Morgan Harrington Case: Separating Fact From Fiction From Facebook Part II
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Charlottesville, VA– Just passing the month mark, the disappearance of Morgan Harrington from the John Paul Jones Area located on the UVA campus, leaves us with more questions than answers. Part II
The Faces of Her Facebook
Help Find Morgan Harrington was developed by a few concerned individuals interested in spreading the word about Morgan’s disappearance and boasts over 30,000 members. Not all posts are welcome.
In particular, a member by the name of Nelson Kane was recently banned for posting very detailed hypothesis scenarios that sparked a firestorm of interest in the self-appointed athlete scout. His posts were deleted at the request of Law Enforcement who admit tasking two officers with monitoring the web for such activity in Morgan’s case.
Additionally, Mr. Kane reached out to several individuals on facebook as well as the Harrington family’s findmorgan.com site in attempts to speak to the family directly and request an interview. The Harrington’s were made aware of the concern for such requests by sources close to the investigation.
He has recently changed his facebook drastically. 
Mr. Kane, a member of the family owning the longtime furniture store of the same name in Charlottesville is also a UVA alumni and season ticket holder. In addition to UVA, Kane also claims to have attended Virginia Tech on many of his many social networking profiles. He also fancies himself as somewhat of a Rock band critic.
On his site, nkscouting.com which he has maintained 
since 2001, Kane chronicles his trips to scout mostly High School basketball and football athletes. In an effort to make his site more interesting (his words) he details the travel experience, routes, times and in some cases photos of his visits to High Schools mostly within a few hours driving distance.
Very early on in Morgan’s case, blinkoncrime.com explored the idea that perhaps the double murder of VT freshmen David Metzler and Heidi Childs on August 27th should be investigated as a possible link to Morgan’s case simply because they attend the school and Morgan and Heidi bare a remarkable resemblance to one another.
As far as very odd coincidences go, the location of Nelson Kane’s scouting foray the evening of the August 28th could not be more relevant.
Kane scouted the game at Jefferson Forest High School. The very 
School Heidi Childs graduated from a year earlier. Unlike most of Kane’s other journal entries of his athlete accolades, there is no mention of his travel experience to or from Forest High School so it is unclear where he left from, when he got there, or when he returned home.
This is in no way an accusation that Mr. Kane had any involvement whatsoever in such a heinous crime, of course, but given his proclivities for leaving at all hours of the day and night his keen attention to travel detail and familiarity with the area: Perhaps he saw someone or something amiss in his trip that could help investigators.
On Saturday October 17th, Kane scouts a game, listens to the UVA football game on his way home and is home in plenty of time to make the concert.
Blink how do you know he was at the concert you ask? I do not. I do know he knows alot about security at the JPJ Arena, how to navigate the different lots near Uhall, and of course that there are blue portable lavatories next to Lanigan Field. His posts from the Charlottesville Daily Progress below:
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J2K, I believe that whole exchange with Sarah is really strange and possibly completely fabricated by DW himself.
This is just a hunch.
I think DW(silverity) and SS(poniesrgr8) may be one in the same person.
Comment by suz — December 3, 2009 @ 10:48 pm
[Thanks, clementine, but i can’t find where he says that she tried to get back into the venue. I see where he says (on an Oct 19 post, which looks creepy, like everyone and everything looks creepy in the strange light cast by this case), that she went missing at the metallica concert, and that he had “spoken with her that night,” and that he should have “done more to help. i feel quite distraught about it.”
Does he say more somewhere that you could point me to? I totally could be missing it.]
_________________________________________________________________
Suz, a few posts above yours, see ‘Comment by clementine — December 3, 2009 @ 10:18 pm’
* David Winston: i work at the arena, i spoke with morgan on sunday night. she said she was trying to find her friends. i’ve already spoken to the police about it. i’m so sorry i didn’t do more to help. i will pray for her and her family. October 19 at 11:23pm
* David Winston: i spoke with her during the concert, around 10pm or so. she had exited the arena, i assume to look for her companions, and she was trying to get back in. but the arena has a no-reentry policy, so we had to turn her away. October 20 at 12:26am
* David Winston: just to clarify, i didn’t see her exit; only when she tried to reenter. October 20 at 12:30am
* David Winston: i don’t know what you mean. when an event ticket is scanned at entry, its bar code is then voided in the computer system. so we cannot allow someone who has exited the venue to reenter with a used ticket. October 20 at 12:57am
Thats is not his last name, and his timing makes no sense, but his last comment is correct.
