Morgan Harrington Murder: A Security Check On Security- Why Did It Fail?
Charlottesville, VA-
On the afternoon of October 17, 2009, Morgan Harrington and three of her friends drove to John Paul Jones Arena, located on the University of Virginia campus, to attend a long-anticipated Metallica concert. Following an apparent fall and chin injury occurring around the time she was visiting the ladies room, Morgan ended up outside the arena and attempted to gain re-entry to the venue.
How and why she got there comes in at a baffling second only compared to what happened to her next.
Nine months ago Dr. Dan and Gil Harrington, Morgan’s parents were notified their daughter was missing which is when their nightmare began.
On November 5, 2009, the day before a search which was organized at the request of the Harrington’s was to commence, a vintage black Pantera t-shirt placed on a bush in front of an apartment complex at the intersection near 15th Street and Grady Ave. was located by a nearby resident.
While this discovery was not released publicly, Charlottesville PD knew immediately it belonged to Morgan Harrington. Sara Snead, one of the friends that accompanied Morgan to the concert, immediately confirmed the distinct vintage design that compelled Morgan to borrow the t-shirt from her a week before the show.
Subsequently, DNA analysis confirmed the t-shirt was indeed the same one Morgan was wearing the night she disappeared.
On January 26, 2010 the remains of Morgan Harrington were discovered by David Bass, owner of Anchorage Farm, located in Albemarle County. Although her cause of death has not been released, her manner of death has been classified as a homicide by the Virginia State Police.
Dan and Gil Harrington marked the nine-month anniversary of Morgan’s disappearance from her memorial on Copeley Bridge 4 days ago.
Gil Harrington’s impassioned statement made it clear that her family’s mission is to prevent what happened to Morgan from happening to another victim and their goal is to educate young women about safety and personal security.
On July 1st, based upon an article posted on blinkoncrime.com inside sources confirmed a forensic link between Morgan’s homicide and a Fairfax County Case. Research on this case indicates it was a violent sexual assault that happened in 2005. The victim assisted in the sketch of a man police wish to interview in connection with both the Fairfax assault as well as the apparent abduction and murder of Morgan Harrington. .
What did it mean to the investigation and to the parents of young women in Charlottesville? We have a serial offender on the loose in multiple jurisdictions and an immediate need to beef up personal security.
As our very vulnerable student body returns to campus next month, blinkoncrime.com provides a glimpse at current conditions.
Unregulated Regulations In Security
The 2004 General Assembly, through House Joint Resolution (HJR122), requested the Virginia State Crime Commission to study safety at Virginia’s institutions of higher education. As a result, DCJS created the Office of Campus Policing and Security (OCPS) to address the law requiring minimum training and employment standards for campus security officers.
Campus Security Regulations for Institutions of Higher Education in the State of Virginia, fall under the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Private Security Services Advisory Board. Below is an excerpt of the unapproved draft meeting notes of their quarterly meeting held December 8, 2009; the first and only since Morgan’s disappearance from JPJ.
The issue of safety and security on college campuses was addressed in a 2006 Crime Commission Study on Campus Safety. This study resulted in the statutory requirements under Code of Virginia (Code) §9.1-102 (49).
College populations represent a large concentration of students between the ages of 18-25 years with limited supervision and life experience. In terms of homeland security, campuses are identified as “soft targets” and are frequently targeted by domestic and foreign terrorists. Campuses also house volatile materials and research facilities that are also targeted by radical elements in society. Campuses host large stadium events and concerts that are potential targets for terrorism and riots. Most campuses also have facilities that are open to the public and are relatively difficult to secure and lockdown. Campus Security Officers are primary first responders to incidents of crime and violence on campus.
Although UVA campus security officers require a certification provided by DCJS, there are ZERO regulatory standards for certification. It was NOT until Morgan Harrington disappeared from the grounds of the JPJ Arena that emergency regulations were sought from Governor Bob McDonnell.
How does a woman on the campus of a University that provides it’s very own Police Department in addition to event security simply vanish without a trace?
By the time Morgan ends up in a hay field 7 miles away, she has passed through 3 different law enforcement jurisdictions and a slew of private campus and event security agencies and personnel. While private security regulations fall under the umbrella of the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, they also require a judicial amendment only if and when they are approved via “emergency” status by the Governor.
Who’s Looking Out For The Kids, Exactly?
As the safety on campus study showed, our college age kids are at their most vulnerable in the University setting. Out from under the watchful eye of Mom and Dad and wading through the rich culture and nightlife of downtown Charlottesville, students face a host of potential safety risks.
In fact, during the very development of this article, I received an alert from UVA security that a UVA student was sexually assaulted in the area of Roosevelt Boulevard. While I commend the swift response and warning from UVA PD chief Michael Gibson, I can’t help but wonder if a similar alert upon learning Morgan disappeared from the UVA/JPJ campus would have made a difference for her.
A simple Google of “Charlottesville security” produces the front page for HH Security Services, Inc, a local private security and bail bonding firm. I am no expert but isn’t it a bit odd to claim to protect one’s security and then bond out someone that may threaten it in the first place?
Who is vetting the security that is responsible for ensuring safety?
While HH Security or it’s employees have no known ties whatsoever to the Harrington case, it is a prime example of the weakness of current security regulations, involving students and private events, 6 years in the making.
At H & H Security Services, Inc. we specialize in Private Investigation, Private Security both armed and unarmed as well as fast efficient Civil Process Service. Our full-time professional agents are well trained, well equipped, well informed, and discreet.? Owner Rod Howard is a native of Charlottesville and central Virginia, where he’s been a well respected business owner for over twenty years. H & H Security Services, Inc. is his vehicle in his effort to help serve and protect the community he grew up in. Over the years he’s assembled a team of certified and experienced personnel who share his commitment to the safety of the community.
HH Security, in a business journal ad, claims to hire members of law enforcement and be very well connected with various police departments and security agencies for nightclubs, special events and home security checks as well in 2007.
HH Security is the security firm of choice for Club 216, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Rivals, which are bars frequently visited by UVA students and athletes.
