Morgan Harrington Case: State Police Say She Was Hitchhiking
Charlottesville, VA– In the latest release from Corrine Geller, spokesperson for the Virginia State Police, it has been confirmed that the VSP have independent accounts of Morgan Harrington hitchhiking on the Copley Bridge.
Also in the latest release, is a picture of the Swarovski necklace she was wearing.
Virginia State Police are also asking if anyone loaned their cell phone to Morgan that evening.
“Anyone who might remember seeing a vehicle randomly stopped in the roadway on Copeley Road bridge that night is also asked to contact investigators,” the release said. “Investigators are also hoping to hear from anyone who might have loaned their cell phone to a young woman fitting Miss Harrington’s description to make a call that night.
“We don’t have any evidence she made other calls,” Geller says, “but we’d like to know.”
Also confirmed, as reported exclusively on blinkoncrime.com; The last people to interact with Morgan Harrington were players from the UVA Men’s basketball team.
According to several sources, members of UVA’s men’s basketball team were among the last to see Harrington in the grassy, tree-shrouded parking area. Emails sent to numerous team members were forwarded to UVA spokesperson Carol Wood, who directed the inquiry to State Police, but Geller declines comment on the identity of any witnesses.
“We leave it to them whether they want to speak publicly,” she says.
The Full News Release From VSP:
STATE AND LOCAL POLICE STILL SEEK PUBLIC’S AID IN LOCATING MORGAN HARRINGTON
RICHMOND – As the search and investigative efforts continue for missing college student Morgan Harrington, state and local investigators are now able to release additional details concerning the night of her disappearance. Miss Harrington disappeared Oct. 17, 2009, during a Metallica concert at the John Paul Jones Arena on the University of Virginia (UVA) campus in Charlottesville, Va.
During the course of the investigation, police have been able to establish a timeline of Miss Harrington’s movements once she ended up outside of the arena at approximately 8:30 p.m. After talking to her friends on her cell phone, she then walked through the parking lot of University Hall and was also seen in the Lannigan Field athlete parking lot, which is also used for RV parking. At around 9:30 p.m., she was seen walking on the Copeley Road bridge near Ivy Road.
Based on independent witness accounts, investigators are confident that Miss Harrington was hitchhiking for a ride while on the Copeley Road bridge. If anyone recalls seeing a young woman hitchhiking that night on or near the Copeley Road bridge, then they are asked to please contact police by phone or email. Anyone who might remember seeing a vehicle randomly stopped in the roadway on Copeley Road bridge that night is also asked to contact investigators. Investigators are also hoping to hear from anyone who might have loaned their cell phone to a young woman fitting Miss Harrington’s description to make a call that night.
In addition to Miss Harrington’s black T-shirt with the word “Pantera” spelled out in tan letters, black mini-skirt, black tights, and knee-high black boots, she was wearing a distinctive necklace. It is a Swarovski Crystal necklace made up of large crystal chain links. She is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs approximately 120 pounds with blond hair and blue eyes.
The search and investigation are still being actively pursued by Virginia State Police, University of Virginia Police, Charlottesville Police, Albemarle County Police and the FBI. The public has generated close to 400 leads in the case. Anyone can call the Virginia State Police Tip Line at (434) 352-3467 or email State Police at bci-appomattox@vsp.virginia.gov. UVA Police can be reached at (434) 924-7166. Anonymous tips are welcome.
Also accepting tips is the Jefferson Area Crime Stoppers at 434-977-4000. A reward of $150,041 is available for information that leads to the location and recovery of Miss Harrington.
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I really feel, unfortunately, she fell in to an unplanned situation with the basketball players, who freaked out and made some bad decisions. I dont think the basketball players intended for anything to happen. But it did, and they covered it up. People know whats going on. I am sure the basketball players feel immense guilt and cant believe the situation they have put themselves in. I have been very very drunk and messed up before, and just cannot believe the way the night has turned out because you think you are in some alternate reality. If there was heavy alcohol like whiskey or tequila and weed, thats enough to make anyone black out.
Someone will break soon. There is no evil here…just a very very sad and unfortunate situation
May all beings be at peace with themselves and the world.
Let’s re-cap:
By this time in the investigation into MH’s disappearance it seems that most are willing to support the assertion—-held repeatedly by MH’s parents–that she did not “run away from her life”. At this point most have also dismissed the theory that MH’s friends contrived a story to cover-up their active wrongdoing resulting in MH’s disappearance. Multiple and independent eye witness accounts, while not completely congruent, point LE to another outcome.
Likewise, I believe that many—if not most—are also not of the mind that MH may yet be alive and held somewhere against her will, including but not limited to as a result of human trafficking. While all are distinct possibilities and are not to be dismissed lightly, the probability of any of these is limited at best. LE is keenly aware of all of the above.
That leaves investigators with the two scenarios described in one of my earliest posts, both of which are predicated upon MH entering a vehicle and leaving the immediate vicinity of JPJ. Both scenarios would be supported by LE’s limited initial ground and aerial search. and the lack of any physical evidence resulting from the later and broader volunteer ground search.
Both scenarios below sadly result in MH’s untimely demise at the hands of what turned out to be a Bad Guy (“BG”). Both scenarios place MH entering a vehicle on or around the Copeley Rd. Bridge area because:
a. she was actively attempting to get a ride; or
b. it was simply offered to her as she was walking alone; or
b. she had a pre-arranged meeting with someone
In any of the above scenarios, the driver of the vehicle may well have not been a BG to start with. Instead, this individual—potentially a Good Guy (“GG”) gone BG–could have given a lift to (or, met with) MH and, at some point during the ensuing drive, something went badly. Very badly. It may be that the driver attempted some manner of physical contact at some point that was rebuffed by MH and later escalated into his full-blown assault resulting in MH’s murder. This could be construed as an act that. while horrific and admittedly unspeakable, was not pre-meditated; that is, the GG turned BG did not set out or intend to bring harm to MH.
If this was the case, the driver—GG-gone-BG—would be anxious, frantic, and desperate to dispose of MH’s body as quickly as possible. He would not have pre-planned where the assault would take place or what he might do following the assault/murder. Without a plan he would find the quickest and easiest location to dispose of MH. This leads me to the assertion that MH is somewhere in a 25 mi. radius of the JPJ/Copeley Rd. Bridge area.
