Morgan Harrington Case: Plea to Possible Witness From VSP
Charlottesville, VA– Early this morning, a flurry of activity surrounded what unfortunately amounted to a misquote on behalf of an article appearing in the Cavalier Daily:
Though investigators have confirmed that Harrington was last seen hitchhiking at 9:30 that night, they do not have sufficient evidence to prove or disprove that she fell victim to foul play, Geller said. In addition, police were able to retrieve Harrington’s purse and necklace but have not yet located a red digital camera that they believe was in her possession at the time of her disappearance.
Blink on crime has been able to confirm directly with Connie Geller, Public Relations Manager for the Virginia State Police: Morgan Harrington’s necklace has not been recovered, nor has Ms. Geller ever made such a statement regarding same.
However, there is recent developments that seem to infer that Ms. Harrington’s credit or debit card may have been used following her disappearance from the John Paul Jones Arena the evening of October 17, 2009.
“We’d hate to have anyone who just picked her up and dropped her at a gas station [to be reluctant to talk to us] because that person holds a very vital key to finding more information,” Geller said. “Investigators are willing to work with that person because right now the focus is on finding Morgan and bringing her back to her family.”
Even persons who have not seen Harrington since her disappearance can still be of assistance to the investigation, Geller said. For example, if anyone has noticed someone else acting strangely since around the time of the disappearance, he or she is encouraged to report the information.
Both Ms. Geller and Dr. Harrington have declined to answer the question as to whether or not Morgan’s card was used citing “investigative purposes.”
The last verified comments regarding a possible Morgan sighting and a gas station center around an account of a woman claiming to have seen her outside at a Sheetz station in Orange, VA the following morning of October 18th. Ms. Geller stated the VSP could not “disprove” this sighting, although their is no surveillance footage on the store security camera.
Check back to blinkoncrime.com for continuing developments in this story.
Related Posts
Related Posts:
214 Comments
RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URI
[...] Read the rest at Blink on Crime: Share This [...]
Thank you for clearing this up, Blink.
That was one hell of a misquote.
Ya think?
Yeesh.
B
The comment by Ms. Geller they can’t “disprove” the Orange,VA sighting at a Sheetz gas station is interesting and seems to be a softening if not a reversal on previous official statements or inferences. Could there have been activity on her credit card at this location? Are things heating up?
Was this truly a misquote, or a slip? What does everyone think?
Thank you for the swift response to the misquote, Blink. Oh if only it were so.
If LE knows her card was used at a G.station, how can they be sure it was used BY Morgan. I too,believe this has to do with the Sheetz station in Orange, VA .If Morgan were there the next morning, what does this do to the 9:30 last sighting?
How did her purse get back to JPJ? It seems implausible that Morgan would take one card, dump the purse,and only use the card once. If someone returned the purse to the lot the next morning, then they would have had to know she was previously in the rvlot.
Or does this go back to the stolen purse? Morgan may have never used the card. Perhaps someone else did?
This is from findmorgan.com
12-14-2009, 08:53 AM
karen55
Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 10
Orange Sighting Question
JSR,
To answer your question, the girl I saw was standing beside the trashcan and she just had a blank look on her face. She appeared tired, worn out. I did not see her talking to anyone.
As far as the flyer I put up and someone took down, I don’t think the surveillance cameras were viewed to see who removed it. I myself would love to see who did it as I still think it was very odd and strange. I placed another one up and check on it daily and it is still there. Why would ANYONE remove a missing persons flyer when the person is still missing?
I still can’t figure out the surveillance cameras. I only saw myself twice and I go in there more often, sometimes twice a day. I now do not think they are 100% since I know I was there and passed a girl that fit Morgans description wearing a Pantera short sleeve t-shirt. I remember thinking she had to be cold seeing that she only had on a short sleeve shirt and a short mini shirt and it was cold that day. I also remember looking back a second time to read the writing on her shirt when I first saw the letters Pant. I looked back and read the word Pantera and not knowing what that was, dismissed it and went on to my car. If my daughter hadn’t been bugging me to get her a Pantech Matrix phone, I wouldn’t have given the letters a second thought, but because I thought it was going to see Panteck, I looked back and saw it actually said Pantera. I thought that was an odd word as I didn’t know what Pantera was. It wasn’t until I was reading the article that described her and her outfit that I realized that I had seen a girl that fit that description!
I was not happy how I was treated by the LE as they accused me of lying and threatened me, even told me they saw me on the video get into a white truck!! Even when the store employees tried to tell him that it wasnt me, he kept saying it was. Why would he do that and act that way? The store employees see me all the time. The LE only had met me for a few minutes. He also told me that he had been to my house and left his card on my door and he did not. When I told him that, he got very angry with me and threatened to prosecute me for filing a false police report!! When he said that it made me feel like someone kicked me in the stomach. I was just trying to help and told him what I saw. Just because the cameras didn’t see it, doesn’t mean I wasn’t that we both weren’t there. I pray for Morgan and her family every day. Being a mother myself can’t even imagine the agony they are experiencing. I’m taking my daughter to JPJ today to see the Rockettes, and you can bet she will be stuck to me like glue.
God is with you Morgan and He will lead us to you, have Faith!!
The fact that Ms. Geller specifically articulated a gas station in her comments, not a convenience store, not a restaurant, not a hotel, hints that LE is giving more credence to the Sheetz sighting. They state “there was no survelliance footage on the store security camera”, but this new terminology suggests they may have other video or photos, additional witnesses, phyical evidence or some tangible, credible reason to put this sighting back on the table. This also indicates they are ready to “work with” a person. Does this mean they are looking for a lone individual in Morgan’s disappearance, or are they hoping an individual may be ready to crack?