Roderick M Howard, owner of HH Security and H&H Car detailing maintains active licenses issued through the VA Dept of Criminal Justice Services for private security and as a bailbondsman.
While blinkoncrime editors were researching this piece, a review of Albemarle County Court records show Roderick Howard was arrested for felony rape in 1993, subsequently indicted for same and a year later on the first day of trial, pled guilty to misdemeanor sexual battery whereby he was sentenced to 12 months, 11 of which were suspended and two years unsupervised probation.
Howard was also arrested a few times for felony bad checks; both cases ended nolle prosequi.
How can an accused rapist and convicted sexual batterer hold a dual license in the private security sector as well as two classifications of firearms, all of which is monitored by the VADCJS? It is specifically stated in the regulations regarding moral turpitude AND sexual battery that the VADCJS MAY DENY an applicant on those grounds.
According to Mr. Howard’s own advertisement, he has been in the security industry since 1989. Would that mean he was employed in the security field when he was arrested for rape?
Shockingly, It may be perfectly legal. Although the administrative statute for licensure prohibits granting a license to someone with a misdemeanor sexual battery conviction, if Howard divulged the crime in his application and requested a waiver from the director at the time, it is possible one was granted.
Blinkoncrime.com spoke to Lisa McGee, Regulatory Program Manager for DCJS, private security advisory committee:
“…there is a code in the statute that allows the potential for both an individual convicted of a felony and the outlined misdemeanors exceptions contained therein to obtain a director’s waiver. Two felonies we would never even consider are rape and murder, but dependent upon the criminal offense, the circumstances and the length of time that has transpired with a clean record, the verbiage in the statute would allow an applicant to at least request a waiver for our consideration…” Lisa McGee
Ms. McGee was not able to address Mr. Howard’s file specifically, citing privacy laws, but she was able to verify that Mr. Howard’s registration with the agency is current.
There are however, some discrepancies in the press release written to announce the “restructuring” of both companies, announced October 19th.
For starters, there was only a name change to Mr. Howard’s business, which actually took place prior to the October 19 release date, in May, 2009.
These are not two separate businesses. In fact, the bailbondsman license issued to Mr. Howard’s agent, Anthony Halstead, leads back to Accelerated Bail Bonds, which is not a listed entity in the state of Virginia or listed as a fictitious name for H&H Security Services.
I would be willing to wager that the police departments that allow off duty security employment with this firm would appreciate some clarification on both the personnel and licensing issues.
There has been no arrest in the homicide of Morgan Harrington. In a statement released by Corrine Geller, PR manager for the Virginia State Police, VSP has received approximately 100 significant leads from the release of the sketch of the alleged perpetrator of the 2005 Fairfax County sex assault.
Dan and Gil Harrington will be meeting with new University of Virginia President, Teresa Sullivan, next month to address safety and security issues on campus.
“..People think it cannot happen to them, IT CAN– Dan Harrington.”
Editors Note: I am not a resident of Virginia. However, I think the interest of the safety of our children is a National one. Any person that is placed in a position of public trust, most especially those that come into contact with our vulnerable students, should be REQUIRED to disclose past convictions that would negate them that position without some sort of subjective “pass”. How can we know-TRULY KNOW the level of presumed safety if we really aren’t aware of the backgrounds of those in charge of it?
Blinkoncrime.com editors Jason Mateos, Elizabeth Morton and Madeline Tanner contributed to this report
Images by Klaasend
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Wow, I thought I was dreaming with this talk of pitbulls. I thought I was coming across ads or whatever for that breed an awful lot, and I chalked it up to, I’ll get to it. I do see a trend. One example,
http://www.facebook.com/pages/DDA-Watch/366883744658
And this isnt one I have recalled seeing. I know it is via SH of H/H.
Very interesting..
28.deetee says:
August 23, 2010 at 7:26 am
there is a woodson (not a waybright), fb friends with ngvff, the one that took the long ride after the fire in fact. later they joked about an electrical fire on fb. that MW has not updated his fb since blink posted this piece.
Last I checked he had not logged into his MS since October 17, 2009.
B
******
Thanks guys. Wow again. This one has trouble keeping a gf as well. What a tangled web we weave. Soon..
You know he is cuz to NGVFD AT, right?
B
Fish…you are what I call “real people”. I was born and raised in Ohio and recently moved here to the Blue Ridge. One of the first things we noticed about our new State besides the obvious beauty of Virginia was the beauty of her “real people”. So proud to be amongst “ya all”…it feels like home.
Oh Miss Fish,
I am so glad you decided to attend, I thought you might. On Wed I was in Farmville and found out Charlottesville was closer in driving time then I thought. I talked to my husband about possibly taking a ride over the following day, but we spent more time working on a web router for my daughter and it was raining.
I know what you mean about wishing you could have disappeared, I feel like that during times of stress in public too, more in recent years. I have had similar feelings at work when people have a loved one die, and at times I have thought, what level of help can I provide when I didnt even know these people, their Dad, sister, whoever. But, I know that isn’t rally true, it just feels weird at first. You know you impacted the Harrington’s in a positive manner. Think about that he purposely passed the message to this site. The more support they feel, the less alone in their journey. I am sure you felt better once you met them and gave them your daughter’s necklace. Isn’t it lovely how Mrs Harrington knew you needed the reassurance, funny how that works. Thank you for sharing with everyone. Once again, you manage a sense of humor during times of stress. ( I sounded like the teacher on a Charlie Brown cartoon. I hope they do not think I’m a nut?
Although, I did say that.
Her mother hugged me and said I…would be saying that to the wrong guy.
OH!!! Christ!!! That’s right! He’s a psychiatrist.) I bet you added a bit of levity to the situation for them as well. Thanks.
Lordy, who isnt related right? I feel like a slow learner. When you all first spoke of everyone I may have just joined in, and not being part of it caused a little delay in all the puzzle pieces. Sigh, but I am there now. Any thoughts on DB? Late June postings of MW towards women in general make an eyebrow raise a bit huh?