In another scenario, however, the driver is a BG. Whether he had a pre-arranged meeting with MH or he was seeking to abduct/assault someone and came across MH, he picked her up. This BG would have a plan in mind; he would have an idea of what he would do when MH first entered the vehicle, where he would go, how he would disable her, what he would do later, etc. Again, I believe that this BG assailant would only transport MH–alive or dead—-for a limited distance. He would be familiar with the area and would have established a general idea of where he would dispose of her body. This leads me back to the 25 mi. radius theory.
One final thought, re: texting. MH is believed to have sent out at least one text to an as-yet-unidentified male who was out of the area. Had MH been planning to meet this individual outside JPJ and he did not arrive as planned, MH might send a text to him inquiring about his whereabouts. He responds that he cannot get there. MH is now left outside the arena and begins walking…leading to one of the two scenarios described above.
If MH exited JPJ unintentionally–based upon assertions of her attempt(s) at re-entry–she might well text a out-of-the-area friend, as she has little else to do at that point. In her text she relays her frustration in her inability to re-enter JPJ, and begins walking…leading to one of the two scenarios above.
Observer, my compliments on your gift of presentation.
I am not sure if you have followed my particular profiles early on in this case, but after reading your post, I feel as though we are coming full circle. I also feel that LE has a POI or plural. Would you agree?
B
#352 Observer — You are extremely articulate and well-versed. If Blink’s responses to your comments weren’t of the positive nature, I would definitely wonder who you were
. You have mentioned that you are not of LE and work not far from JPJ. You have my curiosity up and my ears perked, but I would not be true to myself if I did not ask of Blink: Do you know who “Observer” is? You know, many of us will get on the Blink ship without question, but I just want to make sure. I have said a few times over months here, that I am not of the trusting nature so,
with that being said, I don’t need/want to know the “who” part, just who Observer “isn’t”…fair enough, yes?
Pam- your a dear friend to this site and a strong contributor. I am going to pretend you did not just ask me a question for which you assuredly already know the answer.
B
I continually read posts that are quoting people who do not want their identities known because of “high profile case” or just don’t want to get involved. Obviously, like me, they continue to read all of these websites and comments. I would certainly hope that anyone with the smallest amount of information would be willing to step forward and let it be known what they saw or heard. LE is around to cull would is and is not valuable info. My gosh, one little piece of info, which someone out there might think is worthless, could be what breaks this case wide open. Please, please everybody remember this could be one of your loved ones or dear friends. Sure, we’re all busy with jobs and family but don’t forget we, as a community, need to stand together.
To PamTX (and others why may likewise wonder):
First, your question is completely understandable–and kudos to you for having the gravitas to ask it. [I'd bet you are not the only to wonder--but you're the only one brave enough to ask.] I’d insert a smiley-face here but don’t know how to:)))
While I’m not absolutely certain what you’re asking, if I were to hazard a guess, I would say that you are wondering–and therefore understandably concerned–about who I am “not”, e.g. a/the POI, because I provide strong detail and assertions regarding MH’s disappearance and the theories surrounding same. You would like Blink to confirm that I am not a/the POI.
Rest assured, I am not.
LE can quickly confirm that I have no personal bearing on this case.
I hope the above allays any concerns about my identity or intent. I am attempting to further this investigation by outlining clearly for the readers here my perspective based upon knowledge and experience–but experience unrelated specifically to the MH case.
To Blink’s earlier question: I am not willing at this time to assert that LE has a POI.
(Note: I modified and redacted Observers post to Pam TX. I don’t like CV’s that make mine look like I wrote it in crayon.)
B
#353 Blink – ’twas a fair question (though my wording stunk and not written at all as intended) and I bow in apology. I was not implying the commenter was from the evil camp – lol. Don’t throw me to the dogs yet
.
Observer – My deepest apologies to you for not taking the time to ask my question properly, or proof-reading. Now I shall expect to be stoned by the masses for such ignorance.
Not at all, as a matter of fact there is a very gracious post awaiting you from Observer, but I have a few misgivings about it in that, I think it contains too much information for a web presence and I would like to share that with him first and allow the opportunity to modify. K?
B
#355 – ‘K — but it’s all about helping this family find Morgan, not an explanation to a question I did not even come close to asking correctly. But much appreciation, as always.
On another note, I have always questioned the lighting on the bridge the night that Morgan vanished. It was dark, cool, misting. I just can’t get past wondering how credible the sighting on the bridge was.
According to the below map from UVA, the bridge is a lighted pathway.
Lighted Pathways and Emergency Callbox map:
http://www.virginia.edu/Map/lightedPathwayMap.pdf
I reviewed that map and will again, but I have seen pics of the bridge at night, it is not all what I would call “lit”.
We agree the bridge sighting is in question.
B
Do we know if these were functioning that evening?
to PamTX: No apologies necessary; I understand completely and predict no stoning in your future.
I appreciate Blink’s kindly redacting information in my original post that might otherwise have allowed readers with malintent to use it inappropriately. [We've traded emails on same.] I also appreciate Blnk’s kind allusion to the quality of the credentials I present.
Re: the bridge: Due to a prior commitment I cannot this evening but will attempt tomorrow evening to drive over the bridge with special attention to the lighting, and will report same.
Pam:
I have been wondering myself about “Observer”. I didn’t read into your post as insinuating anything other than “who is Observer??! Although I am a “newbie” on this site, “observers” posts seem to stand out more so than the others. I do believe that we all here on this board are intelligent critical thinkers. However, we all have to admit “Obervers” posts demonstrate, a high level of expertise with crime(s), (I only say that based on the crime/legal lingo in your posts) professionalism, and ability to sort out facts from possible fiction, to deductively incorporate facts, and recreate in chronological order to assimulate possible crime scene scenarios. I would also suspectthe observer is highly educated and well learned. I hope I am not politically incorrect here by writing this,but I would like to surmise in my post that I Observer is an attorney, or works in an investigative professional capacity. ( I am married to an attorney, and believe me it’s always about the facts, and logic)
LOL!
I would also suspect highly educated. ( based on writing presentation and analytical skill sets that I see in Observers posts)
Observer, I respect your posts…….oops….I think is just dropped my crayon.
BTW: Am headed out to a meeting right now that will take me over the Copeley Rd. Bridge. Will report any additional, general observations about the vicinity that might be helpful to readers unfamiliar with the area.
