Morgan Harrington Murder: Dan and Gil Harrington Speak
Charlottesville, VA– One day following the discovery of their daughter Morgans’ remains on Anchorage Farm in Abermarle County, The Harrington’s held a press conference this afternoon in Charlottesville.
Earlier today the Medical Examiner’s Office positively identified the remains found as that of Morgan Dana Harrington. According to Dr. Harrington, the ME office has already alerted them that it will not release her body before approximately 5–6 days.
Dr. and Mrs. Harrington spoke adamantly about preserving their daughter’s accomplishments as a young woman, and finding the person who murdered her.
They went on to say they were confident that Morgan was killed very quickly after disappearing from the John Paul Jones Arena after 9:30PM October 17th.
Check back to blinkoncrime.com for updates to this developing story.
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The poor Harringtons. My heart aches for them.
I do agree she was killed soon after she was picked up by whomever.
I will paraphrase what I find to be the most telling comments made by the Harringtons in terms of clues to Morgan’s killer.
Dan: “…This is the last place Morgan was seen before someone took her and murdered her”, referring to the Copely Road bridge and why the press conference was held there.
I don’t think the theories of Morgan wandering from a house or barn party and expiring in a field are to be considered any more.
“We will not stop until that person is brought to justice”…Dan. They believe one person is responsible.
Gil: “For the first time in 101 days, I am not thinking, ‘What is he doing to her?’ She did not live through that concert. She was not alive long enduring unspeakable things. That girl even had some lovely bones. ”
Dan: “The area where Morgan was found was not a random place someone came upon accidentally. It was known. It was a local person.”
Gil: “It’s more subtle, but in addition to cautioin, you need to change the social framework that views women as prey. …I don’t know how it’s going to be changed. I’m going to try and ponder it.”
Dan: “Do we advocate and honor Morgan to support campus safety? … We often have 10 young women here running by themselves” (the Copely Road bridge). “Not just here but as a national campaign.”
Gil: “We’re still waiting on an exact cause of death”.
Dan said they hadn’t heard the press conference given by the State Police yesterday, Jan. 26. It sometimes seems to me that the State Police communicate less with the Harringtons than I would expect, given comments that have been made by Dan and Gil and the State Police in varioius interviews. I hope that the State Police arrest a perpetrator soon. The more evidence that emerges, the more it seems like we are dealing with an intellegent killer who is capable of some seroius premeditation, or at least skillful cover-up. I am less and less seeing the killer as a “one-time” killer in a jealous or angry fit of rage over some kind of perceived rejection, and more seeing someone capable of horrible crimes to humanity and the cool-headedness to carry them out undetected and then to cover them up.
What a sad day when finding your daughter long dead in a field is a far better outcome than you were imagining. Such amazing composure and articulate responses as this time. Although Alex does seem understandably overcome.
My heart goes out to the Harrington family. What an inspiration they are. God bless them.
Thanks again Blink for caring so much for the victims and allowing us to be a part. Your dedication to being a voice for them is an inspiration to us all. The true spirit of caring is so obvious in the hours upon hours that you spend working these cases. Hugs to you.
I think the killer is someone slightly older than Morgan (about 30) who may have attended college but never settled into a career. This person is familiar with the land where he dumped Morgan’s body, probably from childhood or adolescent experiences. Perhaps he has a relative who lives or once lived in the area. He is probably a known sex offender. The cops should be able to solve this one.
The grace, strength and dignity of Gil and Dan Harrington continues to utterly amaze me. Even in the most unspeakably horrific circumstances, they always manage to find the words that strike a chord.
I’m not religious, but when I watch them speak to us at a time when they probably want to retreat from the cruel society that houses the killer who ripped their hearts out, the words of Kurt Vonnegut come to mind, in the way he describes the saints he met through his life that made it worthwhile:
“… And by ‘saints,’ I mean ‘people who behave decently in a strikingly indecent society.’”
Hi, Blink. Longtime lurker here, first post. I’ve been following this case from the beginning. Morgan reminds me so much of myself and my own friends when I was her age, and this really hits close to home. I am truly devastated by this whole thing, even though I never knew Morgan or anyone close to her.