Comment by cvillenative — January 25, 2010 @ 1:23 pm
Was this truly a misquote, or a slip? What does everyone think?
My experience with papers is they mess up all the time. You never realize it (at least I didn’t) until you are actually personally involved with something they report on.
Definite error.
B
just to add — the Cavalier Daily is a student newspaper. In other words, this is an article done by a 18-21 year old student.
If you leave JPJA and stop by the Sheetz station, where may you be headed? Would that lead back to the school that SS attends (can’t recall the name, sorry).
I was going to chime in to bemoan what seems like extra sloppy reporting in this case, but as redly pointed out, if you’ve had any experience with the media you would be AMAZED at how often they get the simplest of facts DEAD WRONG.
I guess because we have been given so little to go on in this case, it hurts extra when we see one of the scant facts get cited in totally opposite ways.
As for Sheetz (love me some Sheetz MTO!), I wonder why they think the lack of (suddenly unphotographable) Morgan on the video does not TOTALLY discount that sighting. Do they think the (jerky sounding) officer who reviewed it missed it, and now the tape is gone so they can’t go back and send someone more competent to review it?
RE: (#2121) Comment by alexandra — January 25, 2010 @ 10:44 am from the previous thread on Mrs. Parsons, the newspaper delivery person who thinks she saw Morgan on the lawn
“I was doing my papers at 3:45 in the morning [Oct. 18] and I was making a decision as to how I wanted to put the papers out,” Mrs. Parson recalled. “I noticed all of this noise going on to the right of me and I see this young lady, all in black with long blonde hair, and she was leaning against the wall with this tall boy with curly hair and two shorter boys nearby.”
In all the pictures that we just saw, that clementine gave us all those links to, (TY by the way!!!), wasn’t there a tall curly haired guy at the concert that kept getting mentioned??
EVERYBODY!! PLEASE READ!! OF POSSIBLE MAJOR, MAJOR IMPORTANCE!!!!! BLINK – PLEASE READ!!!
I THINK THIS MIGHT BE WHAT HAPPENED IN NOVEMBER THAT THE HARRIINGTONS KEEP REFERENCING TOO – EERILY CLOSE TO WHAT IS BELIEVE TO HAVE HAPPENED TO MORGAN. IS THIS WHAT THE NOVEMBER INCIDENT WAS??? THIS ARTICLE WAS DATED 11/23/09.
From http://hamptonroads.com/2009/11/portsmouth-police-seek-man-who-abducted-robbed-woman
Portsmouth police seek man who abducted woman
Posted to: Crime News Portsmouth Search: Portsmouth crime
Crime type:
(burglary, arson, assault, etc.)
By Matthew Bowers
The Virginian-Pilot
© November 24, 2009
PORTSMOUTH
Police are seeking the public’s help in tracking down the man they said abducted a Waterview woman from her driveway and robbed her of $20,000 in jewelry plus cash. The victim is fighting back with a $1,000 reward of her own.
The woman wasn’t hurt, police said Monday. Police said she was leaving her home last Wednesday in the dark just after 6 a.m. when a man approached her from behind.
He said he had a gun, forced her into her car, and climbed in after her. He ordered her to hand over her jewelry and rummaged through her purse, taking cash. He then ordered her to drive, ending up near Maryland Avenue in Port Norfolk before he got out.
Police described the man as white, 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall, with an average build. He was wearing a hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, gloves and a ski mask. Police believe he’s familiar with the Waterview and Port Norfolk areas, and may have been studying the victim’s daily routine.
They ask anyone with information to call the anonymous-tip Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP (1-888-562-5887). On top of that, the woman offered another $1,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of the man who held her up; information can be phoned to Detective Ralph Ferrell at 718-8097.
HE ABDUCTED THIS WOMAN, RUMAGED THROUGH PURSE, TOOK HER JEWELRY, FORCED HER INTO A CAR AND MADE HER DRIVE SOMEWHERE.
Morgan’s purse had it’s belongings scattered – was it rumaged through then tossed?
He stole her jewerly – police are looking specifically for Morgan’s necklace.
He forced her into a car – LE keeps saying she got into a car on the bridge.
He forced her to drive somewhere.
Are pieces finally coming together here?
I think we can get alot from the bones we were tossed today.
1) Her debit or credit card was used after 9:30PM 10/17.
2) They are looking for someone who gave her a ride, specifically giving to a gas station as an example, and also saying that they cannot discredit the Orange, VA sighting
3) The Harrintgons do believe that there is a BG in Chalottesville in October and still there in November (referencing above article I posted)
4) In Gil’s latest post, it seems that they are REALLY trying to tell us something.
5) The Harrington’s seem to changing their tune – early on, their posts indicate their believe was that she was passed. Now, it seems as though their belief is that she at least MAY be still alive.
So, we can we piece together from this?
Is it possible that the predator is a predator in the sense of like a Jaycee Dugard type thing? Did this start out as a possible robery attracted to her by her necklace that turned into something worse. Is Morgan being held as a sex slave? Many times, a criminal doesn’t just have his hand in only one pot but many.
Let’s go back to the Orange VA sighting. I believe the woman said that the girl appeared to have been “beat up” and was just standing by the trash can.
Is it possible that Morgan was being WATCHED when seen at the 7-11 and could not seek help. I hope not, and hate to come across so crude, but could she be being pimped out?
I have always thought there was more to this case than just Morgan solely based upon LE’s total silence in this case. Could they be on the verge of breaking open a ring of some sort?
Thoughts all?
