Morgan Harrington Murder: Why Anchorage Farm?
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Charlottesville, VA– Morgan Harrington, 20 year old Virginia Tech Student found murdered on Anchorage Farm January 26 2010, was put there for a reason.
Image of Original Work By Nancy Bass
It was clear from Lt. Joe Rader’s press conference on February 4 that the location of Morgan’s remains is critical to the investigation, and to the identity of the individuals responsible.
Why Anchorage Farm?
David and Nancy Bass, owners of Anchorage Farm and the residential dwellings therein, own a boatload of land.
B O A T L O A D.
Mr. Bass, is also a longstanding member of the Albemarle County Zoning Appeals Board. In fact, he is the Chairman of the ACZAB since 2007, where he preceded this position at the Vice Chair since 2000.
Between 2005 and 2008, let’s agree there is a “run” on raw land in Albemarle County VA, in particular.
Like many families owning large tracts of land, there is always the dilemma of staying ahead of the zoning curve or preserving their land while paying taxes only on the residence.
Anchorage Farm, like almost 90% of surrounding vacant land, was registered in the Agricultural and Forrestal preservation program.
Location, Location, Location
The forced sale of Biscuit Run due to David Breeden’s original will was a disaster to its purchasers including Hometown crooner Dave Matthews.
A $46 Million dollar purchase from the Breeden family was recently bailed out by VDOT for under $10 Million.
There are lukewarm results to Blandemar Farms in its infancy.
The fresh sale of the first-of-its-kind development marrying land preservation and *ethereal* elite* estates* known as Bundoran Farms, Bass withdraws his 654 acre contribution to the Hardware District renewal.
Mr. and Mrs. Bass re-parceled and re-deeded their land in 2007. I have studied this tract closely; there is no doubt in my mind this land was being prepped for development with exactly the right easements for “right of way” purposes in place.
Nearly every other landowner was now in the 10 year plan with the possibility of not just one, but two significant luxury development projects on the horizon while their land is restricted from development of a “more intense use.”
Translation:
Holy Sh*t, my land could be “not subject to further subdivision” and worth half of what it is now in 10 years. Gulp.
Morgan’s remains were found in parcel 41a.
Which would coincide with the 4 and 1 parts of her families creed o; I choose to take comfort in that.
Keeping up with the Jonesbrights
As an example, let’s use the adjacent property tracts across Red Hill.
The Howell, Waybright, Napier and Hager Families own the largest preserved adjacent trac on Monacan, which from a plot perspective, you might argue is land-locked due to Mr. Bass ‘s re-zoning.
Now, before I get 300 posts asking if I am suggesting Morgan Harrington was murdered out of revenge of a land dispute; of course not.
I am simply saying it is possible that part of the motive of the persons responsible for Morgan’s death to place her on exactly the parcel she was, may have been a combination of comfort AND perceived payback.
I have personally worked with developers on a similar project and I have seen a man have his land value cut in half by not completing the planning process prior to new zoning amendments AFTER granting easements through it. Utter Nightmare.
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1,195 Comments
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“Open your eyes,” says Cosmo. (gee, where have I heard that before?) I have to respectfully disagree with your thoughts that since there is “no video, no phone records, no hearsay, no gossip, no suspects, etc. after 6 months” that it means the police are not doing a good job.
Give these guys (and gals) a break. We are not privy to the evidence that LE has collected, nor do I think we should be. The end goal is successful prosecution of the killer, not just the arrest of the killer.
You offer that “if i were going to dump a body, i would use misdirection, search RSOs on the net in my area, and drop the body close enough to make it look like an RSO did it.” But Cosmo, why then did the perp drop the body A L L the way back deep within the AF property? Have you seen how remote the recovery location is? Why not just drop the body somewhere along 29 just down the street from RSO’s home?
The location is critical. There is no doubt in my mind the perp is very familiar with that area.
This may be totally off base, but what is the story with Colby Eppard? Avid hunter, thief of ATVs, assualt and battery (IIRC), spectacular suicide by cop after stealing aunt’s truck and swapping for cop’s car in a high speed chase. Is there any reason why he would *NOT* be a suspect in this case? Keekee, anyone, I am not that good at research; how can we find his whereabouts Oct 17?
Blink I hope you feel better soon!
As sad as it is, I think I pretty much agree with you.
But, I’ve missed the story of LE blowing away another member of LE. Are you referring to the kid Coby Wayne Eppard who was gunned down by the police in January after he stole a police cruiser? Or is there some LE on LE murder of which I am unaware or have forgotten? TIA
27 march, 10 1:57PM
Thankyou C-ville for so expertly and kindly responding to Cosmos Post re the case going cold.
You make some very good points and I am glad to hear you know some of the investigators personally and relieved to hear that they are making progress.
It really makes a difference to hear from local people who have an ear to the ground and an interest in and connection to their community , a community shared by Morgan who was so brutally murdered and abruptly taken away for ever from her beloved family.