@elf: http://www.dogsbite.org/bite-statistics.htm
If this link does not work, the site is: DogsBite.org
I was going to post this article when I saw it days ago, but refrained for fear of offending/disturbing some of the local Charlottesvillians. The comments section is as disturbing as the actual article.
However I think it is important information, about another senseless, mean crime.
http://www.readthehook.com/blog/index.php/2010/08/17/early-saturday-man-fights-for-life-after-brutal-beating/
The house fire….is the investigation still ongoing? Was anyone arrested?
Fish, I’ve been thinking about your encounter with the college student and her parents since your original post. The father said some horrible things about Morgan. I’m not sure I would have had the strength to speak up, but perhaps you did some very good. Rather than really being disrespectful to a girl he knows absolutely nothing about, I wonder if perhaps the father was trying to convince himself that something so horrible could not happen to his own child. If he was able to believe in his own mind that Morgan was acting foolishly and promiscuously on the night she disappeared, then obviously his daughter will be safe because she’s not that sort. So much easier to kiss her at her dorm door believing that nothing bad will happen because she will follow everything they have told her about behavior and safety precautions, in other words THE TALK. I really hope his daughter will do everything should have discussed to remain safe. Being a college student or just a young adult, it’s doubtful. If, in speaking up for Morgan, your little talk makes the daughter hesitate just once to leave her dorm or apartment alone, then her father needs to give you a huge thank you for giving all of them a dose of reality.
Hey susan, really quickly. Yes that was a horrible and senseless crime. I want to remind everybody that the comments after most Hook articles can get down in the gutter pretty quickly. You have to take everything with a grain of salt, and understand that the people who comment there DO NOT speak for the majority of residents here in Charlottesville.
I think about what Morgan felt that night, the fear, the pain, and I’m sure the eventual knowing. I think about what her parents and brother felt and continue to feel, the pain, the hurt, the emptiness, the loss.
I think about the life that could have been but isn’t.
And, I will admit, yes, I am getting impatient as I wait for Lady Justice to arrive. It reminds me of when my kids were younger on long road trips when they were asking “Are we there yet?”. I’m finding myself asking them same thing here – “Is Lady Justice almost here yet?”
Morgan and her lovely family have touched my heart in a way that I just cannot accurately describe with words. Why? I don’t know but they have. I have never met them, yet they hold a place in my heart and I care about them. I SO want punishment for whomever is responsible for the loss of this beautiful life of this beatiful person who comes from this beautiful family.
And, I think about what kind of person, what kind of mind, would do this, is capable of this and what are they going to do next and to whom.
Morgan’s death is a senseless horrific crime. Hopefully, we can at least honor Morgan’s legacy of helping others and make her death mean something, like getting individuals like this off the streets.
I HOPE THAT THE MOMENT THEY DECIDED TO DO THIS TO PRECIOUS MORGAN ENDS UP BEING THE KNIFE THAT CUT THEIR OWN THROAT. I HOPE THAT BY ENDING MORGAN’S LIFE, THAT THESE INDIVIDUALS ENDED THEIR OWN LIFE TOO AND THAT THEY WILL HAVE THEIR FREEDOM AND LIFE TAKEN FROM THEM TOO BECAUSE OF WHAT THEY DID TO MORGAN.
Lady Justice just HAS to come.
Susan…this is a good article to bring up, actually. I wouldn’t at all be surprised if we find that Morgan’s death was the result of gang activity, some sort of initiation. The gang members could have been from anywhere…the Metallica concert drew people from everywhere, and a gang, say from Harrisonburg, or from your town, even (you’re only one hour away?) could have sent members here to find an easy target.
@localcvillegirl: “You have to take everything with a grain of salt and understand that the people who comment there DO NOT speak for the majority of residents here in Charlottesville.”
Please back that up with facts, as Blink would say. Who does speak for the majority of residents here in Charlottesville?
Susan, re your 12:01 post…I was making an assessment on the comments that usually start coming in at the Hook, regardless of the topic. It had nothing to do with you.
I happen to agree with a few of the comments posted after this particular article…it seems there is crime downtown that we don’t always hear about. I happen to be on the side of homeless people here…and any one else who falls victim to senseless crime.
I can’t really speak for the majority of Charlottesvillians…MsL, Redly, duannah, Observer, etc. all have done a good job. You mostly just have to visit…or better yet, stay for a while, to see what we’re all about. We, as Charlottsvillians, DID NOT WANT any harm to come to Morgan. She has become part of us…we have taken in the Harringtons and I feel pretty sure I can say that we all want her murderer to be found and brought to justice. Who ever he is, and wherever he comes from.
We’re in an awful predicament. We all want so much for Lt. Rader and VSP to announce an arrest. We want justice for Morgan and the Harringtons. Peace to beautiful historic Charlottesville, loved by all, Americans especially. This is very frustrating for us, imagine how the Harringtons feel. I just want to say to the people that know and are not talking, “be afraid, because you had your chance to speak up” Once this breaks wide open, and I believe it will, you too will be exposed. You must come forward NOW. deep sigh
Somebody had to have intimate knowledge of AF. I doubt LE feels this was an out of towner. If a perp was from out of town, she would have likely been found along a roadside, RxR tracks or the like. No, this has local all over it, I’m sorry to say. At least one of them is.
Absolutely.
B
Hello everyone. Trying to catch up.
Fish- thank you for being you and for sharing a very personal experience with us. Dr. Harrington, Mrs.Harrington and CUE- the butterflies were a magnificent thought. Reading Fish and others descriptions of the event I must say, what a positive impact the event must have surely had upon anyone who read about it, attended, or was in the vicinity.
Eloise- Mind boggling isn’t it?
To all those who proudly stood up for Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Fairfax and all of Virginia, I commend you for taking pride in your state. Thank you, to you- and to all of the locals that have given us a true look into the beauty of Virginia and its citizens.
I agree that whenever people are discussing articles and scenarios, especially those that center around actual people- each person needs to tread lightly and with the utmost care. Everyone here is trying so hard to help Morgan and her family and all of Virginia. We do not want to add to your pain.