#355 – In Texas we have another word for “gravitas”, but it is just not lady like
. My deepest thanks for your response.
I have been beating a certain drum in this case (does not mean everyone else is listening to my band – lol!) for sometime now and I was getting the feeling that you were possibly connected to the security industry, either with UVA, JPJ, or a contracted private firm involved with the concert that evening. “who you were not” was directed to that particular business, not a potential POI. You are truly gracious in your response and we need to go no further.
However, do you have any information/opinion regarding the lighted pathway over the bridge? Is it/was it light enough, for a witness to be able to identify anyone on the bridge that evening?
Observer – Your posts are quicker than mine….got it about the bridge and much appreciation!
Blink,
Early on in this case, I had come across a guy who commented on the Find Morgan Harrington FB page, who I thought was very strange. He commented as if he was actually telling the story of what happened, but posing it as a “maybe” this is what happened scenario.
I had commented here about him, but people just dismissed him as being a “weird” guy.
For some reason, I have not been able to get this guy out of my head.
Since Observer has mentioned that he believes Morgan got into a car, LE has released the statement that they believe she was hitchhiking, and now they have oddly released information (on the other case) regarding a gray van, I decided to look at this guy’s FB page again (actually, to see if he might own a gray van), only to find that his page is no longer there. I cannot find his initial comments on the Find Morgan FB page either. Not to say that they are not there, I just cannot locate them.
Although my position has been that I believe LE already has their POI, I just can’t help but wonder if they ever checked this guy out. He lives in Charlottesville, and would know the area. (redacted by Blink) — do you remember him?
mjh, we agree as usual. Moreover, he now only has 3 friends and I want to say this is his third fb.
Ya know, I wonder if he is 44 with a bruise on the shin?
B
Ok… I give up what a CV???? And I agree 100% with the observations of Observers posts.. See what I did there…
Ok I am a simpleton
As always Blink god bless and keep it up!!!
“(Note: I modified and redacted Observers post to Pam TX. I don’t like CV’s that make mine look like I wrote it in crayon.)
B”
Marci- not a simpleton, I over acronymiate. A CV or curriculum vitae, in simple terms means “course of life”. It is the educational, skill sets, background and work experience mostly included in a resume, but on roids in the academica sectors. It is like a thesis on your resume, so to speak.
B
MJH – I remember that fb posting too and once you posted about it on here I responded that I agreed it was so weird and my thoughts were also dismissed. He went into great detail about how he drives around on weekends looking at potential athletes and how someone might have picked Morgan up offering a ride and things got too heated resulting in a struggle/coma/death. So odd to just imagine such a detailed scenario and post about it on the FMDH page.
First, I sincerely appreciate all the kind words from my fellow readers here regarding the quality, insight, and depth of my posts. As stated with my very first post, I was at first concerned that their length alone might be off-putting to some. I would rather err on the side of caution, however, in providing what I hope is helpful detail and explanation.
I would be remiss to comment further on my professional background and expertise, so must leave the readers to develop their own conclusions. I appreciate everyone’s understanding in that regard.
As promised, following is detailed, first-hand information regarding the Copeley Rd. Bridge, based upon personal observation today. [I confess that, prior to MH’s disappearance, I paid no attention to the details surrounding this area, even though I pass through it regularly.]
As one is walking on Copeley Rd. toward Ivy Rd. there are three (3) streetlights on Copeley Bridge, all even-spaced along the length of the bridge. All three are on the left-hand side–the only side with a sidewalk–as you’re walking toward Ivy Rd. The bridge has only two lanes; there is no shoulder or pull-off point along the length of the bridge.
There are thick, double-rung metal railings that run alongside the bridge. At the far ends of the bridge are lower, metal guard rails.
In an attempt to gauge the length of the bridge, I parked my vehicle nearby and walked the length of the bridge. Given the very short span of the bridge, it takes only 68 steps and only one and one-half minute (max, walking slowly) to traverse it. [I am notoriously bad at calculating distance by eyeball alone; therefore, I offer above the number of steps. These were not long or short but medium-length strides. For anyone who wishes to calculate the distance they can use the guidance above vis a vis the number of steps.]
Re: The Lannigan Field RV Lot: As mentioned in earlier posts, the RV lot is very close—virtually steps away—from the intersection of Copeley Rd. and Lannigan Rd. It would take no more than one min. to get from the Copeley Bridge area to the RV lot.
Unrelated to Copeley: As I was on my way across Grounds to my meeting today, a young woman/student came up beside me on a bicycle. She appeared to be medium-tall height, very slight build, with blond hair. She wore a black mini-skirt (yes, on a bicycle), dark stockings/tights, and knee-high black leather boots.
This individual was clearly not MH. I point this out, however, to illustrate the fact that in a university community it is not uncommon to see many young women dressed in a very similar fashion to one another. This may or may not account for some of the eye witness accounts from the concert and adjacent areas on the evening of Oct. 17 that described a person bearing a resemblance to MH.
Observer, invaluable insight, many thanks. I encourage all to read this post. I am somewhat hesitant to comment because I don’t want to influence direction of the dialog that will ensue as a result, but my first reaction is:
Morgan was no more hitchhiking than my grandmother. She was seen getting into a vehicle.
B
mjh & sandyeggo – Is that NK, the athlete scout (referenced in your #365)? He has a web-site and if you google his name it should be close to the top. I can no longer find his original posts either.
They have been cached.
He has many, many sites and friendsites. He loves the web. I mean, he used to.
B
The bridge and walkways are pretty well lit, in my opinion. The so-called RV lot is not well lit in normal circumstances, but can’t say for the night in question.
I can’t even imagine it…God bless this family.
“Harrington Family in Charlottesville to Visit Copeley Road Bridge
Harringtons Drop Off Morgan’s Dental Record to Virginia State Police”
http://www.newsplex.com/home/headlines/70375132.html
Have followed this case closely. Read all these comments. Glad to see some things bothering me are bothering others. Would like to pose some questions/comments.
UVA police in charge for one minute bothers me! Conflict. Taylor Behl’s mom hired attorney for a reason. What is UVA’s policy/protocol for missing person? I worry Dr. Harrington has been put in a horrible position, I continue to wonder if his ties to UVA set up a false sense of trust he may now regret.