Thankyou and justice for dear shiny Morgan.
Feel better Blink, thinking of you. Good to met you Red yes you are quite funny guess we will have to wait until Blink gets back in the cockpit to see whether she agrees you are much funnier than her …she is pretty darned funny !!
MsL, You are a 5 Star pet parent to have a 16 year old furbaby. What a testament to love and loving care. My little Susy is 14 and Louie is 12. I’m in my 60′s and they are my only family now.
Cosmo, You made some good points. I have said before if I looked at this case in terms of a crime show or mystery novel, it does not add up. Could Morgan have been dumped on that farm merely because of its proximity to known offenders? Could the killers be so lucky that everything up till now has worked in their favor. -No photos – No video- other women look like her- dress like her- puts witness statements into questionable list- no definitive timeline- no definitive reason for leaving arena- possible fall in arena- possible irrational behavior- The only possible bad news for the killers is that Morgan’s body was found- but if they removed all the evidence and planted it there- then it would work to their favor- right?
My question on the HH has always been why? Her car was there- Why not ask someone in front of JPJ for a ride- head out that way- Why try to reenter? Why walk all the way around the arena? Why stop and talk to the BBP? Why a darkened bridge? Why no battery? Why no purse?
Sombody please, steer me back on course- or is Cosmos questions worth asking?- again-
Minnie Penney-Thank you. Right now she’s doing great. Little slower when she moves, kind of particular about her food, and we’re a little more free with the treats and people food handouts. We figure at her age she deserves to enjoy herself. Hope you have Susy and Louie for a good long time and hope Lexie comes home soon to Skyler.
can anyone suggest whether or not EMH has been questioned in this case? If so, any clues? If not, why not? I feel like I’ve missed something… anyone?
Have to agree with other posters here,I’m local and have not heard of any LE on LE murder. I think the reference must be to Coby Eppard. If what we’ve read is true, and let me add the case has been investigated by the CA, law enforcement seems to have had very little choice in the actions they took.
Red/ B -
20.J2K says:
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
*March 8, 2010 at 11:06 pm*
(attempt to re-post: March 10, 2010 at 11:21 am)
I know our Fallen Leader is out of commission for the time being, but other comments here seem to be regularly popping up – this one’s going on 48 hours… I took enough time on it that I’m sad it’s going stale – and I’ve been too busy over the last few days – and through tomorrow – to write a new post. Please throw up this one, as I want other posters to weigh in/share insight. …Unless it’s being held for a reason, of course.
TIA
Blink asked me to hold that specifically after I read it to her over the phone. She does not have access to the mod screen because she is supposed to be resting, but she is going to email a response via word doc. She told me to tell you she is sorry and you will need to tie one hand behind your back for a day ?
Food for thought:
At their core, women fear that men will kill them. At their core, men fear that women will laugh at them.
Gavin de Becker, The Gift of Fear
Skyler-Cosmos, I think I am on ya’lls page. This investigation did not “seem” to start out well. Run-a-way … HH … wild child? Where did these first impressions come from? Even if past patterns indicate a rebelling personality, LE is still to investigate professionally. The FIRST lie – the FIRST misdirection should have been taken for what it was … deception. This case needs to be restarted, following the evidence only (if that can be done now); because, it is what it is: an abduction and murder. All this excusing ‘evidence’ because the friends were young-stressed-oblivious to danger – AND TRUTH TELLING – has to stop. Like I said, it is what it is! And, ALL those around this incident are IN it whether they WANT to be or not. It happened and LE needs to know they have to do law enforcement work to solve it!! Is it too late?
Sapphire, so sorry to hear what has happened with your granddaughter. I can’t imagine the grief and worry that you’re going through. I have a little seven year old granddaughter. She is the delight of a lifetime for me. Prayers for your family and luck to your son. Take Skyler’s advice above and hope to hear good news from you soon.
Love to all the pet parents. They truly do become a part of us. I love my little ones and they are such wonderful company to me now that my kids are grown and gone from home. My hubby and I are mommy and daddy to our furbabies.
I along with a few others, I’ve noticed, would like to know more about the young boy in the local area, shot and killed on New Year’s Day by LE after the chase in a stolen police car. I’ve had questions about it and didn’t really know whether others did too or how to approach so sensitive a subject. Also, I’ve wondered if it’s absolute, without a doubt, that the sheriff died from a self inflicted gun shot. This is probably way out there, but is it possible he was murdered or somehow forced to shoot himself? Is this too much to even consider? Stranger things have happened.
The JPJ re-entry policy is mainly to prevent entry of people who have not paid. Say Person A and Person B enter; both have tickets and have paid. At one point, Person A decides to leave with their ticket along with Person B’s ticket. Person B stays in the arena. Person A connects with friend Person C and gives Person C Person B’s ticket. Person A could re-enter with Person C, who has not paid. I think the JPJ policy, like many other arenas, is a good pollicy and I don’t hold them responsible for Morgan’s death.