I do sense a shift in language today, student-journalist flub notwithstanding. Like Blink and probably the rest of you, I also took something from Gil’s post about a perp *continuing* to be in C’ville October thru November, rather than Dan’s post about a perp being there Oct 17 and returning in Nov. Remember in the last few days many of us had just begun to write that off as a reference to the erroneous missing-person report out of UVA? (Indeed UVA police effectively reassured Lee, I think it was, on that point.) I wonder if Gil is clarifying for us. Wish there was a way to cross check the search sign-in sheets with folks’ movements out of the area and UVa .. maybe LE has a method for this.
Dare I also say that I found Gil’s language much more straightforward, much less figurative, this time?
I also got a bit more out of these latest Geller comments (way to go, B). PM1, if she said “there was no survelliance [sic] footage on the store security camera,” I wonder if it means it literally, that the camera was not actually recording at the time of the alleged sighting. Perhaps LE realizes now that whatever footage they believed to be Karen was from the wrong time/date, as Karen protested all along. Curious that the missing flyer was taken down, and if Karen is in and out of that Sheetz all the time, I’d think she’d have asked staff if they removed it.
Again, though, I am interested in DH’s statement that he believes 29S and the reservoir should be searched, and still wondering about Jolly’s assertion that publicity should happen in Atlanta, New Orleans, and LA. Not sure if anyone caught my previous post about the Amtrak Crescent train, which stops in C’ville and goes on to Charlotte, Atlanta, and New Orleans …
Confused as ever, but hopeful there’ve been some steps forward.
The age of the writer at the CD is precisely what made me question whether this was truly a misquote. A lack of understanding that sometimes you need to sit on information in a criminal investigation, or and desire to be the first to break this information (though I would expect more grandeur surrounding the breaking of the information if this were the case). I have absolutely no experience in this area, though, so if those with more experience believe that it truly was a misprint, then I will defer to them.
Tarheel – JPJA to Sheetz in Orange is on path to get on Interstate 95 in Fredericksburg. Going this way would seem to indicate they would be heading north on 95; if they were heading south it would be quicker to pick up 95 in Richmond.
I think it’s interesting that Mrs. Geller says they can’t disprove the sighting at the gas station in Orange. Alexandra, thanks for posting the comment from findmorgan.com of the lady who made the sighting. It amazes me that LE was so hostile to her, but maybe that’s what they do to try to shake eye witness testimony. I just can’t believe there wouldn’t be a more productive way.
Has Mrs. Geller ever indicated if VSP can disprove the 3:30am sighting on the Lawn? The newscarrier seemed so certain and she even felt she could identify the guys with the blond. Since she is an artist who gaves special attention to faces, I wonder if she made any sketches of what she saw? If I could draw and had seen what she observed, I would have sketched it to keep it fresh in my mind. I hope she did.
I have never been able to wrap my mind around Morgan just dropping her purse in the parking lot and leaving it there. I have always felt if she were that impaired, LE or security, who seemed to be plentiful, would have picked her up for her own safety. But what to make of the reports that someone who is believable (the limousine driver?) saw her drop her purse more than once?
Do any of our Cville posters want to plan a field trip to find the newslady and see if she has sketches? That’s my crazy idea for today!
Comment by fish — January 25, 2010 @ 2:16 pm
“””Comment by OPENYOUREYES — January 9, 2010 @ 1:33 pm
Most everyone survives. MOST everyone.”””
MOSTly, this post has always disturbed me beyond belief!!!
“””Comment by fish — January 20, 2010 @ 9:39 pm
1. Also E & Moon: good points on wt comment about “diamond in rough”. who knows on this one…”””
Elizabeth: just to let you know that i knew you were there and have many times referred back to your posts. a big thank you from me!
Rabbit19: i thought your name reminded me of golf! maybe a rabbit hole then hole 19!?!? didn’t your name used to be pinky. i don’t know, like i said i am tired. i do not want to give up yet but this is getting very hard. can someone give us a direction? i said i have started back at the beginning but somehow i lost steam in U-hall Lot and i am confused on the bridge and the concert pictures and videos have given me a headache.
Blink: could it be that Morgan was walking back from trying to use her debit/credit card at one of the banks or 7-11? maybe she was trying to get cash for a cab ride. i am confused on which direction she was going? over to the banks and church on corner or coming to JPJA and then coming in contact with bbplayers? i am tired and am really trying to look at old posts. can you please help me out?
OR:
Good point, my friend!
Comment by J2K — January 25, 2010 @ 1:06 am
“On the topic of her debit card, it could be possible that someone came across her wallet/purse in the lot, grabbed the card and any cash, and attempted to use the card at the 7-11, prompting the review of its tapes several days into the investigation – and maybe even the “no comment” from the nearby Wachovia (if that was, coincidentally, her bank) regarding LE’s look at the branch’s tapes.”
And now to…
Observer, many a time I have been on this site and have been mad, sad, up and down.I have been serious and knew what it was I wanted to say and then I have been a wet fish and waffled on what I should have said. I have laughed and cried and often at the same time! I thought I was offended then heralded but just ended up confused. Please know that your widsom and wit and where-with-all does mean something. Like I said to Dr. Harrington, in my post, “I BELIEVE IN THEM”, I BELIEVE IN THEM, I BELIEVE IN THEM”! I do not know why but I do believe in all of us. Really no experience in LE for me but if given the facts and we all were sent into a room…we and I truly BELIEVE that we all would come out and with Morgan!
I pray everyday, although I am not a deeply religious person. I hold those moments of clarity from Blink, herself and her posters, close to my heart. I rely on them. You see there is something that runs through all of us that is kind and good and just.