B
Blink – if this is an ex-boyfriend/stalker – why would the friends be covering for him? In my mind – these friends would WANT to make certain he was turned in, if, in fact, he was harassing/stalking her.
I dont think they are covering for him. I think they are doing what they were told.
B
B -
No wonder he changed his name.
*gulp*
So, the young man with whom Morgan exchanged texts that night, but is ‘not considered a suspect at this time’, (per Dr. Harrington) could also be an ex boyfriend?
sue (re: 1145)
You think one of the Friends is lying to LE?
“Thats is not his last name, and his timing makes no sense, but his last comment is correct.” B
Blink, I’m aware that’s not D’s last name (based on a couple of remarks made by his friend SS) and agree, DW’s timing is off.
clementine, suz, B (re: #1152)
For the record, I feel that something is off about Davis Whateverthisweirdoslastnameis.
That said, his timing would make sense only if she came BACK to the arena after walking away and falling off the proverbial grid at 9:30 pm. Is that … possible?
No.
B
*David* (sorry, random dude.)
“SHE IS NOT HIS GF, THAT FREAK YOU OUT AT ALL?
B”
(no, but your bold caps did a wee little bit)
Ok, that was really funny.
Gryere AND Fontina with a side of Pancetta
B
Thanks, Clementine! I never saw that exchange. Interesting.
The comment from the loving non-GF about having to “walk around” all night because she couldn’t buy a wheelchair accessible seat at the bb game online left me head scratching.
She does have a physical challenge of some kind that requires her to use a wheelchair or crutches of some kind. I do believe that is correct.
B
J2K, I’m sorry, I am getting a little bit lost now, but no, I don’t think any of the friends are lying to LE.
I don’t think that the male friend who attended the concert is necessarily the same male friend that Dr. Harrington went out of his way to tell us was ‘not a suspect’… I believe he was the one who Morgan was texting that night, and perhaps an ex boyfriend it seems.
Could this ex have been someone who was originally supposed to attend the Metallica concert with Morgan? MH broke up with him, or put him off, but he knew exactly where she would be that night and came to JPJ to lure her out? Or was around when the tix were on the H family fridge and made a mental note? Could he even have been someone who was at one time accepted by H family and had access to the house at some point? A workman, or a guy with a “broken wing” that the H family thought they could help?
Wow, Blink, you’ve got me scratching my head and thinking: hmmm. Actually, under your scenario, Morgan’s actions start to make sense –
go back to the 44 y/o guy from Fredericksburg who says she walked toward him as if to loop her arm around his and said: let’s go — if she’s being pursued or feels unsafe — then when the guy doesn’t cooperate, she kicks him out of frustration —
What did the BB players talk to her about ?????? If she’s feeling in danger, and here come these big, tall guys, I’d talk to ‘em, too — surround herself —
Then if they leave — think she’s impaired — a crazy chic — and she feels this ex is pursuing her and she needs to get away — hitchhike; anything to get away — instead of a stranger, ex gets her —
but moving in another direction — I didn’t realize the bf did not attend the concert — if he’s in the parking lot, why didn’t she just go to the car and wait there until it was over — unless he dropped them off and then left and came back and picked them up later —
so many questions, no answers — somebody out there, break your silence !!!!
Before it is broken for them, because that is in process. The ability to say something was an accident is time sensitive.
B
Clementine, I see I am seriously facebook/myspace challenged. When I first clicked on your earlier links, one of them took me to a black colored page with white text. Now I can’t even get back to that page, though at least now I do see that whole exchange you just posted. Weird. But thanks again!
NYmom, these kids today are a stalker’s dream. They post every bitty move they make or plan to make on their facebook or myspace pages.
This is an absolute emergency, I totally agree.