Also, being under the influence can make people do things they wouldn’t normally do as we all know and may have experienced first hand. I had a friend in college who ended up drunk at a bar off campus. She walked 2 miles at 1 am back to her campus dorm without ever telling me or her other friends. This is something she would have never done in a sober state of mind. Anything could have happen to her — so the point is that it’s not beyond the realm of possiblity that Morgan ended up HHing if she was inebriated. I believe the witnesses are credible and that is why LE is confident she was HHing.
Finally, when I first heard that Morgan was found on AF I was confident that the case would soon be solved if not in the next few days, perhaps in a few weeks. I was also certain it had to be someone in close proximity to that farm and I still believe this. I now wonder what is going on and why LE is keeping so much information from the public. This is very strange and fishy to me.
1.MsL says:
March 10, 2010 at 9:28 am
Thank you for the detailed info my friend. I live in western Canada, so that may be where the differences lie. I just don’t get how a young girl with an injury would not at least be tended to.
Maybe some things we’ll never know but your input answers many questions for me. Thanks again!!
33.Mom3.0 says:
March 10, 2010 at 1:23 pm
Get well soon darlin’! You are greatly missed here……and by many!
xo
Debbie Baxter,
Hello, I agree it seems ‘passes’ were given on certain evidence/people in the beginning. Such as LE stating the battery was not important, the purse was unimportant- Those closest to the incidence seemed to be taken at their word a little too readily. But remember in the beginning nothing was known. Maybe LE knows the reason the battery was missing- perhaps Morgan’s last text was- Shoot my phone is messing up- I’m gonna take out the battery to try and reset it- I’ll text you back if it works… Perhaps they know the reason the purse was left behind- Maybe the BBP said yeah she left it on my car it fell off she motioned to me to go on – its fine she’ll get it…. Perhaps they have checked out the witnesses statements and they have been proven truthful…
I don’t know if any this speculation is in fact, the case. But I pray LE knows the truth of what we don’t know… I don’t think it is too late to go back and start from the beginning. If LE deems it necessary. But I do believe they are focusing on the location for a reason. Morgan being found is the only really evidence they need, right? Lots of murder cases have been solved without knowing what happened in the hours leading up to the victims death, solely based upon the evidence obtained with the body and its location.
Don’t give up hope yet, it really hasn’t been that long, when you look at it objectively…..
13.Observer says:
March 9, 2010 at 10:21 pm
Observer, you are a God send! Your words and efforts are the epitome of paying it forward. There’s not a comment from you I haven’t learned from. Thank you for being so open and sharing with us all.
AND TO EVERYONE who responded to my ‘re entry’ question, thank you for your responses. They are valued and very much appreciated. If only these kinds of regulations were altered, this would never happen to another victim of crime or violence. These facilities can draw the goot natured music/sports finatic and low lives you’d never want to meet in any kind of alley. Let’s not forget most sports/concert venues are usually in seedy parts of town.
Thank you to all. Love and light to all of you and your loved ones. I pray a hedge of angels keep all of you safe from harm, forever! xo
Hello to all. Below is my link to Change.org and my new cause for mandatory sentencing and registration for sex offenders. Hope everyone will take a look and cast a vote.
Also, do VA judges come up for re-election? Just saying if Judge Michael Irvine is an elected official he can be voted out of office!
Thanks!
http://www.change.org/actions/view/mandatory_registration_and_prison_terms_for_all_violent_sexually_based_offenders
Everybody’s getting frustrated again. I hear ya- I tried to say this a couple of weeks ago. We CANNOT eliminate ANYONE because we do not have access to evidence, witness statements, or interview statements from possible POI’s. We cannot get polygraph results, or follow up on alibi’s. It makes it literally IMPOSSIBLE to solve the case or even rule ANYTHING out.
We have so few actual FACTS to work with. The rest is hearsay at best. Myspace/Facebook comments, second and third hand witness accounts, people spouting off on message boards. Rumors. Thats what we have to form hypotheses on.
Like I said before, all we can do is turn over stones for LE to look under.
Just hang in there, and keep doing what you’re doing. Keep your ears to the ground and keep digging up possible interperson connections. Form hypotheses. Its’s all we can do to help. Trust me, I know how you feel- we all want answers, and for the people responsible for Morgan’s death to be put behind bars. The people charged with the actual task of solving this case, and putting handcuffs on someone- have all the information we crave to know. They are doing what they have to do right now to not jeopardize a successful prosecution.