Whether we are moms, dads, sisters or brothers. Or even just friends…cyber or otherwise. I do hope that you reconsider and just realize that we all have been there. The state of “what to do” and I just know that apologies go a long way with me. So if I offended or did not seem to understand (a good chance but Chad has helped with my frontal lobe development even though late in my life!) then I apologize. We all are running the ideas, thoughts and theories at a rapid rate and would absolutely hate to lose someone so important. Please know that you are in my thoughts.
sincerly, fish
p.s. blink, my weeman is now 34″ 30″! yikes, he is eating us outta house and home!!
also, i could only hope that someone has had a moment of clarity if indeed the necklace was recovered!!!
b: sorry i posted in wrong spot!
But, wait, there’s more!!! Attached is from the UVA website, from the Deane, talking about a stalker there in October AND November, who was in a wheelchair. And, also a possible rape in November.
Announcements
Previous Posts
◦Donuts with the Deans
◦Dean Groves and Tabitha Enoch to Read the Lighting…
◦Safety Notice from Dean Groves
◦Safety Reminders from Vice President and Chief Stu…
◦Support for International Students
◦Cultural Programming Board: Need money for cultura…
◦Report a Bias Incident
◦Ivey F. Lewis Honor Loan
◦Off Grounds Housing Office
◦Online Self-Assessment for Depression
Archives
◦August 2009
◦October 2009
◦November 2009
◦December 2009
◦January 2010
◦Current Posts
Subscribe to
Posts [Atom]
Safety Notice from Dean Groves
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Dear students:
Over the last few days, students have forwarded me an e-mail circulating on various list serves that describes alleged incidents of a criminal nature occurring on or near Grounds. I understand how a student receiving such an e-mail might be concerned about safety and perhaps wonder why nothing had been said by the University administration in response.
The University Police (UPD) and the Office of the Dean of Students take your safety very seriously. Many of you have heard me state publicly that I consider your safety the most significant part of my job as Dean. When a verified incident occurs that raises an issue of broader community impact, UPD Chief Mike Gibson will send out a police alert to the University community outlining the facts of the incident and the recommended steps you can take to protect yourself. Vice President Pat Lampkin will also periodically send e-mails to students detailing general safety precautions and tips to help maintain the safest possible experience at UVA. However, we do not communicate to all students regarding unsubstantiated incidents or matters that do not present a broader risk of criminal action on or near Grounds. We understand that too many e-mails lessen the impact of our communication with you in those times when we really do need to get your attention regarding a potentially serious matter.
Given the volume of e-mails circulating on list serves over the past several days, I feel it is necessary to communicate to the entire student community so that you have accurate information rather than rumor. Here is what we currently know:
•The UPD has confirmed that a male who uses a wheelchair approached a female student near Alderman Library on October 15, 2009, at approximately 8:50 am. He asked to use her cell phone and when she declined his request, he reportedly made what the UPD deemed to be inappropriate (but non-threatening) statements to the student. As a result of this interaction, UPD subsequently issued a trespass warning to this individual, barring him from the University Grounds. Thereafter, on November 10, 2009, the UPD was notified that this same individual had entered Madison House (which is not University property) through an unlocked door on November 9, was asked by Madison House staff to leave the premises, and complied. Neither the UPD nor the Charlottesville Police are aware of any criminal acts having been committed by this individual. I am also advised that area police have investigated this man’s background and have discovered no evidence of any prior violent acts or propensity to act in a violent manner. If you are aware of other incidents that warrant police intervention, please dial 911 and make a report.
•One of the e-mails forwarded to me makes reference to a male who has been seen in the stacks in Alderman Library loitering for long periods, and who has allegedly attempted to look up the dress of one or more female students. The UPD has contacted Alderman Library staff and neither they nor the UPD have a record of anyone making a report of such activity. The UPD is continuing to investigate this in light of the e-mail forwarded to me by students yesterday.
•This same e-mail also makes reference to an alleged rape occurring within the past week in the area of 15th Street and Wertland Avenue. The UPD has not received a report of a rape or sexual assault occurring in that area during the past few weeks, nor has the Charlottesville Police received such a report to our knowledge. If someone was the victim of such an assault or knows facts relevant to this allegation, I hope that they will contact the police or my office immediately.
It is critical that all students understand that the UPD and the Charlottesville Police want you to dial 911 to immediately report any activity that appears threatening or makes you uncomfortable for your safety. Time is a critical factor in such situations. You should also notify my office as soon as possible so that we may consider whether further action or communication to the wider student community is warranted. Also, before circulating an e-mail you receive regarding allegations of criminal conduct on or near Grounds, contact the UPD or my office to verify that what you have received is, in fact, accurate. Misinformation can often be as dangerous as no information, and the UPD and my office want to partner with you to make our community as safe as possible.
Since I have your attention, I want to reinforce some general safety tips. Yes, you have heard me say this before, but it bears repeating. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. That means taking off the earphones when walking at night. Walk with friends, take a late-night weekend UTS bus, or call SafeRide (242-1122) rather than walking alone. Do not allow a stranger to “tailgate” you into a residence hall after you swipe your access card, no matter how “normal” that person may appear to you. If you are studying in one of the libraries and notice a suspicious person or activities, remove yourself from the situation and call 911 or report your concerns to the person staffing the library’s front desk (who is trained to assist students). If you see suspicious activity, immediately dial 911 (or use a blue light phone on Grounds to immediately connect to the UPD) and provide all pertinent details to police. If you live off Grounds, get to know your neighbors and look out for one another. Talk with your landlord about replacing burned out exterior lights or lowering overgrown hedges that create opportunities for criminal activity around your living area. Contact the Off-Grounds Housing Manager located in my Peabody Hall office if you need help in this regard.