B
So, if I’m reading this right… a lot of people seem to know who might have done something to Morgan and they’re not talking…. but once there’s a crack in the wall the flood gates will open with info? Is it just a matter of time?
Also, I’m finally understanding where you’re going with all this, and it sounds realistic. But what about the falling in the arena? Was that confirmed? I always thought she went outside due to feeling sick from drinking/drugs/crowd.
sue (re: #1150)
Wait. It’s quite possible I’m lost. (Wine glass No. 2 coming to an end)
SS’s story is she called MH, and MH said she’d find a ride home. How does XBFBG play into that aspect?
break it down, guys….latest theory please for all of us lay- folk
J2K, sorry. I meant sarah the MySpace ‘girlfriend’ of DW. Not Sarah Snead.
Blink, you posted: “There are “foreign” numbers on her phone, or they can’t find the dubious exchange, thus the “Did anyone remember Morgan borrowing their phone?”
Did you mean to say “there are NO foreign numbers?”
No.
B
I have had and I’m sure many others have had a hunch (creeps) about this “DW” for a long time. The idea of the “DW” scenario comimg to fruition totally freaks me out. I am so afraid for Morgan.
sue (re: #1150)
Oh… ohohoh. Now I see. The male friend in the show. I thought you were saying the XBFBG lied about the call between SS and MH. Gotcha now. [finishes last sip, wipes mouth]
I agree – I think DH was referring to textee/possible XBFBG when he said “not a suspect. Yes.
B – (re: 1158)
B…
How can you be sure? Throw a sister a bone here.
(Fishing? Perhaps. You know you hold more credibility than David Whyuseapseudonymandgetawatchwhileyoureatit.)
About?
Whoa!? New format?
sue! (yes, 1150)
[head slap] I got you now. Seriously. Ha! I never thought of that.
(Still too freaked to go back, though.)
I don’t know if Blink agrees, but I’m not of the belief that DW and ex boyfriend are one in the same, UNLESS DW is a completely made up MySpace character, (which I doubt).
I think I know who the ex is, but other than reading about interaction with Morgan that night, I have no idea who DW is. I recall his postings as raising an eyebrow because I thought him to be another male Facebook wierdo.
definately not the same guy.
B
B -
How can you know she didn’t return to the lot after walking out to Copeley, trying once again to get in the show at 10 pm, and thus actually interacting with the-nothing-suspicious-about-him David Whyamialreadysickofyou?
Because her phone goes dead at 9:30 PM, of that I am certain. I am of the opinion that particular ground zero is indicative of her exit from the grounds, imo.
B
Re: She does have a physical challenge of some kind that requires her to use a wheelchair or crutches of some kind. I do believe that is correct.
B
She uses a walker. Seems like a nice girl. But someone should tell her she could be jeopardizing her own safety and that of others with all the info she posts. She has way too much personal info on her space and also gives away the id of her friend.
If it is too late for MH, I do hope some good comes out of it all, and some other young people wise up!
Is there a way to send you a pic or post it here?
Sure, post it photobucket or flickr.
B
dear blink: is this why u asked about fb initials of the page i saw? because photo still haunts me. she is giving peace (or two)sign and looks pale or tired and not as happy as other three girls and three guys? also, ss and am are not in photo. must have been sometime in the summer. girls dressed with sleveless tops. probably no connection but would love to know all those in photo. i have a copy btw, but it is just no longer on fb. her peace sign always reminds me of what her mother, Gil does. but photo only caught two not the complete two, four, one.
i am very sad and wish that we could do more to help find her. i too believe she is no longer with us. felt it during the search as well. for that matter, would love to find all those missing. don’t know how you do it? it seems overwhelming! also, i too in medical field for over 20.
private please as i do not want to create something that is and never was there. too, too much theory going around. plus, you have enlightened me enough about how to post and how i should not blame or speak ill of LE and such. thank you also for sometimes the reprimand. i took no offense as i was totally blowing off major steam and frustration as a mother. all my best.
I feel like we’re playing charades. B, does DW live in Waynesboro? I’m not used to reading those myspace pages and my brain started to hurt, but I picked up on the creepiness. He and Sarah both obviously go to a lot of concerts so could know Morgan from that, even if he’s not the XBF. His little blurb to Sarah about “you know that Morgan girl who went missing…?” could have been to try to throw LE, it seemed obviously out of place.