I’m getting the feeling that maybe there is more than one person involved, and that LE is trying to sort out who did what, and also has to PROVE who did what. Maybe this is why an arrest is taking so long, even though they may have a good idea who is involved. I tend to think they’d really prefer to proceed with DNA results, then if the DNA results come back negative- they’ll have to proceed with a more circumstantial case. This isn’t an episode of Law & Order- but part of me feels that if they’d charge someone with murder- that person would start singin’. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
my bad … the guy i am talking about was not LE from what i can tell:
http://www.readthehook.com/blog/?s=morgan+harrington
but here is my point … it is like keystone cops going on in Virginia.
i understand the concept of LE not giving any information about the case to the public, but now you beg the question, “what happens if there is information that would benefit the public safety, well-being and community?” who determines this? who is policing the police in the good ol’ boy community. power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. there needs to be transparency … details only the killer would know. that is bs too … there are so many investigative and interrogative techniques in order to disseminate the false information. not giving out information didn’t stop the crazies from calling in and the bad guys are going to try to distract LE with or without knowledge of the investigation. since there are no results pending (that the public knows of : ) it is okay to assume that university police, local police, state police and the FBI are being duped and outwitted by someone who at a major public event, took a citizen and disappeared out of thin air which resulted in a brutal murder. so what if the location is key? what like cops, ems, security, local officials and civilians / constituents don’t all know the area? gee … the location of where she was found could be googled gang. i kill someone premeditated or not, now i have to dispose of evidence and the body in any area hard to get to … google maps / RSO look ups / investigative techniques are all available vetry quickly. how did the perp know that LE wasn’t going to look in this area during all of the searches?
I believe LE is making progress in this case, when they needed specific information, they have asked for the public’s assistance. When you are not hearing from LE directly, especially in a high profile case such as this, it is a positive thing.
Red (&B) -
(Our brave BOC liaison wrote:) “Blink asked me to hold that specifically after I read it to her over the phone. She does not have access to the mod screen because she is supposed to be resting, but she is going to email a response via word doc. She told me to tell you she is sorry and you will need to tie one hand behind your back for a day ?”
Oh geez. My main concern was that its (moderate) length got it spammed – not that Our Gal on the Gurney hadn’t responded/approved it to post yet. What good is bed-rest if she’s churning out cerebral Word responses? And why are they allowing Goblets in the RCU anyway?
Also, hats off to you, Red – my posts are hard enough to read on the screen, let alone out-loud. (Good grief you people are dedicated…)
Tell that B my only mobile digit until she returns is my right forefinger, as I scroll down new pages of posts.
Furthermore, LE is not going to publicly release details of the case they have already figured out, there would be no need to, as doing so could jeopardize evidence. The public is only used when necessary.
Cville is absolutely correct in her assessment that Virginia law enforcement operates MUCH differently than other law enforcement organizations in other states. Cali and FL are notorious for releasing sensationalized, “informational-only” media circus events.
Virginia does not do this.
To quote Lt. Rader during his October 28th press conference: “EVERY PRESS CONFERENCE SHOULD HAVE AN OBJECTIVE”. Meaning, Virgina State Police do not release press conferences for media or public consumption.
http://www.nbc29.com/global/Category.asp?C=175568&clipId=4250598&autostart=true
VSP will not hold another press conference unless the public needs to know. This is a criminal investigation, not a clown show.
total amateur says: We have so few actual FACTS to work with.
—
Yep, and for a “missing persons” case it’s always been strange to me why no photos or videos have been shown of MH from Oct. 17th. There has to be some, and I know that LE keeps certain details away from the public so they can verify eyewitness accounts, but I can’t understand why describing what she was wearing was OK, but showing her wasn’t.
I’d also like to know who it is the the Harringtons were referring to when they said a poi was there in Oct and then again in Nov. – and why she exited the arena, who she texted that was about 60 miles away and so on. This is all info that is know to LE and probably the Harrington’s.
Of course the main priority is always to catch the perp(s) and if the best way to do that is by playing it close to the vest and not releasing much info, then that’s what should be done. But no doubt it does make it frustrating to all of us who are wanting to help and follow the case when we have virtually no info of many important aspects of the case.
C-ville said at 1:27: This case is not getting the national “Nancy Grace” treatment because Virginia’s laws are very different than Florida’s and some other states that release everything to the public.
—-
That helps explain.. or at least sets better with me about the lack of info. Understandable, but geez.. just going on the amount of info that comes out of other case does make you wonder. Thanks for that bit of info.
We go around and around. We don’t know which direction LE is heading because we don’t know what they know. Dr. Harrington told us that LE finds BOC useful, so they’re going around the same circles. I wish we could trace Morgan from H’burg after she called her father. All of the changes in plan wouldn’t normally raise any flags, except that Morgan wound up dead, murdered. Now everything is suspicious.
Why do you think they decided that Dan Cassagne should drive Morgan’s car to the arena? o, right, she studied in the back seat? J4M
palerider says:
March 10, 2010 at 4:41 pm
Hello to all. Below is my link to Change.org and my new cause for mandatory sentencing and registration for sex offenders. Hope everyone will take a look and cast a vote.