Why was no TASK force immediately formed? Morgan’s case had jurisdictional issues from moment one, didn’t it? Yet it was led by UVA police with VSP assisting and a very tiny net was cast the first 48-72 hours, wasn’t it? Who’s leading now? Why did we not hear or see UVA police chief or at least UVA investigative lieutenant? Why didn’t UVA rep speak? I find the fact that Lt. Fielding, UVA Patrol Lieutenant, was front and center and VSP Lt Rader even deferred to her during initial press conference (which was days late imo) very odd. He didn’t have the timeline only UVA Police did? Continue to wonder who wrote the initial missing person info? It obviously was someone with UVA police. Bothered me from the start – “near JPJ”, not “at” JPJ, didn’t mention the concert, or Harrisonburg, or where her belongings were found. Harrisonburg was the post concert destination for Morgan that night, right? Trickle of ever altered information about Morgan’s appearance and movements after she was on the outside of JPJ and no clear identification of where she was while inside JPJ – the common thread from the start was making sure to put her OFF UVA property. And now the recent hitch hiking addition with UVA basketball players being the witnesses. Yet no one steps into the light and the info is even hidden for almost a month???
I for one when I heard the RV lot where athletes parked when there was concert was where her belongings were found wondered about the Orange and Blue World Series. Wondered about who worked that event, maintenance, third party vendors, … They had a rain delay. Where did all of them park? Anyone recall any vehicle in that RV lot with tags/stickers that would make Morgan think they could give her a lift to either JMU or Blacksburg?
Still no image of Morgan from that night or even a full length photo of her period. Remarkable and sad.
Her car key was with friend. How about her apt/house key(s)? Hope her roomie has changed her locks if missing. If with purse, how was she going to get in if she was hitching w/o her keys? Her purse had a broken strap? Snapped, frayed or cut? Her friends were bound for Harrisonburg after the concert right?
The timeline/explanation has never made any sense. It was around 8:48 she spoke with friend right? Did she attempt to regain entry AFTER this call? If yes, where did she take/make this call? Near security? Maybe to throw them off? Any security tapes- I am thinking more about audio logs as well as security cameras. Also what about UVA police incoming police calls for that night around that time? If she was ejected, was UVA patrol called? How about Charlottesville police records for that night? The area would be whose jurisdiction? How are 911 calls processed?
I have wondered who found her belongings? Isn’t it just their word the items were found where at RV lot? They actually were moved weren’t they? WHEN were they turned in and to whom where? I wondered why whoever found her purse and cell phone didn’t do what most folks would do and see if they found contact info inside and call the person and say they found her purse. Or was it turned in AFTER UVA released the missing person info and the area knew Morgan was missing???
Any connections between who found her belongings and those who claim she was hitchhiking? Why so many lurking in the shadows?
Veracity, All legitimate questions/concerns/points.
Very well written.
Blink,
Posts 363 and 367 stood out to me this evening, and I just wanted to share some information with you regarding NK. He has apparently been banned from both the FB group, and the Findmorgan.com website for inappropriate postings regarding Morgan. Earlier this week, he sent an email to Kenny on the Findmorgan.com website asking for assistance in setting up an interview with the Harrington family. Apparently Kenny had been in touch with Gil Harrington recently and had posted about his conversation with her. I’m assuming this is why NK sought out Kenny for help. I don’t know what NK’s intentions are……nor why he has this morbid fascination and involvement in the case. I can’t even imagine why he would be trying to “interview” the Harringtons. With regards to his FB accounts, I do remember going onto his FB account when he was originally posting all his bizarre, inappropriate comments and the account was not set to private and had many friends listed. Now I notice this particular account is gone, but his picture is still on the profile for 2 others…both private. One with 3 friends as you referenced, and the other simply lists that he is a member of the UVA ’85 alum group.
I had seen a website where he listed all his travel dates for the scouting he supposedly does. I was trying to find it again to see where he was when Morgan disappeared. Anyways, this is the first case I have ever followed. It is disheartening to see how many psychologically unstable people come out of the woodwork to post on some of the sites, mainly the FB one. I imagine this is the case with NK. I just really found it creepy that he was trying to arrange contact with the Harringtons just this week. Obviously his preoccupation with the case continues. I cant’ help but wonder is several of the preoccupied posters on the FB site are actually the same person. It would be easy to copy a profile picture and create an account with it to look like another person.
I’m not sure this should be posted publicly since it is information about an individual, and I have also referenced Kenny’s name without asking him.
thanks for reading….
from a stay-at-home-mom in roanoke,
jaime
Okay, Blink you have deleted my post without giving me any feedback, and apparently blocked my IP? What is it that you don’t want your readers to know or think about regarding this case? Surely I am not the first one who has raised suspicions about the Harrington family on the forum, and certainly I did not directly accuse anyone with my post, only raised questions that are valid.
When Ed Smart got involved, that also raised my alert. If you had done your research into the Eliz Smart case, the politics of the Mormon religion and its split factions, the polygamous child marriages/abuse that goes on and the fact that the whole abduction was a cover up hoax for much deeper motives – you would also be suspicious of who Ed Smart really is and why he is getting involved in a case that is none of his business.
Maybe you still think Oswald shot Kennedy. And maybe you prefer to think that the Ramseys were poor innocent victims. It is because people like you choose to remain in denial about what is really going on in this country that organized ritual child abuse and child sex slavery can continue to flourish. Yes high ranking political figures are involved. Yes organized crime, the CIA and drug smuggling are also part of the overall picture. For God’s sake read “The Franklin Cover Up” by John DeCamp, a former Nebraska senator. Do some homework on the CIA’s MK-ULTRA mind control program, which even THEY admit did exist.
All I’m saying is that there have been a lot of suspicious happenings with VT students recently, including the Fort Hood shooter who was a VT alumni (1995). And that this is CIA territory. And that this Levick PR firm has some suspicious connections and powerful influence – it’s way overkill to hire them for a simple missing child case.
Morgan Harrington may have been taken by someone that SOMEBODY doesn’t want found. This case is being SPUN big time – can’t you see that???
She may have been taken as part of a “warning” to Dan Harrington (who may be innocent). Because that’s the pattern with intelligence hits – first they go after your family, and if that doesn’t work you’re next.
Okay, keep your head in the sand. I’m done.