If this XBF lives in Waynesboro, he would likely be familiar with all the drop-offs and overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway. And he’d be used to crossing the mountain in the fog.
Not charades, we are working through a hypothetical with a side of subtle.
B
Okay,the Facebook page has hit an all time low.
Does anyone else think that Morgan’s case will be solved and they will still be there posting and arguing about who is the biggest moron there?
I know I am obsessed with the facebook page, but just when I think it can’t get anymore ridiculous,,, It Does!!
I do. Yeesh. I say that, and I just posted a snark ass comment on the new and improved Sidekick, I mean *ohm* psychic hotline, I mean thread.
Shout out to Vicki and Frank.. here all week, try the veal.
B
skyler, B (re: #1165)
If something like that happened… and MH texted to say: “Bring me my car.” …and that car was brought. … And that car was not processed by LE…
No. I gotta be thinking in the wrong direction as far as how I’m interpreting sky’s scenario, right B?
Also, why would the friends say they had the keys. They did say that, didn’t they?
Alright. I gotta close the laptop for tonight. I smell burning toast, and I ain’t toasting any bread.
@NYMom, it certainly would explain the darn-near-nurturing manner in which Gil Harrington addresses a mystery someone (evil people must endure scrutiny but you don’t have to, you can be heroic, I know you want to do the right thing).Their worst nightmare indeed. Possibly BG = forbidden fruit as I mentioned earlier. If so it’s just that much more heartbreaking.
whoops. change test. ignore.
Got your back.
B
B (re: #1179)
Ok, last Q: If her phone goes dead at 9:30, how could one know that she doesn’t meander back toward the JPJ, perhaps after seeing how long and dark Ivy Lane is. (And yes, I know this was likely covered by LE, especially if the-unquestionably-credible David Whywouldyouhaveafakepageandfakefriendsyoucreepyfreakshow reported his 10 pm account of interaction with MH at the doors to LE.)
B,
Thanks for the chuckle, very clever. (1182 & 1183) Now I’m off to bed first on my knees (literally) in prayer. Goodnight.
he says he spoke with her sunday the concert was saturday
Blink this is more or less an FYI…
The non-girl friend uses the word “Love” as a term of address much as I might say, “Hon.” She considers the guy her best friend since they used to work together.
She’s very interested in Ireland and all things Irish and evidently the “Love” address is an expression used frequently in Ireland.
She seems to be quite an interesting, compassionate, independent person with a determined spirit and gusto for life that I wished I could muster. She also walks with a walker due to cerebral palsy. I have been quite humbled tonight reading her blog entries as she has such a great outlook on life and its bumps whereas I tend to grumble over the slightest inconvenience.
I daresay if one would take the time to read her blog entries, the first impression after reading the comments on FB would change completely. I would encourage anyone who has that impression of this young woman to take the time to read further. I do not know her but can truthfully tell you that I greatly respect and admire her after taking the time to dig a little deeper.
Toy, I actually have, and I agree with you. I would further add, it seems whatever she is doing with her life, she is doing it mostly by herself and I commend her. I initially felt sorry for her; that turned into feeling sorry for me because I sometimes don’t posses the same outlook. Humbling.
B
I am with ya B, on this XBF theory of yours. It fits the puzzle perfectly and gives reason to areas that seemed unusual before. It is especially illuminating in regard to Mrs. H comments and blogging content.
Pardon me if this has been discussed previously; I do my best to read through the comments but inevitably cannot keep up completely with the traffic of such a popular site. So, anyway, I am with you with Morgan getting a message from this individual and going outside. As you propose, he makes sure she is alone before showing his hand/himself. Now, I wonder if it is possible that while Morgan is being led on something of a wild goose chase, he sees her speaking with BB players and becomes enraged/jealous? If this guy was possessive and controlling that could easily send him over the edge, or be a visual reminder that Morgan was free to speak with or date anyone she chooses.