&&&&& I joined and posted on my FB, thank you for setting that up. Here’s to CHANGE!
Also, do VA judges come up for re-election? Just saying if Judge Michael Irvine is an elected official he can be voted out of office!
&&&&& In VA, judges are appointed. We’re stuck with them until they retire or die. Seems most judges like to work into their 70′s and 80′s, and few of them die young. The bennies must be great, both above and under the table!
re: palerider says:
March 10, 2010 at 4:41 pm
Hello to all. Below is my link to Change.org and my new cause for mandatory sentencing and registration for sex offenders. Hope everyone will take a look and cast a vote.
Also, do VA judges come up for re-election? Just saying if Judge Michael Irvine is an elected official he can be voted out of office!
Thanks!
http://www.change.org/actions/view/mandatory_registration_and_prison_terms_for_all_violent_sexually_based_offenders
I signed your petition and forwarded it to everyone in my e-mail contacts, male and female alike! Something needs to be done, we are losing too many bright and shiny women and children. Thank you for starting this!
palerider!
kudos to you and your walkin the walk
could i suggest trying to get a rapid response force/team established for missing people? law enforcement attitudes have greatly improved since the days of “wait 24 hours” until sending out search parties.
with solid statistics showing that more than 70% of abductees are killed within the first 3 to 4 hours, it is essential to have a trained rapid response team in place. neighborhood groups could also be set up maybe like an extension of neighborhood watch groups.
unfortunately, victims are usually dead by the time family, friends, and le are even aware they are missing.
What would be a reason for the silence of the “friends”? It isn’t – as widely assumed – that they were worried about getting in trouble for any underage drinking/drugs they may have been doing that night…Doubt they’d hire an attorney to protect that little tidbit while simultaneously splashing pics of them doing just that all over their myspace/facebooks.
Can LE verify what this group was doing before, during and after the concert? It’s been nearly 6 months, still no answers or facts about this. These are the people she was last *known* to be with. Maybe they have a case of at least 3 people (SS, AM & DC) sticking to the same story and they have no way at this time to prove or disprove it and they are looking for something to tie them to that AF location.
Sure they can “prove” their tickets were scanned at the arena, but what about before or after? Tidy little alibi isn’t it?
Oh there is that 8:48 phone call…doesn’t really matter which phone it originated from, what would matter more is whether it was Morgan who was in possession of her phone. It was said that there were also text messages to someone from Morgan’s phone. Who “texts” something if you are in dire straights out in the rain and need a ride asap and have a lot to explain as to what happened and why you are asking for a ride? Likely somebody who is not Morgan who wants to “place” her at the arena and cooberate their story.
As for the RSO in the immediate area of Anchorage Farm – sadly, ANY area is likely going to have at least one RSO nearby.
In response to the question about why the young man was driving Morgan’s car, I offer this reasoning which I’m sure may offend many of you. However, I would almost bet the farm it’s as simple as this…
Even though Southern women are just as “able” as their male counterparts, we still find it fashionable to still yield to our male companions when the situation doesn’t really matter but could give the men/boys a better self-esteem…for lack of a better description. In other words, I cannot imagine a co-ed group traveling somewhere together where the males are not given the opportunity to be the driver regardless of who owns the car. It’s just something as natural as a man opening the door around here and is not a reflection of not being “liberated” as some of you might think. It’s just more of a tradition in the South where the men (more or less) assume the responsibility for the group.
If I were to hazard a guess, I would imagine that the young man who accompanied this group of girls has had much more of a survivor’s guilt than any of the girls because of this lack of protecting Morgan. This is yet another reason I think why she left the group is a very benign reason and not one to raise an alarm…otherwise the young man would have probably insisted he accompany her.
Just my thoughts from a Southern upbringing…it’s not that we’re not able…it’s that we choose to let the men “protect” us. We didn’t need liberating in the women’s movement…we’ve been well aware of what we’re doing for many, many years…LOL
And Blink? Follow the doctor’s orders and don’t rob your husband and family of the blessing of taking care of you. It’s their way of showing you their love and concern…not a slight on your strength.
A couple people have mentioned going back to the beginning, so in the spirit of that thought, I’ll add this.
I remember the first time I heard of this case, I was watching Nancy Grace. The VERY FIRST thing that came out of my mouth was:
“The friends story doesn’t add up. They are either lying, or being told not to say anything. It doesn’t make sense to me.”
That thought still rings somewhat true with me. I’m not saying I think they were directly involved in Morgan’s death- but something stinks about the whole thing. Sorry, but that’s how I feel. It is beyond morally irresponsible to let a girl who bought your tickets, and took HER car to a concert, be left out in the cold to fend for herself. I’d even buy it if the friends would of said “she said she’d meet us back at the car after, but we waited for two hours and she didnt call back, so we thought maybe she got a ride back to [x] and we left.” But all this “she went outside, we don’t know why, but she said she’d find a ride home” nonsense when they had HER car is bogus. I’m sorry.