BOC is my and many others, first time contributing on the internet.
Everyone, has had times when our points have been lost or misinterpreted through the written word, for first timers this goes double…
I do not think most of us have ever written a word out of malice or callousness. Once we hit the submit button, its all there forever- never to be taken back. Although, many times we each have had poster’s remorse, and wish it could be taken back or edited, and each of us, have said as much, or have tried our best to apologize.
Having said all this, I do not wish to further offend any person, especially not those from beautiful Virginia, but I feel I must say that I would not feel safe sending my children to Virginia to college right now. I realize that Virginia, probably is no different from many other college towns- but in following Morgan’s case, I know there have been many unsolved killings, rapes and attempted rapes in this state.
I do not think Virginia is bad, nor do I believe that people from Virginia are bad, after all, I have come to know, and like many of the locals here on BOC- and I know the beauty of Virginia is breathtaking.
But, that in no way changes the fact that Vanessa Pham’s killer is still free. Nor does it change the fact that a known brutal rapist, is walking free, has been, for 5 years and has recently been tied to Morgan Harrington’s abduction from JPJ and her death. And it certainly does not change the fact that several attempted rapes have occurred in Virginia in the last months.
So, I can understand everyone’s concern about lumping all of Virginia and her citizens into the bad egg pile- Virginia is not summed up by her crime rate, nor are her citizen’s summed up by its lowest of the low- Most assuredly, we should all base our thoughts and concerns on facts, not innuendo or unsubstantiated fears or biases.
In order to be sure to do this- we have to know the facts- in Morgan’s case from the very beginning, we have had few facts and many of those, did not come out until months later. That makes it hard, for everyone.
It is easy to generalize when speaking of Morgan and what happened to her. Fish taught us that, with her tale of the father and daughter at lunch. Perhaps, there have been times when a contributor has been guilty of generalizing when it comes to a POI and/or Virginia. I would hope that wasn’t their intention. If I have ever done this, I apologize.
Without information- people seek it out, without info, they research, they speculate, they ponder- unfortunately, that is all most can do, given the fact that there is very little unquestionable information/facts in Morgan’s case.
It is a fine line that BOC and other forums walk – trying to help Morgan without many facts, trying to brainstorm, without speculating, trying to bring info and questions without naming names….
Then, weighing the hope that we may have found a piece of the puzzle, writing it down, hitting submit, only to realize it does not convey our thoughts or that we may have crossed that fine line-.
I in no way, believe Susan’s comment about the mafia, was meant to be taken literally- and I do not believe she ever intended to say pit bulls were an abomination- Nor do I believe every poster that has ever used HMMMM or just saying, was trying to offend or call anyone out.
We don’t have very much to go on- so we are all sharing our thoughts and speculations-
Some may be better at it than others- and I do believe we have ALL had ENOUGH of the calling out and disparaging comments about Morgan,
her family, her memorial- FM, and its contributors, Kenny, Blink and all of her contributors.
I respect that so many want to make sure that everyone here deals in only facts, and makes sure that no one causes Virginia, its citizen’s and our local friends to feel the need to defend themselves or their beautiful, historic state,- and I value that Blink allows us the forum in which people can address issues and misconceptions- without venom and hatred.
Again, I hope we can all continue to contribute and try harder not to offend others while balancing the search for the truth.
I think Virginia is beautiful, I think it is full of many good people and has much to offer in the way of music, culture, education history ect.
However, until these miscreants are brought to justice- the good citizens of Charlottesville, Albemarle, Fairfax and all of Virginia will unfortunately be at the mercy of these miscreants and the aftermath that undoubtedly, taints others perspectives of Virginia and her people.
Thanks for reading
JMO
Susan, I just read your link. Actually, I don’t find it offensive. I’ve posted many times that Charlottesville certainly has it’s problems. Even mentioned what I know there are gang wannabes. I do not go to the downtown mall at night unless there’s a large public event at the Pavillion or one of the other entertainment venues. I believe in safety in numbers. I think it’s just good common sense to know that there are people out there who will want what you have, even it it’s only a couple of dollars, or young hoodlums trying to create trouble for no reason other than the thrill of scaring someone. I believe I’ve seen this man on the mall. I was really surprised, reading the comments, that so many were sensitive to what had happened to him. There are a number of people who continually post on both the Hook site and our local new sites that seem to have not one grain of human compassion. Then there are others, no matter the subject, who just can’t help but go racial. I was surprised the comments from the linked article were a little muted from that aspect. This is not a perfect community, but it’s also not an all evil community. I would say we are close to being your typical American city. As I posted earlier, the really bad news makes the big headlines while the good news receives little notice. Human nature I guess.
read–that I know there are gang wannabes—- and—–our local news sites who seem——-Glad I never tried to support my family as a proofreader.
I also want to add, much of the good in our town comes from the University community. Many of these young people, regular students and athletes, spend hours tutoring our disadvantaged kids in after school programs. They coach and mentor our young athletes. They serve as big brothers and big sisters, work for Habitat building homes. Business students donate their time during tax season helping people who cannot afford to pay a tax preparer. They go out and help clean up vacant lots, and remodel and repair homes for the elderly. Medical students offer medical screening to our poorer citizens. Volunteers work emergency help lines for SARA and our womens’ shelter. I’ve only listed a very few selfless services provided by so many of the University students, much of it completely unrecognized by our general public who see the student population as more of a nuisance and problem than a benefit to Charlottesville. Then, we have someone like the person responsible for Yeardley Love’s death who, with one vile, senseless act, destroys in the minds of some the reputation of an entire student body. Evil recognized while good goes mostly unnoticed.
MsL
I realize I struck a nerve when I brought up Johnny Gilmore’s name. My intention was not to smear his reputation but to ask the question of maybe he stumbled upon something? or not? but maybe his death was connected in some way just due to the timing. But it seems to really, really bother you as you’ve written 3 or 4 times about how his name shouldn’t have been brought up. I’ve read about many local people I know on BOC at one time or another related to this case, and have had my dander up as a result and then realized that no one was trying to smear someone’s name. We’re all trying to find Morgan’s killer. We’re all asking questions. I will not be censored for asking questions. I live in C’ville by the way.