Sherlock, I deleted nothing. Apparently you are new to this here “internets” thing, but a fat load of links, not “tiny-ed” will spam any website. That said, I went looking for said “spam” and realized it is not just a euphamism.
I do not own a tin hat. Perhaps that is my problem. Or perhaps you have an agenda that has seemed to have taken a hard right on 2 wheels? Dunno. Don’t you dare blast a victim’s family, unfounded, on my site.
You are ill informed. Unlike the rest of us, who after reading your post, “get it”.
Best regards
B
Observer missed your post earlier. Thank you for taking the time to report back to us. Double thanks for referencing the distance in steps. I too have a hard time visualizing distances.
You have given us much to ponder. If Morgan was picked up, do you believe it was by someone leaving the venue (then came pack to drop off purse) or by someone entering.,Thereby dropping her purse off while driving back through the lots? Or that Morgan innocently lost her purse earlier?
Morning all-
Blink – I know this is off-topic but have you seen the National Inquirer’s latest report on Caylee Anthony?
They are reporting an eye witness to the murder of Caylee by Casey.
I know the paper’s rep but they have been acurate at times.
Very interesting.
to B: MH may or may not have been hitchhiking. Regardless of her active attempts (or not) to obtain a ride, I believe “to a moral certainty” that she did indeed enter a vehicle, on or near the Copeley Bridge.
to Momof3, #373: I am not prepared to assert that MH was picked up by someone either leaving or entering the venue. Rather, I believe that MH entered a vehicle driven by an individual who had neither been at JPJ nor intended to go there.
Re: the purse, RV lot, etc.: As mentioned in an early post, it may be worthy to consider this:
1. MH walked from JPJ, through the UHall parking lot (where her vehicle was parked but locked), and entered the RV lot. There is a straight and easy trajectory between the three points.
2. In the Lannigan RV lot she interacted with individuals, e.g., members of the UVA basketball team.
3. MH exited the RV lot and began walking on Copeley toward Ivy Rd.
4. With purse still in hand, MH entered a vehicle that was on/near Copeley, headed away from Ivy Rd. (and toward JPJ).
5. The driver took an immediate left off of Copeley into the RV lot. Something occurred on/near that area, e.g., the driver disabled MH.
6. The driver of the vehicle tossed MH’s purse out of the vehicle window.
7. The driver of the vehicle immediately left the area with MH.
The above would not require the driver to double-back to the RV lot at any point or for any reason, as the RV lot would have been on his left as he was headed down Copeley and away from Ivy. Translation: the RV lot would have been on his way.
The same scenario could be true but changed just a bit; that is, during the time MH was in the RV lot, she lost or dropped her purse. She proceeds down Copeley, enters a vehicle at that point, and the driver leaves the area with MH. He does not enter the RV lot. MH’s purse, cell phone, etc. remain in the lot and are found on Sunday morning.
I will attempt later to respond to Veracity’s post. I believe there are some unintentional assumptions therein that may be dispelled by helpful clarification.
Observer, can I take that to mean you believe Morgan got in a vehicle with a stranger?
B
Good morning all…I’ve not yet posted but this is the best site all around. Many thanks Blink. And thanks momof3, Observer, PamTX, etc…you all keep the intelligence level high, unlike some of the other forums.
My mind has gone all over the place with this case, so I’m hesitant to write at all, but I grew up here, went to UVa, and am now raising my kids in the area. I’m torn between believing that the friends know about someone that Morgan was meeting…so they know why she left the arena…and the fact that this may just have been a random encounter gone wrong. Say Kickee was pissed and came back around to find her. Could be, but I believe she would have put up a struggle if he approached her again. And I believe the encounter with the basketball players was a friendly one…maybe they were just amused by her drunkeness, and now wish they’d actually taken care of her. Most athletes have learned from the Duke case that it’s too risky to even be near a drunk girl…they probably left the area in their cars without her, as they said.
If I were Morgan and were on the outside of a concert when my friends were in there having a big time, I’d be looking for a fun place to go until they were out. I don’t understand this “I’ll find a ride home.” You don’t just “find” a way back to Harrisonburg unless you know who’s going that way. And Morgan would know that there would be nothing to do at JMU once she got there. I question her friends’ account of this. Unless she said she’d find a ride home in the morning.
I will say that UVa is a relatively safe place. JPJ and UHaul are not right in the thick of the UVa grounds, and this was a Metalica concert…the crowd inside and outside the arena was not especially typical of the Charlottesville population. There would have been a lot of out-of-towners here, any one of whom could have taken her right out of town pretty quickly. I am just sick for Dr. and Mrs Harrington and have them all in my thoughts every minute of the day.
Can I add, Blink, that I agree with Observer that she entered a car on or near the Copeley bridge, and we had a GG turned BG situation. Or good people turned bad people. They may not have been locals or students at all, but someone who knew the area because of previous concerts, parties, etc. It could have been entirely possible for Morgan to be wondering around the Lawn at 3:30 am, or anywhere else, before things took a wrong turn with her new friends and she was “left” somewhere.
My sincere hope is that she walks right into her parents house very soon and wonders what all the fuss was about.
Local, but then your asking some of us to believe she was hitchhiking and got into a car with a stranger, and I do not, for one second, by that.
B
No I don’t buy the hitchhiking theory at all, either…but her defenses may have been down because of alcohol or whatever, a car stops or slows when it sees a girl walking by herself, someone who looks decent inside says “hey where are you going, come with us, you can hang with us for a while.” Or she asked them if they knew so-and-so, could they give her a ride to his/her place. I don’t believe either that she had her thumb out or tried to get the attention of a driver…someone noticed her first and possibly stopped to pick her up. This might also be what the bb players saw.
Well according to them they had left already, how could they have?
B
Oh right, I see your point about the bb players. So do you question her being on the bridge at all? Do you think she either 1. went with one of the bb players, or 2. just walked off again…toward the bridge, or back toward the parking lot? Do you think she might have met up with Kickee again at this point, and been forced into his car? (This is a large assumption and I don’t want to injure Kickee if he’s already been cleared by LE.) I wish the limo driver had seen more…he seems pretty credible.
Welcome localcvillegirl,
We are all just trying to apply logic to an illogical situation.
How does a twenty year old girl surrounded by lifelong friends at such a public venue for all intents and purposes drop off the face of the earth?
Given Morgan’s background no matter how drunk she could’ve been do I see her resulting to hitch hiking.