Through a series of recent conversations specifically related to this issue; I would like to offer the following opinion:
At no time, at no place, ever, should a woman ( man either, but for use in this case..) leave the “pack” at a venue similar to this, most especially if they are under the influence.
It is INCUMBANT and the RESPONSIBILITY of ALL traveling together to support each others personal security regardless of the circumstances.
It is up to each individual to make that a priority in their relationships and to make those agreements with each other. I can promise you, I have taught my children that creedo and parents whose children befriend mine will have that benefit only if their children subscribe.
Lecture over, but I hope it “stuck”.
My point: I am comfortable that the friends DO NOT know how Morgan got outside the venue. I believe they are not speaking publicly because they have absolutely been told not to both by LE, and sensible people that know there would be nothing to be gained from it. Public Relations 101, actually.
To the best of my knowledge, Morgan sustained the chin injury after leaving the friends, but as yet inside the arena, so I am of the opinion that the fall or “origin” coupled with reasonable impairment, left her wanting air, and she found herself outside.
This in no way leaves the pals off the hook for me, I still feel strongly they behaved like shitty friends, and perhaps a different choice would have saved their friend. I do not envy the journey they need to take to come to grips with that.
That said, BG’s murdered Morgan, not her friends, and the focus needs to be on that issue. For Now.
B
Important preamble: My comments which follow are in no way intended to denigrate UVA. Rather, I believe UVA is a stellar institution of higher education that offers an equally stellar education to the students fortunate enough to attend here. My thoughts–both positive and negative–are not a reflection of the fact that I work here; my perspective was no different prior to moving here to CV many years ago and beginning work at UVA.
I offer these observations only as constructive criticism with an attendant hope that UVA continues to turn the page on how they address the critical, life-altering issue of sexual assault. Please note as well that my comments are not limited to UVA; they reflect my general sentiment toward most college and university environments.
With regard not to the incidence of sexual assault on the Grounds of UVA, but to the manner in which it is addressed, I will neither stand up for nor offer a defense of UVA. It is my belief that in the reporting and management of sexual assaults–at least in the past–colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher learning have done a gross disservice to their two most important constituencies; that is, the students and the parents who often–but not always–provide the financial resources necessary to make this higher education available to their children.
I have complained loud and long about this issue to others in authority, specifically and including the UVAPD and related (non-LE ) agencies. I have fought this battle. I can think of one major, high-profile incident that occurred many years ago and later garnered national attention–as well it should–as the incident was, IMHO, grossly mis-managed. Details of this case haunt me to this day.
This is not to imply that the UVAPD or any other entity associated with UVA intentionally intended to disrupt the investigation or cover-up wrongdoing in that instance; I strongly reject that notion as it is my considered opinion that they did not. If I thought or had reason to believe otherwise, my voice would be even louder and infinitely more strident. [Think clanging bells and rancorous debate.] What I challenged then–and challenge still today, albeit to a lesser degree–was the manner in which cases like this were handled.
Things are better today; markedly better. Are they yet where they need to do be, again IMHO? No, not by a long shot.
The bottom line–for me, at least–is this: unless and until all responsible parties in any sexual assault are brought to justice in a court of law–emphasis on “in a court of law”–then our work is not done.
One, last note: I was encouraged many years ago (1991 to be exact) when UVA saw the wisdom in creating an Office of Sexual and Domestic Assault Services. That was a huge step forward for UVA, and one that I applaud. With the advent of that agency, students finally had a resource and an advocate within the UVA community proper. UVA’s senior administration wisely recognized and responded to the need to address the issue of sexual assault on Grounds. The efforts of that office continue and should likewise be recognized.
skyler says:
March 10, 2010 at 10:35 am
Snipped: WT still interests me — lately he has been talking about joining the military and applying for new jobs —
— then they find the body he says: found a body they are sure is Morgan — but hey, let’s play video games — I played this last night; never mentions Morgan again — ever — and then he starts talking about joining the military —
&&&&&
Skyler (or anyone with knowledge), do you know WT’s approximate age? TIA.
Still hoping you find your Lexie…
Thanks Ragdoll. I am feeling much better. Alexandra, I too wish it were easier to reconstruct Morgan’s night, after the telephone call to her father. Hopefully all LE needs is to work with the location and then they’ll have there man…
Judi says:
March 10, 2010 at 11:27 am
…..do cops need a warranty to obtain DNA samples from someone or can they call anyone in who is even a remote suspect in this case for DNA swabs?
&&&&&
Judi, not sure about VA, but cops in some criminal investigations have asked for voluntary DNA samples. There is a case I’m vaguely remembering (not in VA) where that was done, but can’t remember the details (some Forensic Files episode, I’m sure!) Anywho, it seems that they could ask, and those with nothing to hide would gladly comply, and those who didn’t would be sending up red flags. But, I’m thinking that falls into the category of aggressive investigating, and as cautious as VSP has been, I’m doubting they’ve done that. Just a hunch, could be dead wrong.
novach says: VSP will not hold another press conference unless the public needs to know. This is a criminal investigation, not a clown show.
