside or someone in a position of authority maybe offered her something, like backstage pass. Why else would she walk leave after looking forward to the show for 6 months.
Now I am not psychic but I had a dream once that a friend had died. I woke up very alarmed and went to visit my friend, who was actually contemplating suicide that night. I am so glad I went because she was distraught and I shudder to think what she may have done if I had just shrugged off my dream. I had another disturbing dream about an acuaintance becoming ill. I told the person, who blew it off, but I found out about a year later that this person actually got very sick with some type of chronic viral illness and never recovered. Not AIDS but something that was still horrible, nonetheless.
Again I think LE should talk to this DW guy or take a look at him anyway. He strikes me as odd and he looks to me like he is on something.
What a glorious turnout for the search today — but when I read the following statement within this article, tears just came to my eyes:
“As the Harringtons paused to speak with a reporter, Mrs. Harrington revealed that two days earlier she and her husband dialed Morgan Harringtons’s cell phone just to hear their daughter’s voice. The mother integrated her daughter’s “I’ll get right back to you” message into a poem she read for some of the searchers.”
http://www.readthehook.com/blog/index.php/2009/11/08/1600-strong-high-turnout-for-morgan-harrington-search/
Obviously a battery has been put in Morgan’s cell phone by LE and questions come to my mind, but I think I will put those on the back burner and end this night with praying for comfort for her family and
that God finds a way to bring their daughter back to them.
Hey Blink: thank you for you work…..can you help me here….2 “peripheral” things struck me as weird.
1. the 241 thing…that is just strange.
2. Also, the dad seems odd to me. Not only the weird handsignals, but his general demeanor.
Seems very Lynchian
am i way off base?
Jaw-
No, I don’t find a loving family odd. Also, I think God Forbid I was ever in that situation people would think I was an utter nutjob and I work in this “genre”.
ok ….thanks for help…..
My apologies if this post is a duplicate. My computer reset itself just as I was sending it.
Hello Blink-
My question: Is there a campground or an RV lot close to the area where the other 2 students (David Metzler and Heidi Childs) were found?
Kelly
Yes, within feet. They were murdered in the parking lot.
B
Thank you Blink. Her (Morgan’s) belongings were found in an RV parking lot? I’m sure the coincidence is being considered?
Kelly
Hi,
I have been following and reading a lot on the web about Morgan Harrington. I have three adult children in their twenties too who have attended the JPJ Arena. I can identify with Morgans’ parent and the nightmare of all this. My gut feelings regarding this case from all that I have read on the internet is this:
1. There was very poor Security OUTSIDE the JPJ Arena. I feel very angry about the Security/or lack of, and maybe the so-called “Security” person is to be blamed or involved in her fate. I feel in my gut some unexplained anger in regard to the security issues the night of the concert. I have had a lot of success in the past with gut feelings when I listen to them.
2. I read also about the Boyd Tavern bar incident (right off Rt. 250 West), Truck Stops at Zions Crossroads, at Rt.15 North–at the intersection of Rt.250 West and East. Then heading North on Rt.15 is a town that begins with the letter “G” for Gordonsville, and finally if you stay on Rt.15 North you will head into Orange, VA. A witness reported she saw Morgan in a store that the LE looked into.
I hope the LE, the media and Bloggers like myself, and the Psychics can all work together to help find Morgan. God Bless her family. I really think there is something about the “Security” or a Security Officer that is VERY relevant to Morgan’s fate.
Blink, Good Sunday to you.
Who is the girl with the long auburn hair with Morgan
in the photo above? (it’s not AM or AS)
We are trying very hard not to name friends or aquaintances that have not been directly quoted or direct witnesses.
Good Sunday plus cheese to you WPG
B
Understandable, thank you, Blink.
Blink
and
PamTX
According to this article, Morgan Harrington also attended a Bonnaroo Festival. Wonder if that was the Richmond, VA one in April.
http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/223391
O you mean the shindig DW worked as well? Yes’m. Double stilton for you.
B
Blink,
SS worked it. Did DW as well? That could account for one of her photos
of the tent she described as a “D” set up and shared, with I take it “D”s hiking boots under one of the cots.
If he worked it as well, how come SS was the only one who got let go for moonlighting?
He did to my knowledge, but based on myspace back and forth. I believe he even had his mood set to that on or about that date.
B
#153 wpgmouse - If I had any blink bisuits I would give you one :).
PamTX
That’s okay, B throws me some cheese every now and then.
Check the photo?
wpgmouse - I did
. Interesting that there is absolutely not one photo of him in any of her pic albums. In addition, staying in the same event staff tent at night is odd in itself, but not one pic of him during this entire event. That is even more odd. Boots under the cot gives me the chills and I believe “D” is one in the same. Current myspace message has the word “tents” in it.
This is so under my skin and does not feel right….at all! Too bad I don’t know anyone in VA or I would be at the Jimmy Buffet concert tonight lurking.
wpg - I have appreciated your involvement in so many of these cases and value your comments. Not to say the time it takes to read Blink’s articles, do the research, and take time to comment on them. Just wanted you to know…..
Blink, you around?
Yes, with portwine, your fave
B
Hi,
I’ve admittedly been kind of obsessed with this case. I am a Roanoke native and this story is heartbreaking and unsettling. I am only a few years older than Morgan and I just really feel for this girl. I’m not exactly sure what your site is, blink, are you a PI? Either way I think the work you’re doing is great with this case. I checked out that guys myspace and I find it creepy. I think his casual name dropping of Morgan in that post was intended to seem off handed and pensive but actually comes across as conspicuous. But then again who knows. The reason I was compelled to write is because I find it a strange coincidence that he attended high school in laurel, md and a recent news post says a body was found there.