She leaves the BB players and heads toward the bridge (maybe they directed her in that direction for some reason, to catch a cab, or maybe the suspect lures her that way via text or call. Or maybe she even spots her OWN car go by.) Perhaps the BB players see Morgan get into the car and don’t realize she knows the driver, thus the hitchhiking spin. I have a feeling it came from them and another that mystery man was watching the entire time.
I think the purse was likely on Morgan’s back, worn backpack style when she got in the car. I think they probably argued and he pulled off somewhere remote and she realized she was in trouble. If she was trying to escape, her back would be toward him and he probably grabbed it and yanked, breaking one of the straps. It probably fell to the floor of the car and most of the struggle took place outside of the vehicle as Morgan tried to flee.
He probably realized it was still in his car on the way back to the arena. He realizes that, other than him, the BB players were the last to talk to her. So he dumps the purse near where she was seen with them and drives home. It is never hard to cast suspicion on young black males, unfortunately. A look into convictions stats will reflect that to be more than my opinion.
So, that is my theory building off of Blink’s and also what is known at this time.
I think the purse broke in the car
Something is way off about DW’s post on FB. He states that he saw Morgan on Sunday. I thought the concert was on Saturday. Then he wants to clarify that he did not see her exit; only try to reenter. For some reason this strikes me as he is trying to cover something he did and is feeling bad about. Such as him being used by a friend of his(XBF of Morgan’s) to lure Morgan out of the arena. I think this XBF had set up with her that he wanted to make up for whatever had gone wrong in their relationship by telling her that he knew a security guard at JPJ who could get her to met the band, but she would have to meet them outside at a certain time. But she was told not to tell anyone because then her parents would not let her go if they knew that she was meeting up with him. For this reason she is so concerned about what to wear and asking her mom for advice, because she is thinking that she is going to meet Metalica or one of the bands and wants to look her best. Im thinking she was told who to meet outside (DW) and he would take them to meet the band. Once she got outside she finds out all of this is not true and tries to get back in and figures she would go to DW to let her back in, and he tells her she cannot reenter. And I think that the XBF is who granny saw her arguing with. Now I believe she did leave with him since she was stuck outside in the cold and rain. I believe that DW had no idea that things were going to end up this way.
Let me know Blink if you think that I am way off or if this should be something that should not be posted. I do not want to offend anyone.
I am of the opinion that the responsible party is not going to blast an “interaction” on facebook because I believe strongly this person is known to all the friends and family.
B
Blink-
Earlier I posted my opinion of the overall position of UVA in this
investigation. I know that I am definitely a minority in my feelings here, however I was just listening to the news and I thought I would relay the story to kind of give my fellow bloggers an insight on how important the reputation of institutions of higher education is to their administration.
The story was in reference to the Virginia Tech Massacre. It stated that the administration is under fire for their actions or the lack their of; to get the news out to their students body of the shootings. They noted record of faculty members contacting family members of the tragedy, but asking them not to say anything.
Administration apparently knew of the shootings for a couple of hours before they finally made a decision to put the campus on lock down.
30 plus students were massacred that day.
I am not saying that notifying the student body of the shooter sooner would have made a difference. My point is that the administration took the time to weigh things out. Once it became apparent that dozens of students were being murdered, they finally decided that the story had to be released.
Protect the reputation at all costs.
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?
From one of Blink’s earliest posts.
There is another quote out there, I think Dr. Phil but don’t quote me, from Gil Harrington regarding the texts that says (para) that Police have eliminated them as part of their investigation.
B
Good morning b and everyone. I’m still trying to put Mr. Potato Head together, and this is what I come up with…using some of the earlier posts to bolster my theory. And I still have some questions.
XBF is a security cop, not a real cop. Didn’t make the cut, so might have some little man issues. (I can’t see Morgan ever being attracted to this kind of guy, so maybe it was a very one way street.) He’s maybe part time security at concert venues, other large gatherings, feels like he has some clout. (Strange that Sarah from myspace is also a part time non-gun-toting security person at the Pavillion on the downtown Mall.) XBF gets Morgan out of the concert…you all have some theories on that…I’m not solid there. Then somehow gets her in his car, grabs her bag, throws her battery in one direction and her bag in the cage lot, then takes off and we have a missing Morgan.