——
Where were you four months ago? I could’ve saved myself alot of time and trouble by knowing this tidbit of info back then.
Also, I doubt anyone would confuse it with a clown show if it didn’t take months to even confirm whether or not she was even at JPJ (that has been confirmed, right?)…or weeks to let people know her car actually was driven to the arena.
And obviously they don’t need any amateur sleuths helping them. And I’m sure if they do need something from the public then they’ll just hold another cryptic press conference at the appropriate time.
OT–Sort of.
Just saw this person’s funny FB statement and I’m still laughing! Sry I don’t have the source at hand.
“Whenever I’m Facebook-stalking someone and I find out that their
profile is public I feel like a kid on Christmas morning who just got
the Red Ryder BB gun that I always wanted. 546 pictures? Don’t mind if
I do!”
Ditto, baby, ditto.
hey ,robin sax is on local news as a legal expert,she’s always on the radio show-dana pretzer ,that blink is on.
She is top notch.
B
I cannot picture our perp googling maps on his trustworthy iTouch to figure out a place to dispose of his victim. Yes indeed we are a high-tech society, but murder is a very low-tech crime. He murdered Morgan and relied on his gut and instinct to dispose of her body.
No, I do not believe he placed Morgan’s body at AF as a calling card for the police with RSO’s name on it. You are giving the killer w a y more credit than I think he’s due.
Re: Acho March 10, 10:43
“I wonder if LE knew about any music/artists that are into cycling and hula hoops”
Wow…some kinda partying goes on in Charlotesville!!
How about at Biscuit Run???
***Be sure to read all the way to the bottom!
Christian Breeden-Scintillation- gives me the CREEPS.
http://www.scintillationfiretroupe.com
Check out his pic on FB too!
More “Fire Dances” and Hula Hoops!
This one at BISCUIT RUN!!
Scintillation is a Charlottesville based Artistic Fire Dance Troupe.
Jessie Abbate – poi, snakes, fingers
Jessica Baraff – hoop, fingers, staff
Christian Breeden – contact, breathing, eating
Kirk Conrad – breathing
Betsy Gilbertson – poi, hoop, fans
Stephanie Helvin – poi, snakes, hoop, fingers, eating
Dylan Jacobs – staff, hoop
Carrie Mersch – poi, rifle, fingers, staff,
Wendy Winkler – poi, snakes, fingers
Ed Zavada – staff
Equinocalypse
Type: Party – Holiday Party
Start Time: Saturday, March 20, 2010 at 8:30pm
End Time: Sunday, March 21, 2010 at 8:30pm
Location: Biscuit Run
Street: 981 Old Lynchburg Rd
City/Town: Charlottesville, VA
View Map
Description
Ah yes! Local Cville rabble rousers Scintillation will team up with Richmond’s PLF (Party Liberation Front) for a night of dancing, fire performance, live music, bellydancing, burlesque and more under the stars to bring in Mama Spring. There will be a huge burning tower for us to watch fall with hopes of hitting the ground at the stroke of midnight! Dress like a mystical beast or a steampunk apparatus operator (or whatever other costume tickles your fancy). Be ready for the heat and the cold. Camp if you like. Time to ring in the spring!
BYOB but…
The PLF will be hauling a bamboo bar up from Richmond. Please donate a bottle of liquor of any kind and size to the bar to make sure everyone can be socially lubricated in a proper manner.
*Rules. We don’t like em but we need a few guidelines. Although we’ll be turning it to 11 and want everyone to have a fantastical time for the vernal equinox keep this in mind:
-Biscuit Run demands respect. Be sure to put your bottles and cans in the proper disposals. Litterin’ ain’t cool.
-This is a celebration of the human spirit and radical free self expression is a must. Dress to impress (however you want to interpret it). Costumes encouraged!
-Leave all attitudes and various chips on shoulders out of Biscuit Run. Unnecessary drama or needless altercations will not be tolerated. If you don’t think you can throw down with a smile on your face, hugs and high fives then you best stay at home. It’s all about brotherhood and sisterhood yo!
-There will be various fire sculptures and one hell of a giant burning tower to warm the bones. Do yourself and everyone else a favor. DO NOT TOUCH! We don’t want any skin melting off or flaming clothing. We be professionals at playing with fire. If you ain’t then don’t fuck around.
*Entertainment.
-Scintillation will perform a special fire ceremony to delight the senses in every way (well, almost every way). Be prepared to have your mind sizzle by these fire dazzling boys and girls.
-Djs Mr. Jennings and Reinhold providing the dance tunes PLF Style. Think Electronic Carny Mind Explosion / Baby Crush Gypsy Funk / Crunksex Polka Death Step / Bass Driven Kitty Meow.