In reading over the posts in the previous thread, though, something has occurred to me. I was wondering why in the world this BG would take Morgan, march her to this place, and kill her so quickly–Gil thinks before the concert was over. It seems so random and confusing! But then a possible scenario entered my mind that made sense.
Say this was, in fact, an ex-boyfriend who was bad news, someone Morgan broke up with but who was still infatuated with her (as has been previously speculated) and knew she was going to this concert, so he had it all planned out. IF this was a premeditated act, suppose he lured Morgan out of the concert (either directly or indirectly), knowing she would be stuck outside, and then miraculously was nearby! He could offer Morgan a ride, and she would have been grateful. Then after he got her into his car, bam! He snapped into action.
Suppose he took her to this farm not because there was a party there that night–what if there had been a party there weeks or months ago, a party they attended together? What if the place where she was found had some significance to them? Maybe months ago, they were at a party there together at that farm, and they sneaked away to this field or the edge of the woods to be together. Maybe this is where they shared their first kiss, or some other intimate moment? Perhaps he marched her to THIS PARTICULAR SPOT to kill her for a reason. As in, this is where it all began, so this is where it would all end. Does that make sense? And then he left her there like trash, claiming final control over a woman he was otherwise unable to control.
This just seems like such a strange place for Morgan to be found for it to be random, and if an obsessed ex is possibly to blame, a scenario like this might make sense.
I could be waaaaaaay off base here, and I have absolutely NOTHING to back up this line of thinking other than piecing together theories I’ve previously read on this site in a slightly different way. Am I even close to anything you’ve been thinking, Blink?
And BTW, thank you for offering such a first-class site where those of us who have genuine concern for crime victims can come to find reliable information and intelligent speculation. I appreciate it more than you know!
Welcome Karma.
Hate to do this to you, but your hitting close to my first and original profile I posted on this case. It is on here in one of her threads somewhere.
B
As you all look at the maps/topos, I want to point out that there’s ongoing construction for Blandemar Farm. I just checked the MLS listings and one is currently under construction. Not sure if any of these new-construction properties directly abutt the Anchorage Farm property, but I believe the landscape and trails behind the farm are ever changing due to it.
Rest in peace Morgan, although I didn’t know you, your beautiful spirit radiated in your pictures and in the words of those who loved you.
Blink…you o.k.? my prayers are with you and your journey.
I am grinding it out with the rest of the team as we continue our efforts to find answers for Morgan and her family.
Today we started all over, with the peace that she is not laying out there. It is a heavy load off and recharges our batteries.
Thank you for asking.
B
david r – I agree…someone very sick and familiar to C’ville and looking at the concert as an opportunity…more and more I think Morgan’s intentions were to go with a friend but the perpetrator somehow intervened…I hope they have evidence to SOLVE THIS….for Morgan, the Harringtons and all others who could be his prey – please God help find this killer.
I’m wondering if Morgan had a pre-arranged meeting with someone to pick her up on that bridge. I wonder if she met the BG on the bridge at his request, to pick her up away from the parking lot where a witness may see his car. I wonder if BG had planned for a while (6 months?) what would happen next. Mrs. Harrington’s comment about her not being alive before the concert ended makes me believe this even more. Also, this could be mistaken for HH, as others have mentioned here, she could have been kidding around with this person with her thumb out. I’ve done that plenty of times joking around. My gut is saying prearranged and premeditated.
RIP Morgan.
Sorry, in my comment 11-
Prearranged meeting with Morgan, but had premeditated her demise for months.
What struck me the most when watching the Harrington’s, aside from their amazing strength, grace and ability to reach out to others during such a tragic time — is when Dr. Harrington shows his concern for young women out running alone. He warns them not to go out alone, and states that they had told Morgan not to be alone also.
This tears me up, because, they didn’t think that Morgan WAS alone. They thought she was with her friends.
My only question in terms of a prearranged meeting is why? Most people use an event as cover and arrange to meet a boyfriend/girlfriend on the sly because of restrictions at home. Morgan had no such restrictions — she was free to see, date, sleep with whomever she wished without the interference of her parents. Sure, they were close, but she didn’t live at home. She didn’t need to arrange some illicit rendezvous — she had the freedom to party or whatever at home.