I still want to understand the interest in Waynesboro and mile marker 105 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Or the interest in Crozet? I don’t understand the police presence there…was some thought that they may have left a car at Brownsville Market and gone to JPJ in one car?
I would think that if XBF has an obsession with Morgan he’d want to live much closer to her, where he can keep an eye on her. Blacksburg instead of Waynesboro, e.g. Maybe he grew up in this area and knows the mountains? Has a grandmother or relative here, or someother connection from the past?
Now the Childs/Metzler murders…he’s so hellbent on keeping Morgan from dating others that he stalks the places where couples go. He is convinced, in his blind obsession, that the girl in the car is Morgan. He’s so pissed that he basically executes Metzler, then realizes Childs is not Morgan but has to kill her too. I believe she was shot in the back as she was running from the car?
So we have a pretend cop who might want to play the hero (this is what Gil is playing to in her carefully scripted plea), and we’re hoping he’ll not want to be thought of as the evil one, but the one who saved the day.
This is almost identical to my first words on this case. I would add only that he may not have had anything to do with Metzler/Childs, but will seek the cover of that possible affiliation, er go, she will be found in a reasonable vicinity. He is a hunter with access to a Cabin and land, possibly. Outside chance he would place her closer to Roanoke area, nearer to her parents, unless he himself is located there.
B
B
@1167 – Suz — You’re so right – that’s an understatement! When I look at my Facebook every day, the newsfeed is so scary. I don’t find that the college kids are the worst offenders, it’s the grown adults. They tell every move they’re making…going shopping…leaving for the weekend…on the road to work, etc. WHY in the world do they do that? In other words – “Hey, I’m not home, so come and break in my house”…..
I have a niece-in-law who started HS this year. Her Mom came to me and asked my advice because she wanted to have a facebook account. “I dont want to be the only kid in 9th grade without one.”
I advised her to come up with a cool image (NEVER her pic) and a screen name that would not indicate gender, and only give it to her friends ok’d by Mom and Dad.
Her answer .. “Well then I might as well not have one if nobody is going to know it is me.”
Needless to say Mom decided she was not ready. Her cousin is dating a teen celebrity who has to have security with him wherever he goes so it helped to freak Mom out a bit. I have always been ok with scaring the littles in the family with the truth.
How can they protect themselves if they do not know what to protect against?
B
Oh yuck. I was just thinking about our whole conversation yesterday on the possible drug use/alcohol abuse/ or even eating disorder. What if they met while both were in treatment…either inpatient or outpatient. AA/NA. With her beauty and obvious good genes she would have stood out like a beacon at meetings.
Nevaeh Buchanon case. Met at the PO. I swear.
B
Hi Blink,
I promise to keep my tin foil hat on the shelf, sorry if my former post was out of line or offensive. I still think there are suspicious things about this case, but then often when the truth is discovered, many facts in a case like this are revealed to be totally unrelated to the actual crime and meaningless.
I think my suspicions of DH really focus on the facts of him having a key to her apt., knowledge of her passwords, and that she spent the whole summer very close to his watch. I translate this to mean that there were some earlier problems in Morgan’s life, very likely an ex-boyfriend, who DH was trying to get her away from. His lack of full disclosure at this point regarding any of Morgan’s personal problems is of course, understandable and even morally correct. However, I like many others here have felt that there is a very strong possibility that Morgan may have had some sort of recent problem – drug or BF related, that her father had to intervene in to help her ground herself before the new semester.
Lack of information breeds suspicion, and I think again many of us here sense this unnamed problem or former crisis in Morgan’s life (and her family’s) may be one of the keys to solving this mystery.
B, your posts really brought me back to square one. Yes !!!
******************
You guys may think I am off my blinker, but I have not moved a muscle off my original thoughts. I think there is a dude, ex Bf involved here, and I think this was planned.
B
I am thinking that exactly. I submit maybe it did not start out that way is a possibility, but it was planned to the extent to accomodate this exact ending. I believe the Granny. I think Morgan was lured outside, fought with dude in Parking lot, tried to get back in, and under the guise of “stand in the rain” or come with me, it’s all good, she did, and was not.