Dolce
Fish,
Thank you for sharing your experience. You are an amazing woman!
Dolce
Dolce, I have cut and pasted your earlier comments and the comments by RU Mom with regard to Johnny Gilmore. I hope you are not offended that I took this liberty.
dolce says:
August 19, 2010 at 12:13 pm
“As has been reported, drummer Johnny Gilmore died on October 22 in C’ville in a house fire, which has been ruled accidental. Probably absolutely no connection to anything else. Just another fire, another senseless death, in the same general location zone as our beloved Morgan’s, also another connection to the music scene. Deaths, fires, music bands . . . . but what if the accident was a covering/removal of evidence? – probably not – or what if Johnny Gilmore was another victim of Sketch’s? What if he knew too much? He was home alone – but was he? What if he had guessed correctl and confronted the BG? I’ve probably just had too much coffee today – but with the lack of any other logical explanation this jumped out to me today as yet another coincidence in the little village of C’ville. Just throwing it out
there.”
I responded to that post with the following:
MsL says:
August 19, 2010 at 4:49 pm
To follow is a link to Counteney Stuart’s article about the wrap up of the Johnny Gilmore death investigation. Honestly, I have been waiting for someone to come up with a theory where his death would be connected to Morgan’s simply because so many seem to be fixated on fire. From this article, it seems he died a very sad, tragic death that could very well have been avoided. I hope all will read the article and check your smoke alarms.
http://www.readthehook.com/blog/index.php/2010/08/06/tragic-end-investigation-complete-in-drummer-gilmores-death/
RU Mom then posted the following: I hope she is not offended that I have cut and pasted her remarks:
RU Mom says:
August 19, 2010 at 6:34 pm
“re: dolce says:
August 19, 2010 at 12:13 pm
I agree with you. And, I think he looks a lot like Sketch. However, when someone else mentioned this either on this site or a blog…they lit into the person…saying he was such a wonderful person, etc. That may be true, and he may having nothing to do with this case. I don’t want to defame anyone, living or dead. Sometimes I think because I want this case solved so badly, I find a lot of people looking like Sketch.
Your mention of music world, fires, etc. does make one wonder…could there be some sort of connection.”
I then made the following comment. Probably was not viewable by you since it seems to have been stuck in moderation.
MsL says:
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
August 19, 2010 at 9:38 pm
“RU Mom and Dolce, I hope you have read the article I linked above rather than just looking at the picture and seeing yet another among many resemblances to Sketch. What’s the count now? I don’t remember all, but we have had Mr. Security Man, Mr. former city bus driver, Mr. Israeli stabber, and now Mr. deceased drummer to mention just 4. After reading Dolce’s earlier comment I hoped the link would provide some insight into this man’s tragic death. Imagine being his 75 year old father, knowing his son was inside of a burning room and not being able to break through the door.”
I know different readers can have different perspectives of the same article. Perhaps you and RU Mom read something in the story that I did not quite get. Actually, you are wrong, I seem to have mentioned Mr. Gilmore 3 times. Just for the record, I never even knew this man existed until he died in the fire.
I mentioned Mr. Gilmore for the 3rd time along with 2 examples of local comments posted about two other incidents which occurred close to Morgan’s disappearance. I made the plea to follow because I have seen what can result from just a few words. I was less than 10 years old when I sat and watched my mother cry because of what some thoughtless people were saying about her brother with absolutely nothing to back up their speculations. Guess that makes me a little sensitive to what words can do no matter whether or not there is an intent to hurt.
“The above are just a few examples of what I believe are poor judgment by people who give no thought to the pain their words can cause. Just my opinion and I would not censor anyone else, only ask again, please do CONSIDER what you are posting before saying something about individuals who can be easily identified regardless of whether or not you use their names. All caps for emphasis, not yelling.”
If you took offense because I did not see anything in Mr. Gilmore’s story to “just throw out there” then I do apologize. I do not apologize for asking that thought be put into what is written. Once something is “just thrown out there” for the world to see, some take it as a statement of fact, not someone’s musing, theory or opinion.
Blink,
Please, please advise me on the best way to deal with this. I am absolutely outraged. This PIG molested two yong teenage girls at our Albemarle County fair a few weeks ago and Judge Dwight D. Johnson gave him a mere 3 month SUSPENDED SENTENCE. SUSPENDED.
Take a look at his mug shot. How can a juvenile court judge, who is supposed to PROTECT OUR CHILDREN, give a GROWN MAN a 3 month suspended sentence for sexually assaulting two young girls?? How??
I have had it. Just had it. His next vicim cvould end up like our Sweet Morgan. I will not sit back and watch this happen. I am going to email this idiotic judge, I am going to post comments on every single place on the internet iI can, I am going to call his office and leave messages, I am not going to let it go. I just wonder what else I/we can do.
TIA.
I may have a contact, can you do me a fave and repost the links to this crime ( or anyone else if they get this first) in one post and mark it private at the top? This is going to require some more research.
B
I am sorry that I forgot to put the link to the psycho sexual assaulter of teenage girls in my last post. I am so incensed I cannot see or type straight. Here is the link to the pathetically NO sentence handed down by JUDGE DWIGHT D JOHNSON.
http://www.nbc29.com/Global/story.asp?S=13034797
Hey, let’s remove ourselves for the moment from Charlottesville and please focus on Fairfax,VA in the vicinity of Rock Garden Drive, park/pool area. The suspect last seen “running south behind the pool toward Fairhaven Court — a black male, 25-35 YOA, approximately 6’0″ Medium Build; Black hair with a beard & mustache; wearing a black colored pullover sweater with a zipper, white t-shirt underneath and light colored pants”.
It may have been dealt with here and I missed it, but could someone please bring me up to speed on this neighborhood? How bout a Google map of this area? Is Fairhaven Court another apartment complex? Who lives there? What businesses are in that area? What other events besides a concert were going on that night?