I think drugs/drinking were involved, for whatever reason she found herself out of the arena, and someone who has been thinking about doing something like this for a while saw her and took advantage of her being alone. Sorry to say, but drunk or on drugs and alone made her an easy target.
It’s not her fault that this happened, but as women we know evil exists in the world and we must take steps to protect ourselves. We must.
I am positive Morgan knew she was born to incredible parents and family. How that must have blessed her through the years. I am sure she was proud to have her family and remains proud even now.
wonder if the pals are throwing a few back tonight.
This could still be a case of a drug overdose and the person with Morgan was also impaired and did not want to take her to the hospital so just took her to the field and left her. It almost certainly has to be someone very familiar with that wealthy area if not living there themselves.
Gil and Dan Harrington are a class act. Their equally palpable courage and sorrow leave me without words but full of emotion. God bless them and may they know peace.
Blink- while I am praying for the Harrington’s I am adding a prayer for team Blink. I know you feel the pain of the Harrington’s and will turn that pain into energy used toward helping this case.
There are a lot of broken hearts today- even though we knew the chances of a happy outcome were slim we all held on to hope.
I will never know why there are people among us who feel they have the right to take what we treasure the most. I ache from head to toe knowing that violence isn’t prejudice- it can come at any of us at any time and change our lives as we know them. I look at the Harrington’s and know I never want to feel what they are feeling now-and realize I am not guaranteed I will never be in their position.
The Harrington’s strength, love for one another, and elegant graciousness, lend a tone of peace and tranquility that reaches above and beyond the horror that has been thrust upon them. What wonderful parents they are. Dan’s concern over the female joggers running alone is amazing. In their time of such great loss, their concern for the safety of others still reigns. May God bless them with His peace.
when gil spoke of morgan’s lovely bones my heart just broke more than it already has and i couldn’t hold back the tears. i believe morgan and her beautiful spirit will continue to lead authorities to the person who so heinously violated her.
If anyone is following the local news in Charlottesville on this case, so far the CBS station (newsplex.com) is doing more in-depth coverage on the case than NBC 29 (nbc29.com). As much as I love Henry Graff at NBC, Liz Palka has more in-depth analysis today.
I am still so saddened watching the Harrington family interview, taped today on the Copeley Road bridge. I just can’t imagine what it’s like to lie down and try to sleep each night with the pain of having their daughter / sister abducted, and now known to be, murdered. I’ve experienced many painful losses in life but none to violence, and it hurts just to see such nice people endure this.
My prayers and thoughts are with the Harrington family. Truly amazing people in this time of grief. Thank you Blink and team for all you do.
Gilbert made a very empowering and thought provoking statement that impacted me head on. She stated that the social framework needs to change regarding women being seen as ‘prey’. Spoken like a real truth seeker. Take that a few levels up and you realize no one should EVER be a victim of any kind of violence. Where do we begin? A predator is a predator is a predator. An abuser is an abuser until the cycle is broken. It’s not just their responsibility. It’s our responsibility as a community to protect and observe, making it next to impossible for offenders to strike out. Easier said than done, I realize that. We need to talk to our children. We need to be involved in every aspect of their lives. We need to take accountability when they stray and reflect on how we can change too. We NEED to put aside our egos, our apprehensions and our fears of becoming trail blazers to become voices of reckoning. We need to step up to the challenge and fight for the right to be safe. This world is falling apart at the seams. If we sit back and agree but do nothing, can you imagine the kind of world our children and grandchildren will face.
I’m afraid I can’t even stomach the thought.
~Peace~
Hello – First time posting…
My prayers go out to Morgan’s family…I also am amazed by the strength they possess even in the hardest time. They are remarkable people. I have always been, and continue to be bothered by her friends, as in my experience it is rare for us girls to go to the bathroom alone in a quiet restaurant, let alone a crowded concert. Their story regarding her saying she would “find a ride home” when her car was at the arena has always bothered me too, although I can’t imagine how they could be responsible considering where she was found.
Hopefully the finding of Morgan’s body will bring about a quick arrest and that we all will finally have the answers to be able to piece this all together.