B
******************
My earlier running away theory had some flaws, although my sense was always more that she was meeting a guy, not necessarily running away permanently, and that plans went awry or changed, as they often do with young people. If you combine your theory with Observer’s GG>Bad Guy hypothesis, I think we have a good solid base to build on that fits most or all of the known facts, and a scenario that makes a lot of practical sense, in terms of the behavior of a 20 yo female in that given situation. Some brief thoughts –
1. While drugs were likely involved in some way, I do not believe they are the motive or core of the story.
2. Again, the lack of a crime scene is primary. This is or was initially an emotional/relationship crisis for Morgan that may have turned violent later on. Her careful choice of dress suggests or implies (but doesn’t prove) that she was trying to impress a specific known guy, possibly to “get back together” after a long separation.
3. Did speculative ex-BF actually PLAN to kill her that night? I have a problem with this. However, I also have a problem with it being an accidental death and he has successfully hidden a body without being technically or emotionally prepared to do so. So I guess I side with you (if that is your hypo?) that this was a planned murder. But I’m still not convinced.
4. The lack of any mention of Morgan having a BF at all has also bothered me from the beginning. No, I don’t believe for a minute she was gay. Much more likely is that there WAS a BF not long ago who was an embarrassment to Morgan and/or her family. And that is likely the reason for her living at home and working for dad this summer. Sort of a probation period. Again, drugs may likely have been part of it – bad guys and drugs usually are found together. But it’s the social/emotional part of Morgan’s life that holds the key here, not addiction. The struggle for independence from parents and the dangerous ways she may have tried to find that independence – through lack of maturity and judgment – this is the core of the story.
It is an attack on common sense to suppose that someone as attractive as Morgan, with the personality and intelligence (and caring) that she had – did not date. The absence of any BF figure in the picture, past or present – is more suggestive than almost anything else because it is the one glaring inconsistency in an otherwise integrated picture of Morgan as student, volunteer, devoted daughter, etc.
5. It would seem, due to things apparently going smoothly for Morgan up to the start of the concert, that things went as she planned, and that she met whomever – ex-BF – that she had arranged. From that point, because of a fight, initially an emotional one – things got out of hand and although she may have left with ex-BF, it was after some indecision and arguing. The broken purse, minus any other evidence of a struggle or injury (including cries for help), implies a struggle, not yet seriously violent. He grabs her, she pulls away, purse breaks. She walks or runs away. He catches up later (in car?) and they continue the argument until she gets in the car.
This of course begs the question – if there was an old BF, then he is a known person and therefore likely being investigated. Ergo the silence on the subject. Who or where is he now?
After such a dearth of facts, after so long, any brief crack or crumb of a clue from the LE in this case would be a big deal. Still we wait.
First time posting, but I have been reading for a while. Thank you, Blink, for what you do on behalf of crime victims.
There has been a lot of focus on the “are you a skeleton too” comment, and I think we may be taking it too literally. (Although taking it literally is certainly an option, too.) I’m wondering if Gil is speaking more figuratively and sending a message to Morgan on the chance that she is alive.
Many have noticed Morgan’s weight changes in the pictures. I notice it most in her prom picture – look how thin her arm is. Perhaps some issue, whether it be drugs, or stress from an abusive/inappropriate boyfriend, or whatever, made her lose that weight (that part has been discussed previously) and at the time her mother told her she had lost so much weight that she looked like a skeleton. “Are you a skeleton now, too” could be a way of asking her if that same problem has returned. To take that a step further, there could be the implication that “we helped you get out of this situation before, come home and we will help you get out of it again.” Combine that with her message that someone with information could be the hero that saves Morgan, or whatever that direct quote was.
Something else that has been jumping out at me has been the Grateful Dead references (Ramblin’ Rose painted on her wall, for example). Dancing skeletons are associated with the Grateful Dead. Perhaps the skeleton comment could be a reference to people who live the DeadHead lifestyle? Perhaps something she either returned to, or could even be doing for the first time. Admittedly a stretch, but for me it was too “in your face” not to mention.
Just my 2 cents.
Welcome Cville Native-
Your first thoughts are what I believe exactly.
B