A pullover “sweater” with a zipper is much different than a pull over “hoodie” with a zipper. Did the victim know the difference? The “light-colored pants” are much different than jeans, jean shorts, ‘bustin’ slack’ etc. (Is that phrase even used anymore lol?) How did she know there was a white t-shirt underneath? Was it a pullover sweater vest?
Come on people let’s get cracking!
Wanted to add the following to my 9:38 comment, but it had gotten really lengthy and I remember that Blink once asked that we be as brief as possible in order not to lock up the server. I wrote previously, “please do CONSIDER what you are posting…..” To follow are several definitions of the word consider. None defines consider as a form of censorship.
From: thefreedictionary.com
“con·sid·er (kn-sdr)
v. con·sid·ered, con·sid·er·ing, con·sid·ers
v.tr.
1. To think carefully about.
2. To think or deem to be; regard as. See Usage Note at as1.
3. To form an opinion about; judge: considers waste to be criminal.
4. To take into account; bear in mind: Her success is not surprising if you consider her excellent training.
5. To show consideration for: failed to consider the feelings of others.
6. To esteem; regard.
7. To look at thoughtfully.
v.intr.
To think carefully; reflect: Give me time to consider.”
I was horrified when I learned that Morgan had disappeared from the arena. I went numb when I heard that her body had been found. I came to this site after someone mentioned it on the Hook website. I haven’t contributed much in the way of theories because that’s just not my style, but I have thought that some have perhaps come near to the truth of what could have happened. I do have negative reactions when reading comments I believe to be unfair or inaccurate. Sometimes I feel compelled to comment, other times I have let them slide. Once before, I decided to back out of the discussion, but then, I can’t recall what, something drew me back. I have decided again to back out, not because I have lost interest in finding Morgan’s killer, just because there’s seems so little more to say that hasn’t already been said multiple times. I’ll continue to read. If the day comes when the killer is arrested, I’ll be right here with the rest of you giving big hurrays.
MsL-
Just an fyi, alot of folks read comments on their handheld BB’s ,droids, etc however, we have a zippy new server to accomodate. Post away.
B
Sorry, one final comment to Concerned Mom. The story on the local tv news stated that this was a plea agreement worked out between Denise Lunsford, Commonwealth’s Attorney, and the defense in order to keep the victimized young girls from having to testify in open court. With a plea agreement, would the sentence have been part of the agreement or is that decision made independent of the agreement at the discretion of the judge?
Blink,
I came across one of our young family member’s video page on fb. Some enlightening footage here and there, though it is dark most of the time. If you are interested.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000129282316#!/profile.php?id=100001407496870&v=wall
Msl … I live in Houston. Our Mayor (liberal Dem. sorta of guy), brought in 10s of thousands of New Orleaneans after Hurricane Katrinia!! Thank you, G-d and Mayor White. Since my reading this blog and seeing TD Boones Pictures, I LOVE Virginia!! I’ve researched the history, people, and land grants. I would feel privilidged to enroll my girls in UVA, VT, JMU … in a heart beat – - if I’d had known about their wonderful academics and histories. Charlotesville vs Houston? Get outta-here! We can’t even grow azalas! Oh no, love your homeland … as you should. I think some comments (from experience and location) are only from experiences that have “more” worked. Here in Texas, we have “hard-ass-ed” LE. They ‘play’ like our football, to WIN. So don’t ever feel that others do not L O N G to have you history and physical beauty! We just want you to have our HARD-ASS-ED justice – but, we know we can be wrong!!!
Sorry, but I must have alot to say today. Concerned MOM thanks for bringing the carnival article over. The more times people hear about these ridiculous sentences, hopefully we can do something to rid of these idiots. Wait til his dtr or grandchild gets fondled, I imagine he might change his tune. What I dont get is that even if the law allows a range even if not substantial enough, the judges appear to lean toward leniency. Why is that?
Evening prayer:
Please let our faithful BOC members get along and get to work on finding justice to our dear Morgan. Amen
Concerned Mom
This is exactly the type of case that I was referring to on my post of August 24. Until these soft judges get removed from our courts by the people, this type of thing will happen.
This guy should have received jail time and be made to register as a sexal offender.
It is this type of happening that makes parents crazy. Maybe we should just quit allowing teenagers to go anywhere near a carnivle for about a year and see what happens when they have to go out of business for lack of customers.
The above is not a solution. It is an example of a reaction to bad behavior by the perp and victimizing the famlies a second time by a soft judge.
I want to freaking scream some days.
Does anyone know permit law for these venues?
B
OMFISH!
YOU happened. Word is not enough to thank you for that beautifully written post. Your raw compassion and personal integrity comes through for sure. More valuable though, is the healing process you offer to us all.
It’s not pretty process–”a cold and broken Hallelujah” (Leonard Cohen, but sung so well by Jeff Buckley, check out the utube) but it’s real, Baby. It’s real. Many of us can vouch for your pain.
Thanks for keeping it real, Fish.
And Dan and Gil, if you read here, please accept our emmissary’s
love and commitment. She Fishes for us all.
@Concerned Mom: I agree. What in the world was that judge thinking?
@Mom 3.0: Being a Virginian myself, I have often wondered if the crimes which go unsolved in my state would be considered unusual in number in another state. I have worried about the years ago and still unsolved Colonial Parkway Murders, where 4 young couples were murdered, and the investigation seemed to go nowhere. That happened back in the 80′s and just now some of the family members have gotten some of the LE branches involved to revisit the cases with new forensic tools.
Then of course there is the notorious RT 29 stalker, which most people do not think is the person previously incarcerated for a similar crime, and whom I believe has just been sent back to prison for yet another parole violation. That stalker approached many individuals on RT 29, and one victim’s name that comes to mind whose case has never been solved is Alicia Showalter Reynolds.
Whenever crimes come up which fit the above two patterns, I immediately think: oh, this murderer is back at it again. And…too bad they were never caught when the trail was fresh the first time.
These are not the only ones, in fact there seem to be too many for me to remember. A young couple was recently murdered in the western part of the state, and I am not sure if that reminds me more of the Colonial Parkway Murders, or the Shenandoah National Park Murders.