Your safety is our highest priority. I hope you will contact me should you have any questions regarding the issues covered in this e-mail or your safety generally.
Sincerely,
Allen W. Groves
Dean of Students
Labels: Dean Groves, safety
posted by Marketing and Outreach @ 1:00 PM
http://www.virginia.edu/deanofstudents/announcements/2009_11_01_archive.html
I am getting a VERY strong feeling we are closing in here.
Geez! How many times can things get confusing in this case! I am so glad you were on top of it Blink! Thinking at first that the necklace had been recovered was like, Yay! Maybe now they have new clues, but no, once again we are crushed! You do a great job, and am so happy you are staying on top of things!
The Harringtons are trying to lead us down the right path I believe without breaking LE’s request to be quiet.
The guy in the wheelchair reported 10/15 (2 days before Morgan) and AGAIN IN NOVEMBER.
Both times he complied with requests from scurity to leave. Not arrested because he had no criminal backround.
Wa he faling being in a wheelchair? Would Morgan feel compelled to help someone in a wheelchair? Is he involved in something bigger that uses the handicapped guy to lure the women?
Correction to last first sentece of my last paragraph above – “Was he faking being in a wheelchair?”
Regarding the possible Sheetz sighting, I’m sure there’s in-store and gas-pump surveillance, but it’s possible the cameras aren’t set up to scan the entire property (or maybe weren’t working properly at the time). Ms. Geller’s statement may simply mean that as a result LE can’t state for a fact Morgan was/wasn’t there. Just a guess…
Judi you took my thoughts right out of my head…I too was wondering if by chance there maybe another Ted Bundy wheeling around or if he was the lure….
“The last verified comments regarding a possible Morgan sighting and a gas station center around an account of a woman claiming to have seen her outside at a Sheetz station in Orange, VA the following morning of October 18th. Ms. Geller stated the VSP could not “disprove” this sighting, although their is no surveillance footage on the store security camera.”
Comment by Tarheel — January 25, 2010 @ 2:12 pm
If you leave JPJA and stop by the Sheetz station, where may you be headed? Would that lead back to the school that SS attends (can’t recall the name, sorry).
In a round about way, yes, my GPS had me all over the place when I went to the home of James Madison with family. I could not help but think if someone knew this area, they would have no problem with the back roads. If you are on that end of Cville, then you would be on Rt. 29 and at the cross-section of Rt 33. Rt.33 takes you over the mountain. Very scary and very treacherous but it dumps you on a straight shot into Harrisonburg, home of James Madison University.
btw, i believe that the noted “noise violation party” in “the burg” was a birthday party. looks like a birthday was on december 2. maybe a celebration of sorts. life does indeed, go on.
I had seen this story before about the guy in the wheel chair, but he always complied with security and left, but you could be onto something, about him faking the wheel chair…And Gil saying what she did about November. I never understood that statement by Dan, unless they had a POI and he was involved in the LRC search. And it would be so easy for someone to get a wheel chair and use it to lure young women into feeling safe. I hope LE are watching this man.
Blink, is it ok to bring my apology over to the new thread?
2138.Comment by gifter3 — January 25, 2010 @ 1:17 pm
Dear Blink,
I have re-written this several times, hoping that my words will come across in the sincere way that I truly mean them to.
If this is not acceptable, just let me know, and I will try again.
It was never, ever my intention to cause dissention in “Your House”.
It truly wasn’t. In fact, it was actually quite the opposite.
I was upset about the very unfair “smackdown” of WPGMouse. Later, when we were asked to re-read and pay close attention to specific posts/various others that included words like “bizarre theories”, “superfluous info”, “ridiculous ideas”, “cryptic messages”, “makings of a good novel”, and “this is quite a stretch in a direction that is beyond my rational comprehension or level of comfortability”, it just really hit me the wrong way. I took it to mean that a stamp of approval was being put on “derogatory descriptions” of other posters theories, and I thought that was unfair.
I was wrong though. It is not my place to judge or defend other people’s comments. That is your job Blink, and I apologize for being out of line.
To Redly and Fletch, once you explained where you were coming from, it was understandable, and I think we all appreciated that. Thank you.
Fletch, I actually had to chuckle when you said you had been called an “assclown”. I must have missed that one.
To Sue, and j2k, I can only surmise that you too reacted like I did- defensively. I’m sorry that I pushed your buttons.
And to you Observer, I am so very sorry that I took my frustration out on you. Just because we don’t have any of the answers we are so desperately seeking about Morgan, doesn’t mean it’s your fault. I shouldn’t have expected more from you than you are able to give. I hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive me, and that you will re-consider your departure. We need you, and Morgan needs you.
Blink, I want to make amends. I am willing to step forward, and take those “swats”- if you will allow me to continue to be a part of this great group of people.
My deepest apologies to all.
Gifter3
Apology accepted Gifter. I am huge on accountability, that goes a long way with me. I get more wrong than I do right, but I will never be afraid to own it. Good on you.
B
Good Idea, of course.
B
This response was posted to the Washington Post article on the 21st. I find these comments to be quite bitter and I do hope there is a detective willing to check out the poster.
__________________
The young woman who disappeared is not a “girl” but a young woman because she’s 20. It’s has been months since the young woman has been seen which is why murder seems like the most probable answer for the continuing disappearence of her.
Posted by: LibertyForAll | January 21, 2010 9:35 PM | Report abuse
_______________
If this person is faking being handicapped in a wheel chair to lure women, then he could have been at the search without the wheelchair.