My heart goes out to the Harringtons. I cannot imagine the pain and agony they’ve been through these past 3 months. I’ve been following Morgan’s disappearance since the beginning because it hit so close to home. I’m from Harrisonburg but was in Charlottesville on October 17th visiting my boyfriend. It pains me to know that we were coming back from a late dinner that night and like usual we were driving around the area because I love Charlottesville especially around UVA. It’s beautiful there and if for those who hasn’t gone then I highly suggest you visit. It’s lovely! Anyways, We usually go by JPJ and Copley bridge but decided not to that night because of the concert and we figured it would be congested. It pains me everyday that we didn’t drive by that way because then maybe I would have seen her and been able to help her if she was in trouble. Sadly, the “what ifs” doesn’t get any of us anywhere. This story has affected the communities of Charlottesville and Harrisonburg since both our large college towns. It has hit close to home for my friends and myself since we too are young college students who enjoy going out and having a good time. It’s amazing how much we’ve changed and how much more cautious we’ve all become especially when we go out. We all make sure we stick together and don’t let each other out of our sight!
There was something that stuck out to me in the video and it’s something that I’ve always questioned in my head. Dr. Harrington spoke of Morgan’s advocacy and work with the mental health community. I researched Dr. Harrington professional history and I’ve read that he has be involved in psychiatric medicine since his residency at UVA and throughout his career. I’ve always wondered if LE has questioned Dr. Harrington about any patients or patient family members that may have an agenda against Dr. Harrington and would try to seek revenge by going after him or his family. Now that I’ve learned that Morgan was also involved with mental health organizations. I cannot help but wonder if a patient such as someone diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder became obsessed with Morgan and may have been secretly stalking her just waiting for the perfect opportunity such as the night of the concert. I know it’s far fetched but it’s always something that’s been in the back of my mind. I hope that LE looked into this. I didn’t mean to make this so long! Blink your site is amazing and it’s the one I always go to first when I searched for information about Morgan. All of you are amazing after all the hard work everyone has put in but it’s not over! We will fine this sorry excuse of a human being that did this to Morgan!
Boyfriend? Morgan had a boyfriend? Why not a girlfriend?
I had multiple girlfriends at her age. My parents did not know
them. Why because nothing was serious. Morgan’s so called friends should have some clue who she was dating? Her father seems to clear her friends, with his statements. My opinion they hold the key to solving this tragic mystery.
A traveling serial Killer who works farms is my second theory. Rest in peace sweet angel.
What great analysis & reporting you’ve done here Blink.
To Dan & Gil Harrington; I am so very sorry for the tragic loss of your daughter. Please know I have been and will continue to pray for your entire family. The pain you feel, the sadness, the rage and outrage, is shared by all who learned of Morgan’s disappearance and murder.
May God give you the strength you need to endure the horrendous, senseless loss of your daughter. May you find peace and solace from the outpouring of sympathy and prayers.
TY Fair Witness
B
May God rest her soul and may her family have peace in knowing that she is with the Lord.
May her killer know fear and self-loathing and spend all his days and nights in his own prison till justice finally finds his sorry ass.
Justice for Morgan!
Just thinking about her lying there. Had this been premeditated wouldnt the person had a plot ready or something to cover her body?
I believe she was in the treeline originally, and animal activity moved her to the field, imo.
B
Oh My Goodness Karma and Blink. Could the SO who is Morgan’s age be the guy. It would all fit. His first offense was in 06, didn’t she change her high school for her senior year. Which would make something bad happening in end of 06 or 07. They are the same age. Then the way Karma laid it all out. OMG. I feel light headed. That poor thing and her poor parents.
I have been totally amazed at the level of intelligence on this site. One minute a topic is thoroughly dissected and in the “blink” of an eye, the next train of thought is expertly handled. Each poster has contributed enormously to the effort to bring Morgan home and you should all feel some level of comfort in knowing that. Even those who have followed along without posting, your presence is felt. Matching the intelligence is the level of pure love that has been poured out here. I am so glad I found my way to this site.
My own theory has always started with the arena parking lots. I seriously questioned the basketball players because of the timeline and the fact they were the last to speak with Morgan. I felt that the accidental OD/panic scenario could have been plausible in their case also. To echo another poster, Skyler I think, if Observer says they ain’t involved then so be it. That being said, they most certainly have given LE some very important information that we can now ponder on.