The odd thing about those murders (CP and SNP) is that it was pairs of young people who were victims, as in a dating relationship, and in many, (all? I do not know), the side driver’s window was partly rolled down, the glove box was opened, and wallets were out, as if a security person of LE imposter had asked for vehicle id or other id.
So I would like to know: why does it seem that many of these old and new crimes never get solved? Many of them seem to follow a theory of rogue LE, rogue quasi LE, or wannabe LE who is jealous of a young couple in love, (the Colonial Parkway murderer), or in the case of RT 29, someone who points out a problem with a womans vehicle, and motions her over.
My question is also, why did it take the various LE’s with jurisdiction so long to reopen the Colonial Parkway investigation,– from the late 1980′s until now.—-(to use dna technology).
Virginia was one of the pioneers of DNA for id of murderers, in the Timothy Wilson Spencer gruesome serial murders in Richmond. In fact Spencer was the first to be put to death in the nation based on dna evidence. http://tech.mit.edu/V114/N24/briefs1.24w.html
In one of the Colonial Parkway cases, it was recently revealed that the couple had written a name, address, license plate to meet at the rest stop where they were murdered. The VSP spokeswoman recently said something to the effect that “we investigated that evidence back then and it produced nothing.”….However the new detective on the case said he had not seen that piece of evidence. The family has the daughter’s note in a box of her belongings.
For my part, I would like my kids to attend one of the several good universities in Virginia, since we are taxpayers, and we will also have graduate school expenses for them, like law school currently for one, or wherever their interest takes them. It would be nice if we could feel safe about all of the fine public universities in VA, especially to be a little closer as a parental safety net, instead of thousands of miles away, but even with one son having just graduated from William and Mary, I will tell you that visiting Williamsburg was a lot of fun, to see him, and it is a great place, but driving down the Colonial Parway to this day gives me the creeps. I had to tell him about the murders there which happened when he was a very young child, just to keep his guard up as to such things.
Looking south at NC, UNC is an excellent University, where my family has strong ties as legacies, (2 grandfathers, my husband’s father–undergrad AND medical school, and my husband), off hand, they do not seem to have the history of serial stalkers, killers, but I have not been following that as carefully as VA. I do know that the Student Body president in 2008 was killed in a very senseless murder…..http://wjz.com/national/eve.carson.unc.2.676154.html.
Police in NC caught that perp pretty fast, compared to the goings on in some of the Virginia college area crimes– serial crimes, which have been seemingly going on for decades.
I know that I mentioned this feeling of mine early on in my posting here, and I have not made a state by state comparison of serial murderers either caught or not caught, but I do have the idea that Virginia has got its hands full with the present batch of unsolved crimes, going back decades.
I am by no means a statistics and probability wiz, however, demographically, I would say the radius of population vs. crime cycle in this general area is high.
B
Yikes…he’s scarier looking than the “sketch”. A picture is worth a thousand words…YIKES.
Morning All Blinkies..
MsL : I thought of you yesterday as a chihuahua came into my clinic (yep, the same dog who ALSO belongs to a kind older lady who ALSO bit my lower lip months ago…there sure ain’t gonna be a kiss on the head this week. After 17 years of being a vet you think I’d learn, but nnnoooo). Also, what’s up with you defending those who can’t defend themselves and those who may have hurting loved ones? And doing it anonymously, no less? Careful, you are showing your class. CLASS ACT.
Fish: “I am not one step away from Bellevue and I’m gonna prove it..bug spray..napalm..” I am still chuckling. My smile muscles are sore. Please write a comedic column. For therapy. For us. You are something else.
OK, For all else who might like a POSITIVE break on this fine morning…Feel the love…WOOF WOOF WAG WAG DROOL DROOL
PEACE ALL…
http://www.badrap.org
Fish : “I am not one step away from Bellevue and I am going to prove it..bug spray…napalm..” Just when I thought I was too tired to move another muscle, you made my smile muscles work. I am still chuckling. If you don’t start writing a column you are missing a calling.
This was my exact advice to Fish.
B
i am going to eat my words about no connection between the louisa, va, shootings and morgan’s case. there is at least a friend of a friend connection to the family involved in louisa that i can see on fb. at least there is some social relationship there, not necessarily a link to the crimes.
Yep. ok to post.
B
regards my comment at 9:01am: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Eve_Carson
This may be a better link to the UNC Eve Carson murder, the other one appears not to be working. In any case, her murder is on the internet, if one is interested, just google it under her name.
Also: on the note found in the Colonial Parkway case, I meant to say name, telephone number (not address), and license plate.
@ Elf: you sound like a loving person, and a real dog lover. I respect your sentiments, but I guess we will just have to agree to disagree about my feelings on certain dog breeds.
@ someone: who said that I said that pit bulls were an “abomoination”, I did not ever use that word.
I wrote last night, still awaiting moderation, that I was going to step back from the discussion board and be a reader. I do want to comment to Elf. I’m sure you didn’t laugh at the time, but your run in with the chihuahua gave me my morning chuckle. If I didn’t know better, I would think your poor lip encountered my little friend, or perhaps I should say the neighborhood nemesis. He and his loving owner have passed on. I have my doubts but maybe my nipped ankles cause me to be prejudice. If he was deemed suitable for Heaven, I can see his dear owner conversing with other angels while little Jakie chews on their feet and pulls at their robes.
Mary,
I dont have time to link etc, getting ready to leave for work. But there are several guys in this poiece that wear kakhis and black sweaters. Follow link to myspace page. Yes there was a concert that night, dont remember the name, it is here in the begining. More later.
Elf-
It was the dog that bit you not the old lady right? lol!
I am so sorry if I offended anyone by my previous post. I was hoping that no stone stay unturned. I wasn’t accusing. I hope everyone accepts my apology. If anyone knew me they would know I never would EVER intend to hurt someone’s feelings.
Also, I was trying to say that because I want this case solved so badly, I see a lot of people looking like SKTECH. It is purely my subjectiveness which I am sure a lot of people have when looking at a drawing that may be inaccurate. I should have added, that is why one should use caution when looking at the similarities of the photo.