Blink, I agree with your question regarding the BB players assertion she was hitching. Did she tell them this was her plan? I find it hard to believe any one would leave a woman in distress to hitchhike. They had cars,I’m sure cell phones why would they not call a cab for her and wait till she was safely inside?
I find Morgan’s story so frustrating. We are left with assertions which can not be fact checked. Morgan unfortunately is not here to tell her side of things.
Do we believe the friends story even though most everyone agrees it defies logic? Do we believe the BB players even though they never came forward on their own and their story is self serving?
Do we believe the eyewitness accounts, which ones? Many are contradictory.
I am more baffled today and feel I know less than I did on the day you posted the first article on Morgan’s disappearance. My thoughts are with her family.
First, I believe that localcvillegirl has described well what may have transpired.
B: At this point it is difficult to definitively determine if (or if not) MH previously knew the driver of the vehicle. [The term "stranger" is subject to interpretation; meaning: a) a "stranger" (in the most literal sense of the word) as in a person who MH had never met IRL and/or had never had any previous contact with (whether she was actively hitchhiking or was simply offered a ride); or b) a "stranger" as in a person MH had not yet met IRL but had otherwise communicated with, e.g, on-line, etc.] It could well have been either.
While the jury is still out on this, my instincts lead me to a total and complete stranger. I also maintain that she willingly—at first–entered the vehicle; that is, she was not originally taken against her will.
Re: getting into a car or accepting a ride from a stranger: As mentioned in one of my earliest posts, it is enormously easy for a seasoned BG to lure an otherwise vigilant individual into a vehicle.
Let us assume for a moment that MH would never have actively hitchhiked. [I support that theory.]
* The concert has started; the crowds outside of JPJ have grown thin.
* It is cold and misty outside. MH is walking alone.
* MH is wearing only a tee-shirt; no jacket or coat. She is also wearing knee-high boots, possibly (probably) with heels, e.g, not flats.
* MH has been walking around since approx. 8:20 pm, or 1 hr.+/-.
* MH may or may not have her purse and phone with her; immaterial at this moment.
* Even if MH has her purse and phone on her person, her battery is dead; she is now unable to contact anyone. [This is supported by LE’s suggestion that she may have attempted to borrow a phone from an unknown person.]
* MH appears frustrated, distracted, and/or disoriented. The reasons are immaterial.
* BG drives by, slows down, remotely rolls down the window.
* BG first asks if MH needs help. [This sets the victim up to believe that the BG is actually a GG offering help. It begins to set the stage for trust--and the BG must initially gain MH's trust. He cannot lure her into his vehicle without this.]
* MH may at first hesitate.
* BG escalates his attempts to gain MH’s trust by saying various things, including but not limited to:
* It’s cold outside. [It is.]
* You shouldn’t be walking alone–it’s not safe. [That is true.] (Key: BG sets himself up as a GG looking out only for MH’s best interests. He attempts to deflect any initial mistrust MH might have of him, i.e., he is a stranger to her, by re-focusing her on himself as a potential GG.]
* BG offers to only give MH a quick “lift” (not a “ride”) a short distance, e.g., to wherever she would like to go. [This helps MH believe that this is only going to be a brief "ride".]
* If at any point during this brief exchange BG perceives MH’s hesitation, he steps-up his attempts to gain her trust.
Bottom line: For a seasoned BG, charm is their biggest asset. Charm is used to disarm potential victims, and is enormously effective. Charm is used to gain a victim’s trust. [This was one of several reasons why Ted Bundy was a successful predator.] Portraying himself as a GG seeking only to help, BG gains his victims’ trust.
It only takes one moment of hesitation for BG to cajole his victim into his vehicle.
Personally I am so torn between what I believe occurred. This whole case is confusing and the more information that is released, the more questions I have. At the same time, I feel like no information is being released…if that makes sense.
Anyway just wanted to comment on the possible hitch-hiking theories. While I dont believe Morgan would hitchhike per se, I recalled a scenario from when I was younger (15-17ish) where I missed the bus to school. I knew full well that I should never hitch hike b/c you never know what weirdo will pick up a young girl with her thumb out. I also knew my parents would be mad that I’d missed the bus. Feeling like I was in control, I approached someone I saw pulling out of their driveway and asked for a ride down the street to a grocery store where I could call my mother for a ride. Luckily the man was nice, drove me all the way to my school and lectured me about taking a ride with a stranger. (My parents also fully scolded me later when the story came out via my tattletale sister)
However, my point is that I thought by selecting the person I took a ride with, I was safe vs from some stranger offering a ride when the oppurtunity (thumb out) arose. Fortunately it was not, but this very well could have been a GG gone BG situation and I think the same is possible (not sure I believe it occurred, just saying its possible). Morgan selects someone who she feels looks trusting and since they weren’t creepy enough to outright offer a ride, but instead accepted her request for a ride, she hops in the car. Setting up the perfect situation for GG gone BG scenario.
Observer, while I agree with you in theory that this scenario is possible, Is it really LIKELY?
No. It’s not likely because of the odds. The odds are not good that your garden variety predator just happened to be driving by and stumble upon a pretty and vulnerable young girl who was in need of a ride.
Maybe it was his lucky night too, and she was under the influence.
No, I believe it is much more likely that she left the area with someone that she knew, or someone in advance of seeing her on the bridge recognized her vulnerability and later decided to take advantage of her.
P.S. I have an advanced degree in message board crime solving.
rotfl, I SSSSSSSSSSSOOOOOOO needed that.
B
#381 Observer –
Leads me right back to Nemire Kloppy.
Right?
B
Observer, you suggested
* BG offers to only give MH a quick “lift” (not a “ride”) a short distance, e.g., to wherever she would like to go. [This helps MH believe that this is only going to be a brief "ride".]
A slight variation might tie into your scenario, and get her purse back in the rv lot. What if instead, after MH refused to get in, he said, “tell you what, I’ve got a blanket in the back that you can have.” And he pulled over into the RV lot so she could come get it. etc.
#382
sandyeggo,
Thank you for posting this scenario. If Morgan felt she somehow chose the car she went into she would have a false sense of control. Which brings in to play Observers post #381. If BG played GG then Morgan’s sense of security would not have been disrupted until it was too late.