My belief is that whatever happened to Morgan started going wrong at 9:20 p.m. in the RV lot. A witness had previously seen Morgan walking toward the RV lot with 4 white guys, then saw them a few minutes later gathered around a vehicle in the RV lot. That witness placed her last sighting at approximately 9:15 p.m. She was interviewed by police at least 5 times according to The Hook. So that witness and the basketball players have certainly given a thorough description of that group of guys and the vehicle they were gathered around. I feel almost certain that one of those guys is the perp, and the other three are aware of his odd behavior since Morgan’s disappearance, if they’re not involved also. I don’t know who the witnesses are that saw Morgan hitchhiking or whether the dogs actually traced her scent to the bridge but in my gut I believe Morgan left the area from the RV lot.
I feel it is very possible her purse could have fallen from the top of the car as it pulled out of the lot as others have surmised. If so, I would be almost willing to bet that they found the battery with her remains. I don’t think the perp realized her purse was on top of the car either. His main focus was to get her in his car. Perhaps Morgan and this guy drove to the 7-11 and that’s when she realized she wasn’t wearing the backpack bag anymore. Maybe she was on videotape at the counter attempting to buy something when she realized her purse was not with her and that’s what Dan was thinking about when he “couldn’t answer” the question about the card. What kind of vehicle was she in at that point and who was the driver? Does the BG have heavily tattooed forearms as some rumors have it?
Why were these guys walking away from the arena at the same exact time as Morgan? Were they the reason Morgan found herself outside the arena? Dressed all in black according to early reports, had they passed themselves off as “with the band?” Were they the “corroborating witnesses” who said they saw her hitchhiking, possibly called into LE separately? Is Maggie Voth a friend of theirs? Was one of them the RSO?
At some point Morgan and the BG were alone…
Some have said the body was possibly buried, only surfacing after the recent heavy rains. To me that means this was not a nice guy who panicked and I don’t think there’s doubt in anyone’s mind that it was someone very familiar with the land around Anchorage Farm.
There’ll be an arrest very soon IMO.
mjh>>Dr. Harrington shows his concern for young women out running alone. He warns them not to go out alone, and states that they had told Morgan not to be alone also.
This tears me up, because, they didn’t think that Morgan WAS alone. They thought she was with her friends.<<<
my exact same thought — he bought four tickets — she was going w/ “friends” — to his knowledge, she was not driving her car — she was riding w/ the friends — remembering that Morgan was 20, he did everything he could to protect her yet give her wings …
I had yet another long talk w/ my child today — I told him he didn’t have to barricade himself in the safety of his room, but be wise — be aware — don’t let friends drink too much — someone is using drugs, the best thing you can do to help them is tell a parent, and never ever leave your wing man !
carson, i was there yesterday. But SURELY that area would have been searched long ago, then, right? SURELY. SURELY. Thus my cheese is swiss today–holes.
the more i hear today, the more angry i get. unless morgan REALLY told her friends she was using the bathroom, or there is some other super explainable explanation, i am outraged at her “friends”.
i am 24, and have been going to concerts for years, and in my eyes, there is absolutely NO excuse for leaving a friend outside, on a cold, rainy night, when one of her favorite bands is playing inside. the acceptable thing to do would be to leave to be with her, or to try your damndest to get her back in and then leave with her if all else fails.
one of the only logical explanations for this, is if morgan explained that someone they ALL knew and trusted was coming to pick her up. and if that’s what happened, where is he? they know who he is. they know where he lives. if she told them she was going to HH, WHAT were they thinking when hanging up that phone?
the idea of this happening to morgan eats me up inside. and a previous poster is right, gil and dan thought she was with friends, and not alone. why was she alone?
it still seems to me like these friends are a parent’s worst
nightmare. at least, they would’ve been my parent’s. most definately.
gil is beyond correct. we do need to change society’s view of women, but this case has haunted me from the very beginning because of it’s strange start. how did morgan end up outside? what was really said on that phone call? did morgan completely lie to her friends, and is that why they seemingly can’t help?
every day i hope to visit BOC and see a guy in handcuffs for this, but if it comes down to that phone call and why morgan was outside, and these girls lied, i’d love to see them just as much as any man, paying the price for being lousy friends with horrible excuses. letting a girlfriend wander off outside, possibly hitchhike, or “find a ride”, is ridiculous.
morgan, please tell us the true story.