DAR – I’m beginning to think this could be a real possibility. It fits in with the Harrington comments and I do think Morgan would try to assist a handicapped individual.
cvillenative, et al -
I can tell you that rapidly taking down notes during an interview over the phone – which is likely how this reporter/editor got his info (as there has not been an additional presser held in the last few days) – and then filing an article sans a thorough copy edit (as tends to happen at student-run rags due to small, busy, relatively inexperienced staff), it *is* certainly possible that that a fact fell through the cracks or was noted erroneously.
I mean, hell – it hasn’t even been corrected online yet, hours after the mistake began circulating the Internet.
Regardless, what *is* certain is that the writer was *not* given information not yet privy to the public. (e.g., “We found the necklace — but don’t release that yet.”) Geller gets paid well to state only what has been approved for her to release – there is little room or tolerance for sloppiness/carelessness in what she does and whom she shares info with.
ohiomom – I think the newspaper lady’s 3:45 a.m. sighting on the lawn was disproved.
Judi – You may be getting two different witness accounts mixed up in noting that the Sheetz-station Orange resident said the MH lookalike appeared “beaten up.” Months ago, there was some sort of wacky-sounding Hampton Inn-Maryland(?) account that was posted on one of the MH sites (that I think PI-dude was all over) detailing a beaten woman in the lobby who looked scared (why this “witness” would post what she allegedly saw instead of alerting the front desk and calling police is beyond me); but! the Orange sighting (which reads much more reasonably) noted that the girl seen outside the station simply looked tired and worn out.
All: Wasn’t there an allegation of forcible rape reported in the Cville area in November? I remember reading it somewhere – or perhaps it was alluded to then followed-up in the Dean’s message… I don’t have time to properly search for it right now, but is this striking a bell with anyone? If the Harringtons believe their daughter may have been abducted/raped/murdered, could they be alluding to a similar crime in the same area – i.e., MH was taken and attacked in the vicinity of UVA campus, and then another woman was preyed upon near campus a month later. Of course, this would be contingent on such a report actually existing, and of that I am unsure.
Judi, I *think* Dr. h was referring to the report of a person/UVA student missing from UVA in November, which turned out to be an incorrect statement. The student was found and it was all a mistake — I *think*
This lady was in Portsmouth, which is about 2 hrs. East of C-vlle, toward Va. Bch –
Good afternoon everyone:
B – So sorry about the Jets. I was pulling for them. Carnival time is here in Louisiana and the Saints’ win last night put it into overdrive.
I’ve been thinking about Dr. Harrington not being able to confirm whether or not there was activity after she went missing on one or any of her cards. What if MH had a gas card. We think we know she asked her dad to pay for gas to go to the concert. What if she gave the credit card to the DD for gas, but they didn’t fill up before they got to the arena, but maybe on their way out of town, back to JMU. Surely, the DD and friends would have returned the card if this was the case, but I thought I would throw it out there. Another thought, I once used $50.00 and a gas credit card to get from Austin to New Orleans to attend Jazz Fest. I put all my gas, drinks and food on the gas card and had a wonderful Jazz Fest experience. Not smart, I know, but necessary at the time. What I’m getting at, is I had little to no cash, but was able to get by using the gas card. Could MH or someone have put a charge on a missing gas card? I’ve never had a cashier ask for ID to ring up anything on a gas card. Maybe it’s why we keep hearing references about dropping off at a gas station?
Fish – thanks for the birthday hint. That’s probably it.
I so hope Observer will continue to drop us a line or two at her earliest convenience.
I’m hoping Dr. & Mrs. Harrington will continue to expound on what happened in November.
J2K – any leads on who attorney is/what kind of lawyer JT has?
Keep up the good work folks!
My friend’s theory of this case notwithstanding, I think Morgan was running from someone toward the copeley road train bridge — I think someone was after that poor girl and she may have been trying to stop a car as opposed to HHg
The one girl’s whose name has been bounced around — I can’t remember it now — last name Volt ??? her statement that I read said she saw her At Alderman and Ivy — which Alderman turns into Copeley — it’s not on the bridge —
You know, at this point who the heck knows ?
I read somewhere and I don’t rmeber where — but the poster was saying that he had some experience w/ the video cameras and they don’t tape continuously — it’s like they take and then there’s an interval of a few seconds then the tape starts again — it’s probably digital — which this poster said it’s certainly possible someone could have been walking and just was in the sequence where the recording is stopped —
I’m also drawn back by my son’s insistence he saw “at least 30″ blonde girls in Pantera t-shirts —
we all want it to be Morgan — but look how many blondes were at the concert
what i don’t understand — when there are “robberies” in richmond — someone using an ATM card or credit card — they put the digital picture right on the news — even if the face is covered by a hat or something — and the news people say, even though the face is covered, look out for this body style —
big sigh — going back to work : )
Blink, is it possible that LE might have the image of someone using Morgan’s debit/credit card, but isn’t publically releasing it because they believe Morgan is alive, and doing so might alert the perp – possibly causing him to sever his connection to her (to avoid charges of anything other than using a stolen credit card)?
What are some the general reasons why LE would be hesitant to release this kind of info in a case like this? Also, do you think they have proof that her card was used at the Sheetz station/store in Orange, but, without surveilance footage, have no way of knowing who used it?
I doubt they have someone’s image using it. Imo, if they did, they would make that arrest and then question the subject as if he had no idea who she was. That said, I would be willing to bet cash the attempted or use was in Charlottesville.
B
can someone clarify?
is it a sheetz or 7-ll in orange?
if a sheetz, then what are the cross streets?
downtown orange, va is right down the road from Montpelier, home of James Madison. someone would have to know this area pretty well. i was lost most of the time. GPS said jig when i should of jagged!