Observer wrote: “It only takes one moment of hesitation for BG to cajole his victim into his vehicle.” Agreed, Observer thank you.
Re: Nemire Kloppy
To Worried: I have. In process so to speak
B
#384
mjh,Blink,
Regarding a certain possible POI,
*I am not accusing anyone of any wrong doing.*
I find it interesting that this person seems to be a photography lover. Also seems to be a music lover especially of the era of an over 40yrold – going so far as to write reviews of books pertaining to These bands and others. Goes to several concerts at JPJ.
Seems to also live vicariously through sporting events and music events while having a love/hate relationship with Hollywood portraying teens as non-acne riddled, clumsy outcasts.
I missed postings on FB could you tell me what this person wrote that made you cautious? TIA
You guys are so on my page. I have been asked not to produce that.
B
I just wanted to post a follow-up comment to Sandyeggo’s description of possible scenarios why someone might hitchhike when it is out of character. Using an example from my own life, one morning when I was out walking my dogs, I had a situation where I got in a car with two complete strangers. I was being followed by an unleashed pit-bull, and in my past, I had previously been attacked by a pit-bull. Fearing the pitbull more than a stranger at that moment, I stopped the first car that past and asked for a ride back to my home.
Riding in a car with a stranger is COMPLETELY out of character for me, but my point is, what if MH was attacked, harassed, or assaulted in the RV lot, which is why her purse with the broken strap was found, and then when she arrived at the bridge, she perceived riding with a stranger or hitchhiking safer than staying put. What if she hitched a ride at that point with a possible BG or even–what if the same BG from the RV lot then made his way to the bridge and forced her into the car at gunpoint or by some other means. The point is, sometimes we do things that are out of character, when we believe it is safer than our current circumstances. (just a possible scenario for why she might have been seen doing something out of character…like hitchhiking. )
Research reveals that higher-functioning predators actively seek out opportunities. Like animals in the wild, they know where the likeliest preys are apt to be, and likewise instinctively (but more importantly, intentionally) target those areas.
Over the years I have addressed audiences–particularly student audiences–with the admonition that university communities are rife with opportunities for predators–seasoned or otherwise–to target victims. [The operative word in that statement is "opportunities", not "predators".] College-age students in many respects mistakenly maintain a false sense of invulnerability as evidenced in a myriad of ways. In equally as many ways, predators and BGs are aware of and take advantage of this knowledge, and are likewise drawn to those communities because they are considered “target-rich”.
Again, I refer back to Ted Bundy and Gainesville, FL, to name but one example.
This is not to say that the individual(s) who perpetrated this crime against MH was indeed a serial or seasoned predator. He may or may not be; that remains to be seen. It is to say, however, that MH, through no active fault of her own or others, may sadly have presented as the very type of potential victim that such an individual would be highly likely–if not, most likely–to target.
During an active investigation, all odds, no matter how slim or seemingly inplausible, must be examined closely. If not, investigators take the risk of overlooking what might otherwise might have been a key piece of information leading to the BG.
All the above said, it is indeed possible that:
a. MH left the area with someone that she knew; or
b. a BG–whether seasoned or opportunistic–indeed recognized MH’s vulnerability and seized the moment.
B: Who or what is “Nemire Kloppy”?
I apolly, will e.
B
#376 – localcvillegirl – Thank you for your kind words, but I am just like the rest of you..looking for a dignified victim’s advocate commenting site.
#366 – Observer – Deepest thanks for bringing us to the scene so-to-speak. I have taken your “68 steps” and walked them over a similar bridge in my area today, then walked it again in front of my home. Two rural neighborhood front yard lengths and that’s it. But it was my bridge and two things you said that struck me.
1. “As one is walking on Copeley Rd. toward Ivy Rd. there are three (3) streetlights on Copeley Bridge, all even-spaced along the length of the bridge. All three are on the left-hand side–the only side with a sidewalk–as you’re walking toward Ivy Rd.”
2. “The bridge has only two lanes; there is no shoulder or pull-off point along the length of the bridge.”
Three streetlights on the side of Copeley bridge with a sidewalk started the bells ringing loudly to me. She was walking against traffic (the way one should) and on the sidewalk with the lighting (the way one should). She was walking on that spot/area for safety! It couldn’t be more obvious to me.
No shoulder or anywhere for a vehicle to pull over on this bridge. Meaning, the person who’s vehicle she got into (if she did at all), could not pull over and had to stop directly on the street running the risk of holding up traffic still coming into the arena area.
Observer – #381: “ Bottom line: For a seasoned BG, charm is their biggest asset. Charm is used to disarm potential victims, and is enormously effective. Charm is used to gain a victim’s trust. [This was one of several reasons why Ted Bundy was a successful predator.] Portraying himself as a GG seeking only to help, BG gains his victims’ trust.”
I completely agree, however, in my opinion we are looking at a very short window of “time” for charm to be successful for a lone “Ted Bundy”ish type of predator in this scenario, due to the geographic limitations alone and possible traffic.
Regardless of any possible/alleged alcohol consumption (matters not to me), just her walking on the sidewalk where the lighting was, tells me she had safety on her mind. We are talking about a very short (68 steps) distance to cross a two-way, two lane bridge with no pull-over areas, during a Metallica concert where I am sure concert-goers were still trying to enter. (Many people do not wish to see the opener bands, they go strictly for the headliners). I have never read that JPJ locked the doors at a certain time, if at all, so I am under the assumption that entry was possible even after 9:00/9:30 p.m. If you are going to see the headliner act only, taking the stage anywhere from 10:00pm – 11:00pm, there still would be traffic, though not as heavy, but still some. Regardless of what time Metallica took the stage, I would find it extremely rare, for traffic not to still have been entering the arena at/around 9:30 p.m., but that’s just me.
1. If a vehicle were heading out of the arena area heading towards Ivy on the bridge (away from the arena), she would’ve had to have crossed the street in order to get to that vehicle and enter the passenger side. It is not up close and personal…it’s on the other side of the street. I just don’t think “charm” would work in that scenario, unless of course she recognized, knew, or received some sort of safety recognition from the driver.
2. If a vehicle were coming off of Ivy, heading towards the arena, that puts the driver closer to her and possibly allows for a few more seconds to make her feel comfortable with getting in. Still, the driver has to wonder about cars/concert-goers entering the arena to get to their concert in time, on that same street/bridge. Would he possibly have taken the slightest risk of holding up traffic…on a small bridge? I just don’t think he had enough time to be that charming. Unless he looked like B. Pitt!! Or again, she knew, recognized him, or he displayed some official “I’m safe m’am” badge/id.