Apologies for the long post. Thought I’d combine thoughts/info.
New from Roanoke Times:
Radford police investigate alleged rape
Radford police are asking for help in identifying the suspect in an alleged rape that occurred Tuesday afternoon.
The suspect is described as a white male wearing a red shirt, blue jeans, a black jacket and a ski mask, according to a news release from city spokeswoman Becky Hawke. The suspect was reportedly armed with a pocketknife at the time of the assault, the release said.
Police think the suspect entered an apartment in the 500 block of Clement Street, near the Radford University campus, and allegedly raped the victim after she returned home about 4 p.m., the release said.
No other information was available.
Anyone with information should call police at 731-3624.
http://www.roanoke.com/news/nrv/wb/234464
The article doesn’t indicate that the woman was a RU student, but pointing out how close the apartment is to campus may provide the answer.
__________________________
Someone upthread asked about M. Howell. I can’t think of who that is. Anyone?
__________________________
Another weird coincidence(?): I think it was Suz who discussed farm practices and mentioned taking calves to the auction house. There is a double-wide trailer directly across the street from Charlottesville’s livestock auction house that serves as a halfway house for RSOs. No kidding.
Months ago while I was looking into area RSOs, one who lives there sent my hinky meter into the red zone. I thought that some of his info regarding home and work address was questionable, so I asked about this guy on the VSP tipline. I heard from an officer who works sex crimes the next day; a week later I got a call from hinky’s PO. I was impressed with their professionalism, prompt response, info provided, etc. The PO talked to him about my questions before he called me to assure me that it was all on the up and up. Hope he was right.
________________________
Finally, I’m surprised that no one commented on my previous post quoting Chelsea Helm about “the friends.” So … indulge me please, blink … while I throw it out again.
From today’s Roanoke Times:
“Harrington’s Northside High School friends — scattered at universities from Newport News to Harrisonburg to Blacksburg — drove to Roanoke when they learned her body may have been found.
“‘Some of us are taking it a lot harder than others,’ said Chelsea Helm, a Virginia Tech student. ‘We just all want to be together right now.’”
bob-dog
Today, word is not enough to encompass such grief.
The Lord is now Morgan’s Shepard…….He will now forever watch over her and keep her. The light will now shine on her forever. Her time here was brief, but was meaningful. Gone yes, but never forgotten. Morgan, the little one once lost, now found….lost no more. Her family has shown the ought most respect class and bravery. My family and I are so so sorry for your loss. Bless you all you are in our prayers……
Its not right it’s just not right. I tired of all of this crap. Women in general should not be afraid to walk the streets for god sakes. Look at that women that was just raped in Ohio by the 15 yr old. IN BROAD DAYLIGHT…not one passerby stopped to help her……its time we…parents…take back our kids rights to be kids……its time to tell our lawyers and judges NO MORE!
Just thinking about her lying there. Had this been premeditated wouldnt the person had a plot ready or something to cover her body?
I believe she was in the treeline originally, and animal activity moved her to the field, imo.
There were reports of her being near a cemetary? Do you have any knowledge of this?
I’m not new to this site but I usually just read the newest and move on. Morgan’s situation has haunted me and when visiting my family in North Carolina for the holidays…I read some of Mrs. Harrington’s blog to my folks and we prayed together that this family would find their daughter…and peace.
I hear today that they found both but it’s heartbreaking and we all wanted a different ending.
This will date me but in the late 70′s I wanted to spend my first big girl paycheck on concert tickets to see “Tower of Power” in Southern California. I bought 2 tickets, one for me and one for my bestie at the time. It wiped out my whole paycheck and then some…I owed my sister to cover the balance. We were so excited to go, we talked about it for weeks. But when we got there, I only had my ticket. We looked everywhere and couldn’t find the other. But I never even thought to leave Debbie outside those concert doors–ever.