I have decided not to post anymore. I have never posted on a blog except here and I feel so badly that I cannot stay. Again, so sorry.
RU-
everyone makes mistakes. Compassion for other is a virtue. You are welcome here.
B
Gil Harrington’s Blog for August 25th, 2010
Cyber Crime
Feeling the lash today
of those who tell us “go away”,
Seems our story’s getting sort of stale
time to hear another tale.
They enjoyed a vicarious thriller,
chatting about your vicious killer,
but now its old hat
so enough of that.
What I thought they came to see
was how to act with dignity
when life hits its fiercest blow,
but they want a trumped up reality show
with plots and yelling
drama most compelling.
Don’t they get that this is our life, that we live every day.
Wish I could make it go away.
Morgan you’re just as dead as you were before
pity it doesn’t interest any more
Sorry the story’s lost its cachet, but its a story we must tell
to put a killer in a cell.
So if you really want to give advise
and make snarky comments that aren’t nice
Fine, and welcome to the “game” its great.
Though the admission is pricey – its somebody’s fate.
Is it your son or your daughter you’ll throw on the plate?
Stand tall Harrington’s. Your limb is sound.
B
cold case.
don’t believe the hype gang. there isn’t going to be an arrest, they do not have a suspect, and there are not going to be anymore press conferences. the old ablemarle police chief retired, the VSP and UVA police haven’t solved any of the cases we have heard about over the past 10 months. i really think it is time for people to recognize when the powers that be want a case to just go away. you all should be very angry and outraged at the way this was all handled from the day of her disappearance. take notes … when you mess up in the state of Virginia and lives are lost and crime continues to pay without justice being served and have nothing, just put out a sketch of a black male from a previous unsolved case close enough to have people believing there is a tie, but far enough away to where there will be no resolution. cold case. r.i.p. morgan.
BLINK PRIVATE
http://www.nbc29.com/global/story.asp?s=13034797
http://www.newsplex.com/home/headlines/101337294.html
http://www2.nelsoncountytimes.com/news/2010/aug/24/carnival-ride-operator-guilty-touching-girls-ar-469861/
Here are the links you requested. I am sick about this. This man pleaeded GUILTY to felony aggravated sexual assault and misdemeanor sexual assault of two young girls and he is a free man.
I hope this isn’t too far off-topic, but after all these comments about safety on VA campuses, I did a little looking around for campus crime statistics and found some Dept. of Education data on the subject.
Mind you, these numbers are all self-reported by the colleges and there has been some controversy in recent years about whether colleges are reporting accurately.
First, stats for all residential colleges in Virginia and North Carolina in 2008. Both states are reporting 0 on-campus murders or non-negligent homicides. VA reports 95 forcible sexual offenses, NC reports 55. For robbery, VA reports 37 and NC 60. Aggravated assaults 53 for VA and 98 for NC.
Note: I only did 2008 because I wanted crime stats for a “normal” year and the 2007 numbers are hugely skewed by the VA Tech shootings.
OK, now for on-campus crime stats for UVA and UNC Chapel Hill (chosen only because someone brought it up re Eve Carson). Both schools report 0 for the years 2006-2008. UVA reports one negligent homicide in 2007.
Differences start to arise when it comes to forcible sex offenses. For UVA, they report 8 in 2006, 4 in 2007 and 14 in 2008. For UNC, 12 in 2006, 7 in 2007 and 4 in 2008. So, one school seems to be increasing while the other decreases.
For UVA, there were 3 robberies in 2006, 6 in 2007 and 2 in 2008. For UNC, the numbers were 2, 1 and 3, respectively.
Again, the numbers diverge a bit for aggravated assaults. UVA reported 1 in 2006, 7 in 2007 and 2 in 2008. UNC reported 16, 0 and 8, respectively.
And just to throw in my alma mater, W&M had 0 murders or negligent homicides reported in 2006-2008. 2 forcible sex offenses reported in 2006, 5 in 2007 and 4 in 2008. 1 robbery in 2006 and 1 reported aggravated assault in 2008.
Overall, UNC Chapel Hill has about 28,400 students enrolled–about 4,000 more students than UVA. W&M has just under 8,000 students total.
Interestingly, UNC Chapel Hill did not seem to account for Eve Carson in any of their stats–on campus, off campus or public property. (She was killed off campus.) Not sure what their thinking was there.
I could find total US numbers but could not find any “average” statistics for comparison.
Anyone who wants to look up a school can do so at http://ope.ed.gov/security/.
Mom3.0–Aug. 24th-at 3:07
Bravo! This case has been my first foray into the BOC forum, and if I had your way with words I could have written your exact comment. You have summed up this entire case and it’s effect on the many who have followed it perfectly–”IMO”.
I have lived in New Jersey, Arizona, and Florida—-and in quoting you, Mom30 –”in following Morgan’s case, I know there have been many UNSOLVED killings, rapes, and attempted rapes in the state”. How can North Carolina not be viewed negatively when it comes to it’s law enforcement. Let’s face it their record is dismal.No one believes the people in North Carolina are anything more then victims themselves, held captive by their fear of one or more violent predators or serial killer. Think about it–perhaps evil knows it can thrive there.
It surprises me that the community has not demanded answers. These agencies are paid to protect and serve, yet it seems many here have suggested the Morgan’s hire a private detective! Sad to say , the ineffectiveness of the law enforcement agencies have brought this negative view of same on themselves. It would help if they at least open the lines of communication between them and their community!
When you are as emotionally attached to something as we are all to the Harringtons, emotions run high, all of ours.
But, I implore all to read Gil’s latest blog posted by Dr Harrington above. The Harrington’s need us!! We cannot leave them now.
So, PLEASE, everyone, let’s put any differences aside, regroup, and come together as one for the sake of Morgan and her family.
Everyone here is a valued poster. Many of us have been here since October. To anyone considering “stepping back” or not posting anymore, please don’t leave us and please don’t stop posting.
Please.