Observer, once you gave us a close up-and-personal description of the bridge, and how the lighting was, I recalled a statement that I had read early (will have to go back and look it up), where Morgan was witnessed crossing the street on the bridge from one side over to the other (sidewalk side), it suddenly told me why. It was to walk on the sidewalk side of the bridge where the light was. To be safe. Does a woman really forget why she is walking on the sidewalk where the lighting is in just a few 68 steps? I wouldn’t…it’s lit and safer. Again, I just don’t think the “time” was available to talk long enough to gain Morgan’s confidence, charm or no charm, on that bridge.
Unless, it was a male/female combo in the vehicle that picked her up.
Unless, she knew, recognized, or trusted this individual.
Or, the witness to Morgan on the bridge was mistaken, and Morgan never made it to the bridge at all.
Jmo, of course.
Thank you again Observer for walking the bridge and taking those of us not from the area, a little closer to the scene.
367 – PamTx – yes that is who i am talking about.
By googling his name with Morgan’s name you can see a few of the comments from Facebook. If you then click to see more facebook results and then see all facebook results you can eventually find his “scenario posts” of what may ahve happend to Morgan. While I doubt the perp would be posting to FB its still rather creepy.
Here is one part of his “what-if” scenario:
“6. He comes on to her. She stops laughing. He puts his hand on her legs. He gets assertive. She starts to push back. Things escalate more and more and get worse and worse and after about 5 minutes they’re punching and…………………..the outcome is that she’s unconscious and he’s on top of her and eventually it’s all over and she’s in a coma…………………………..”
ps. you have to click on teh cached version to see the posts. otherwise it just takes you to the normal fb page.
Understood Blink. In only the hopes of getting an answer, may I ask who asked you not to produce that?
What really caught my attention is the whole photography angle, due to the fact that Morgan had one in her possession. What a perfect memento that would make. Also the fact that a person like this would be so into the music and the story behind the music. So much so that they would get the whole Battery reference I made earlier. Being such an aficionado this person would believe they were the only one smart enough to make the connection. KWIM
As far as information released, there are no pictures/video of MH in the arena.
If pictures/video of MH in the arena do exist, what would be the reason LE could not release those? I don’t buy the “playing it close to the vest” in order to further their investigation scenario – in what way would a picture/video proving she was in the arena compromise the investigation?
The information that has been released states that:
1. MH’s friends made a call to her at 8:48 wherein she told them she’d find a ride home
2. Dee Spolarics, a mutual friend of MH’s group (the blonde who was initially mistaken for MH in a video that was released) states that a call was made to MH’s group (snip) “We call and [our friend] is like, ‘We’re actually missing somebody…”
What I question is, if MH’s friends talked to her at 8:48 and claimed they were not concerned at the time due to MH telling them she’d find a ride home, why later when Dee Spolarics’ group called (ostensibly because her group and MH’s group were to meet up after the concert), did they say they are “missing someone”? Why, if they were previously unconcerned about MH finding a ride home, would this have had any bearing on the two group’s plans to meet up? Unless they knew something was amiss in the first place.
By all accounts I have read, it was Metallica that MH and friends were interested in seeing. If you google “what time does Metallica go on stage?” you will find any number of links that will tell you generally they go on beginning from 9pm, ending about 11pm. They went on in Charlottesville shortly after 9pm.
If (conjecture) they had no interest in the opening bands, it’s possible MH and friends were “tailgating” in the RV lot area with the intention to head into the arena closer to the time Metallica was to go on, shortly before 9pm to give them time to get seated.
This leads me to question if something happened between MH and friends in the RV lot *prior* to any of them heading over to the arena, the end result being the friends would then have been in possession of MH’s purse/phone/keys/ticket.
I read in a discussion post on the HFMDH facebook page where an individual stated that there are “a row of porta potties at the bottom of the hill leading up to the bridge”, and inquired if they had been searched. This lead me to question if there is not some grain of truth to the friends’ statements that MH became “separated” from them after going to the bathroom. Maybe the “bathroom” was in fact a porta potty and presented them with the opportunity to ditch her. That phone call from the friend’s phone to MH’s is reported to be at 8:48 – if they were tailgating in the RV lot, that would have been near the time to head over to the arena.
No pics/video of MH at the arena. From everything I have read there is nothing that proves these eye witness claims of MH sightings were in fact her, rather they likely could have been sightings of Dee Spolarics.
I am not suggesting the friends did anything sinister to MH – beyond the possibility that they ditched her in the RV lot prior to the concert, leaving her without access to her vehicle/phone/ticket, and as a result, MH was a sitting duck (so to speak) for someone else.
There is so little information released it defies logic.
#390 Observer
One correction: Ted Bundy actually commited the murders at the Chi O house in Tallahassee, Florida (Florida State University).
Confusing the University of Florida in Gainesville and Florida Stae University in Tallahassee is akin to confusing Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia.
Blink~
This was posted, apparently yesterday, on the FB website for Help Find Morgan:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=161409341318&index=1#/wall.php?id=161409341318
Caitie Weston (Virginia Tech) wrote
at 2:59pm yesterday
Morgan’s phone could not have been found without a battery. I called her on Sunday. It rang several times before going to voicemail. It wasn’t until Monday that it started going straight to voicemail.
Has anyone seen this on here? Someone found it on MH’s official site, quoted it, and it’s no longer posted on one of Gil’s blog entries.
“Bonnie says:
November 13, 2009 at 4:37 pm
My daughter and I were in Baltimore at the Hampton Inn on Nov 7-8. A young girl about Morgan’s description approached us and struck up a conversation. She was pretty battered up. I did not notice this, but my daughter did. Later that night, there was a commotion outside of our room. When we checked out later that morning, the same young girl was behind us with fresh wounds to her face. I got the serious willies. It was as though she was trying to reach out, trying to make herself noticeable to anyone who would listen or notice her. I did not think anything of it until later that day on the way home. Her presence and demeanor was haunting.
Another note – we heard her mention her room number, it was right next to ours. I don’t know if this helps, but it could.”
I’m hoping it’s no longer posted because LE is investigating it.