Yes. About the possibility at finding Morgan in the Portsmouth area. As the guy that posted that on facebook, is obviously some Roanoke cop… regarding the groups he belongs to on facebook… like
Roanoke FireEMS Department, •Virginia State Police •The Roanoke Cop
LAW ENFORCEMENT MEMORIAL PAGE, American Soldiers. Although he listed him self as Roanoke civic center parking attendant… Besides, is there some kind of special TV station, destined only for the LE?
G’day zarpisimo -
I think you may have me mixed up with another poster in regard to JT’s legal counsel; I have no cheese on his shelf, so I have not looked into who is representing him in whatever his current non-MH-related legal troubles may be.
skyler – (my sister in writing!)
I was just about to get back to a pressing assignment that this site keeps pulling me away from when I saw your last post – to which I am compelled to offer my two cents (or two cheese nibbles, as is often the case here).
You said: “I think Morgan was running from someone toward the copeley road train bridge — I think someone was after that poor girl and she may have been trying to stop a car as opposed to HHg…”
I cannot imagine a scenario wherein a tall, terrified young woman with long, bright-blonde hair (read: noticable even in the dark) runs onto and along a bustling thoroughfare in the middle of town/campus in an attempt to get away from a would-be attacker… and no one notices. LE has her walking along that bridge with her thumb out based on the accounts of various independent, believed witnesses; not one of them (apparently) noted she appeared in distress or that she may have been being pursued. She was alone, walking, and appeared to be attempting to catch a ride, which we can only assume LE was told based on what they have released to the public info-wise.
Imo, it would be hard to mistake someone’s attempt to flag down a car for immediate help/safety from encroaching danger with a person trekking down the sidewalk with her thumb out.
Just sayin’.
And about the credit/debit card. I doubt if there were two cards. IMO, it was debit card only, fount at the place the purse was found on the morning after the concert. The BG dropped them there after getting Mogran because she had told him she was at the concert the other night and her car was still awaiting her at the parking lot. Because all the early reports were saying, as well as the friends – the car was found at the parking lot on the other day, and not been driven home by friends alone.
I really believe Morgan is still alive, and will come home soon. Depressed and stressed, but alive and possessing the enormous power of recover of her youth and the love of her family and friends.
If you google “Maggie Voth” , she’s the one that said she “saw” Morgan HH on the bridge.
Would a student journalist intentionally print a misquote to get LE to talk? I mean no disrespect to the student who reported on this or to any professional in this field, but it did cross my mind. Look at how much information that one misquote gleaned.
I’ve gone back to the beginning and I’m trying to make a media timeline. During the first press conference, there is mention of a store (convenience). If they know that her debit card/check card was used, they also know what time, where and for how much. To use it as a debit card someone would have to know the PIN. If they used it as a credit card and it’s under a certain amount ($25 in CA) a signature is not required. (not helpful) Over a certain amount, they could look at signatures. In addition, I wonder if LE has given any thought to how this card was used in relation to how Morgan typically used her card. (If I looked at my transactions, the majority would reflect use w/ a PIN. I’m lazy and I usually have my hands full, so I can’t be bothered signing screens and slips of paper…that’s just me) It’s kind of a long shot to draw anything conclusive from, but it may help determine if it was used by her or someone else.
On Oct. 22nd, the case became a “criminal investigation” w/out evidence that a crime had been committed. “Police investigators are treating the disappearance of Harrington as a missing person case within the parameters of a criminal investigation. However, Lt. Rader made it clear that there has been no reliable information that criminal misconduct has occurred.” What happened to make it so? Credit/debit card activity. The Sheetz sighting?
I can’t sit and think about how the lost/stolen/recovered purse fits in here, so forgive me if I’m missing something glaringly obvious. She may have had her debit card in the pocket of her skirt (if there were pockets) vs. in her wallet in her purse. This is something I would do. I have a backpack purse and it’s annoying to continually flip it around to the front to get stuff in and out of it. So I guess it could be feasible that she had a card on her even though her purse turned up near where she was last seen. Or the card might just be stolen and was used by someone who helped themselves to it. (seriously, stupid IMO, though)
I am so thrilled to read Gil’s angry (somewhat) blog post! I have been hoping against hope that these parents would get mad.
“I am concerned about the complacency in Charlottesville. I am feeling a tendency to downplay Morgan’s abduction, to protect the idyllic reputation of the city. I bought into that idyllic image until my daughter was stolen there. I understand the reluctance to be associated with this crime. I myself would prefer not to be known as the Mom of a missing girl. Charlottesville would prefer not to be recognized as the location of abduction. But there is no going back. These roles have been thrust upon us. I don’t think it is correct to downplay Morgan’s abduction to the community. To explain that this abduction occurred because Morgan made herself vulnerable – so not to worry – Vulnerable to what? To the PREDATOR who was there on October 17, 2009 and was still there in November. A bad event happened in Charlottesville – be known as the place where this act was NOT tolerated, not dismissed, be relentless, be clever, be resourceful, and find Morgan. Protect people rather than reputations, they are infinitely more precious.”
http://findmorgan.com/category/family-blog
It sure does seem that Gil has a suspect in mind. If I were in their shoes, I would be naming names.
from previous thread:
Bob-dog>>sky: Thanks for including me in your list of moms, but I should probably clarify that all my kids have four legs — which is not to say I don’t sing “twinkle twinkle little star” to them at bedtime. *wink*
Oh, and sky, if your kid decides to visit the Star City, I (and probably others on this board) could be a contact person in case he gets lost (is that hereditary?) or needs something.
Sky>>bob-dog: Unfortunately, it is a hereditary genetic defect — he’s worse than me! Having four-leggers qualifies you definitely for “Mr. Mom” status –
_____________________________
Actually, let’s make that Ms. Mom. The only mister in my household is Howie, the big yellow dog!