Instead we gave my ticket to someone in the parking lot and decided with the little spit of money my friend had to eat two huge bowls of “Macho Nachos” from a local fast food place and split a coke. My family still thinks that I saw “Tower of Power” in concert.
All this to say…maybe all the youngsters need to be reminded that you never leave a friend out in the cold…ever!
My heartfelt condolences to the Harrington Family and thank you Blink for all that you do.
I rarely post but read all the time and feel really close to Blink and all the other wonderful posters here. I was sick to hear yesterday that Morgan was really gone but glad that her parents finally know. I cried while watching their words today. When I awoke this morning my first thought was of Morgan and her poor mother. When something bad happens and you first wake up in the morning you think it may be a bad dream then the reality of the situation hits you all over again and it hurt my heart thinking of Mrs Harrington that way and of course Mr. Harrington and Alex. Thanks to everyone for being here for each other and so many thanks to Blink for all your hard work and giving us a wonderful safe place to talk.
bob-dog, I think by “M. Howell” they meant EH, the 20-year-old RSO. M is his middle name I think, or an aka. A little ambiguous with the commas on the RSO website.
Dear God, May Morgan Harrington rest in peace and God rest her soul.
I only know that Morgan and her story has touched and troubled me deeply, and I have called the tip line twice with my tiny tip. I, am with her parents, with relief that there is closure, and that Morgan can be given a proper burial, and the authorities have great leads to go on now, and the focus can go to finding Morgan’s killer. I feel very confident that the VA State Police, and Forensics can use what little they have, and run with it, and that justice will be done.
Dear Dr. Harrington and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your strength and graciousness amaze me. On what must be the hardest of days, you show compassion and concern for all children, and all women. I think it is a wonderful idea for you to work on a campus safety issue in the coming months and years. My deepest condolences.
Dear Alex,
I am so sorry your little sister was taken from you. Please take care of yourself. Morgan would want you to carry on. God Bless both you and your parents in this time of great sadness.
Another lurker/first time poster. Hi all. Retired LE here. All just IMO. The location of the body will prove this killer’s undoing. He never thought it would ever be found and he HAS ACCESS to it. The owner said the property was not accessible. He’s wrong. It was accessible to the killer. He knows this place and took her there on purpose. That limits the suspect pool from anyone to a small handful of people IMO.
re: Post #5 by davidr_ ITA. Extremely good. Personally, I would lower the age just a little further to include mid to late 20′s (someone who could have been scoping out the concert for someone just like Morgan) possibly living with their family somewhere in that subdivision, grew up on one of the neighboring farms or also worked in the area (or a relative or friend of such.) But definitely older than she is.
I would not be surprised if the killer placed her where he could go back to the site and make sure she had not been discovered. Definitely a sex offender.
Re: Post #8 acho_ Been studying the maps and IMO the maps are the key to this. Perhaps the killer has an ATV or another type of vehicle that LOCALS use on their farms or on a construction site that made Morgan’s transport easier. A barbed wire fence can be cut with the proper tools. There is also a nursery on Rte 29 bordering the property.
Whoever did this is probably very scared and paranoid right now. Morgan’s body was not supposed to be discovered. He knows the location of Morgan’s body will eventually lead the police to his front door. Police should look hard at anyone who has suddenly left the area, sex offenders in the area and people on all of the surrounding properties. Unfortunately the family and friends of the farmer should be closely investigated as well as the hunters that were on this property.
IMO they will find someone much like davidr described and will find Morgans killer very quickly. The killer has pointed them in the right direction. All JIMO.
Carson, your observation is an interesting one. Is the timing right?
Sorry for my geographical ignorance, but is Charlottesville in Albamarle county?
Re: Cooper
Thank you for sharing your thoughts based on your experience in LE.
Oops, and Lizzy: Thanks for the info.
FYI: #40: cemetary is five hundred feet south of the south house on Anchorage Farm. You will see it on Google earth if you care. Looks like an old family plot, not in any vicinity of the body, nor would I expect is it related in any way. While you are zooming in looking for it you will also see many of the bass cattle – you will see their shadows first. Looks like a beautiful farm aside from this sad chapter in its history. Look around the neighborhood though and this burg has gotten a lot pricier than any cowherd and orchard gonna pay for.