-Various members of PLF will continuously be playing and performing with a vast array of fire toys such as poi, staff, etc…and the infamous flame thrower backpack. Watch and learn. Watch and learn.
-Richmond Varietease burlesque beauties Booboo Darlin and Dolli Holliday (and others TBA) will tantalize the crowd with song, dance, and the creatively delicious shedding of clothes. Hootin’ and hollerin’ is requested but keep those thangs in your pants ladies and gentlemen. This ain’t that kinda party…
-We’ve got more goodness in the works so stay tuned…and get ready to party carny style…
Thanks for letting me hold gifter, there was a method to my madness, lol.
B
29.mosaic says:
March 10, 2010 at 9:40 pm
I cannot picture our perp googling maps on his trustworthy iTouch to figure out a place to dispose of his victim. Yes indeed we are a high-tech society, but murder is a very low-tech crime.
———————————————————————-
I just had a great laugh picturing this for some reason!
You are right, I cannot imagine someone, who I believe to be a young and impulsive POS serial rapist and first time murderer, doing a google earth search for a final location either! I don’t think our criminal here is quite up to those standards of intelligence and forethought to pull that off.
Not that he didn’t pre-meditate this in some way but I don’t see him as being this tech savvy for some reason! I really think that this was a crime of opportunity for him, and he was already comfortable at AF for whatever reason in his past, so that’s where he ended up taking Morgan.
It really is a very primal and base attack on someone, there’s nothing high tech or clinical about it. Some may be better than others at covering their tracks but I don’t think this one is that experienced yet nor do I believe he has taken it this far until now.
I can see the google earth and online mapping working with a serial killer like “Dexter” but then again he works in forensics too so he knows all the tricks! lol
where the heck is mr. blink? you are a stubborn woman
get away from the computer and heal thyself
ROTFL, one hour I get. I told him even inmates get an hour in the “yard”..
B
Chromedaffodils says:
March 10, 2010 at 11:58 am
Ragdoll, I appreciate your post. I agree with your theory about her planning to not be at the rest of the concert. She could have changed her mind after going outside, but I do think it is highly likely the initial leaving was planned. She is a smart girl and would have known about re-entry.
&&&&&
Chrome, I love your name! Am awaiting the sight of daffodils here, chrome or otherwise. Your post struck me, and I have to say I agree and disagree. Morgan and many in her peer group are very smart. But, my observation has been that they are not necessarily observant. IMO, she may very well not have been aware of the no re-entry policy.
Funny, at the “mature” age of 46, I was in the same situation at a concert at The Pavilion in C-Ville last year. My friend decided she wanted to go outside the venue and take pics of the band’s bus, and we were almost not re-admitted. It took some persuasion to get those little ladies to let us back in. Back in the day, you were able to re-enter, but apparently times have changed.
Observer says:
March 10, 2010 at 8:33 pm
..”Important preamble: My comments which follow are in no way intended to denigrate UVA. Rather, I believe UVA is a stellar institution of higher education ..”
**********************************
I appreciate your insight into this very important issue on college campuses. The establishment of the Office of Sexual and Domestic Assault Services is an important resource for UVA but under reporting sexual assaults and sexual assault that are not prosecuted in a court of law remain a problem at UVA and at many other colleges and universities.
Until all victims of these crimes are supported by families, administration and police to hold the criminal responsible, our silence in essence condones these crimes.
Gil and I believe that a culture of “blame the victim” still exists and discourages women from coming forward.
This needs to change.
Dr. H, I completely agree. There are several recent cases hilighted by posters here that underscore your point.
B
Blink says:
“Through a series of recent conversations specifically related to this issue; I would like to offer the following opinion:”
———————————————————–
Do you mean conversations with someone specifically regarding Morgan’s friends, or conversations about responsibilities to friends in general?
Let me repeat- and make VERY clear. I have never believed that her “friends” had anything directly to do with her death. I have, since the beginning, questioned the authenticity of their story. I have no doubt as to why they are silent NOW. That said, IMO it’s likely that if they hesitated telling the “whole” story in the beginning, they’ve long since told LE everything. Several posters have been talking about going “back to the beginning”, and I wanted to express my very first impression of the case. I guess if they were young enough and self-consumed enough to not worry about her upon learning she was stuck outside, then they probably were the same regarding her whereabouts following the concert, in not trying to call and locate her while they drove her car home. No one would feel more sorry for them than me, if youth and foolishness alone was the reason for their apparent lack of concern. I agree that they will have a lifetime of issues to confront.
regarding the friends, specifically.
B
I don’t post much but I spend way too much of my life reading – anyway, I just wanted to send you get well wishes, B.
TJ
TY
B
Blink, it’s been over an hour. I think you are as addicted to reading your own blog as the rest of us.
Hope you’re feeling better.