First, Blink, way to go on the “white sunglasses” comment on Casey —
Secondly — ah, man ! I FINALLY got The Gift of Fear in the mail today so I could read about cat food cans clanking down the stairs –
Opened the package and it was: protecting the Gift —
they sent the wrong dang book !!
The past couple of days have been eventful. Dr. Harrington stated the criminal was there in Charlottesville on Oct. 17 and returned in November. Mrs. Harrington’s blog said the perp never left Charlottesville. Then you have Ms. Geller speaking indirectly of a gas station. In addition we were thrown a bone regarding credit/ debit card usage. The answer given indicates there has been usage, however, not confirmed.
Thinking on The Harrington’s words I can feel they are on this horrible never ending roller coaster ride. My belief they struggle with drawing a conclusion. Having both good days and bad days. Gil’s blog details the pain within the journey. The thought their daughter is dead is terrifying. To go on without knowing one would think it to be impossible. To have hope and faith the family can carry out the very basic deeds for the day.
Regarding Dr. Harrington’s post on Blink alerting citizens there is cause for concern in Charlottesville an abductor was present there in October then again in November. Earlier this month he stated the BB players have always been a concern to him. In the beginning LE believed whoever abducted her/ offered her a ride immediately departed Charlottesville with Morgan in-tow. Dr. Harrington could be referencing the abductor leaving with Morgan then returning the day of the search. More recently he has also stated he believes the person responsible participated in the search. . Or the possibility remains the two could be one in the same which leads to certain BB player being on leave Oct- Nov. There are numerous ways to relate the words to different events in November.
.
Until recently LE, The Harrington’s, and Morgan’s friends have remained mum concerning events the evening Morgan was abducted. Blink awhile back I recall you saying the relationship between the family and LE was close to crumbling. I definitely sense this is happening. As more questions are getting answers. Then Gil’s blog says all.
Gil’s latest blog I feel the anger. The anger to those wanting to ignore reality and place blame on Morgan for someone abducting her. inpaticular. also went on to say “Charlottesville would prefer not to be recognized as the location of abduction. But there is no going back. These roles have been thrust upon us. I don’t think it is correct to downplay Morgan’s abduction to the community. To explain that this abduction occurred because Morgan made herself vulnerable – so not to worry – Vulnerable to what? To the PREDATOR who was there on October 17, 2009 and was still there in November. A bad event happened in Charlottesville – be known as the place where this act was NOT tolerated, not dismissed, be relentless, be clever, be resourceful, and find Morgan. Protect people rather than reputations, they are infinitely more precious.”
The statement by Mrs, Harrington of downplaying Morgan’s abduction to the community to retain an idyllic image. Could this be more of UVA’s image? UVA is a large part of Charlottesville. Or the simple fact she was taken from Charlottesville abductor unknown. Resulting in a bad image for the city?
Then the thoughts appear in my head if the abductor were related to LE. The LEO’s image.
The reputation being protected until recently was Morgan’s. (the silence) Now there seems to be a different take. Desperation. As any loving parent would feel.
Judi-
Regarding the other kidnapping/ robbery and Morgan’s disappearance. There are definitely similarities within the two cases. Always a possibility. Without more evidence it is hard to link together. IMO
Wheelchair guy is of interest. He asked to use the other girls phone. If he did the same with Morgan he could get the battery. If he assaulted an already impaired girl. Well there you go.
J2K >>All: Wasn’t there an allegation of forcible rape reported in the Cville area in November?
Yes, I recall that, too — and — there was also a rape reported on 10-17-09 ! Same guy ?
Sorry, J2K, my question should have been directed to wpgmouse.
This was posted on Find Morgan by Dr. Harrington.
My heart goes out to them. Sending up continuous prayers.
Morgan’s Dad
Member Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 71
——————————————————————————–
3 months is a long time, believe me. However, I must keep in mind Jaycee Dugard and Elizabeth Smart. People do come home, ALIVE.
If I just wash my hands then I am saying he has won, that will not help morgan or others who will be harmed when he strikes the next time. Rarely is this type of crime a one time event. That is why I belive the Central Virginia area cannot be complacent. This was one of my statements to Senators Webb, Warner, Representatives Periello and Goodlatte when I met with them this week.
I’m not leaning towards ‘wheelchair guy’ too heavily, as he would have had to have been driving a car over the bridge, leaving Morgan unable to know that he was disabled.
Unless ,of course, he just happened to be lurking around on that night , (again) and happened upon Morgan on the bridge and she decided to let him give her a ride. Not likely but possible.
If he was traveling over the bridge in the wheelchair, well, I’m going to go out on a limb and say that someone would have seen something.
All right, my sistah, since it’s “you” that’s jus’ sayin’ I’ll listen —
J2k wrote in regard to my thinking Morgan was being chased: Imo, it would be hard to mistake someone’s attempt to flag down a car for immediate help/safety from encroaching danger with a person trekking down the sidewalk with her thumb out.
Just sayin’.<<<
But who are the witnesses — are they the BB players ? Anyone else other than the named Ms. Volt, who says she saw her HH’g at Alderman and Ivy ?
I’m not being — I’d say obstinant, but I don’t know how to spell obstinent ??–
so I’ll say difficult, but seriously, have any of those “reliable/credible” witnesses who saw her HH’g been identified ?
Morgan is certainly an enigma and what happened to her —
So, until we have information that states she was NOT HH’g in a casual manner, only because of you, I will suspend my belief that she was trying to get away from a BG !!
Cheezits, I wish there would be even a small break in this case !!