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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here is the link:
http://www.topix.com/forum/city/char…HR2F226M6M0ADP
Charlottesville, VA username: guilty of it
I did work security for JPJ and Scotts Stadium for a couple years, that when it is absolutely NECESSARY to go out and come back in they will let you.
I believe this. It is also a reason I think her abductor/murderer was in earshot or visual proximity.
He strikes as she is walking away, grabs her in area of Lanigan field, never made the bridge.
B
@ Katie: your synopsis is extremely helpful. I keep reading about melon man, but I don;t do facebook, so I don;t really know that one. You say he is a JB friend from Richmond, is he discussed other than on FB so I can find him?
Also, the one about the person who just disappeared is concerning. as well as my personal favorite, EH.
I think that Morgan;s killer put her close by to watch for signs of discovery, and that maybe all of the firetruck coming and going that morning of her discovery, was not only to get rid of evidence at the Sutherland house, oops, I meant put out the fire, (close by AF perp could have seen Mr. Bass going out into the routine of checking the fences, days before he got to the site of Morgan, and had time to determine that fire fighteres would be “needed” at Sutherland’), but, also, the perp, if he had a friend on the fire dept could have been asking friend to find out what was going on with police on AF that morning, obviously perp could not know first hand in real time what police had found and how much evidence, but firetrucks could legitimately and without suspicion talk to trooper on RT 29 guarding entrance to AF and get a sense of what was the level of evidence, and pass it on to perp, hypothetically. I am not saying fire responders are in cahoots, maybe it was the perp who was just asking a fireman friend to get the info for him and again, that was another reason for all of the coming and going, and fireman did not know why perp wanted this information, (just to be careful and not accuse anyone in a group of firefighters, I will say firefighter could have been unaware (???) why perp wanted this info.)
Random thougts about Sketch: Sketch has been described as having 85% sub-saharan genetic makeup, and various posters have noted he looks (feature wise) Pakistani, or middle eastern, as well as he appears obviously to be a black person. The 2005 Fairfax (Patriot Center) concert was Googoosh, who is an Iranian pop singer, and Sketch’s victim near the concert site allegedly spoke Urdu, a language spoken in Pakistan and India.
Would the 2005 victim have inadvertantly put features in Sketch’s face looking like Pakistani, or middle eastern, descent, even 15%, if he was not partially of that culture? I do not know. She was very shaken up to say the least, and I have not heard that police have found her to re-interview, One article said the family she was staying with or visiting may have moved away.
Is there any Pakistani or Indian, etc. cultural center near JPJA in Charlottesville, or near rt 29?
Is there any public records way to see which company handled the bail bond of EH, I suspect he had numerous needs for their services.
These are things I do not know.
PLEASE CORRECT ANY OF THIS INFO IF IT IS WRONG!
To add to the list of who’s who:
NGFF NJ daytripper has or had a girlfriend = SS
SS practices MMA with JR (employed by HH Security)
JR has a relative(Gary Snadridge)who is a rapist/RSO; GS is married to Beck Sandridge
CW is the NGFF that called in a tip at about the same time as the Sutherland fire
SH is the brother of RH and works at Brown Mercedes
Caleb Marden on of the LE fired after the Colby Eppard shooting, but little info on why
who else?
B, funny thing that you mentioned Laura Pepe again…as I was just mulling over her story yesterday or the day before. The trouble is: her coworker, at the restaurant, suggested that Laura may have intimated that something like this might get her a lot of attention. The co-worker suggests that Laura intended to “disappear” for a few days.
Possible, but then why not give a statement if one was looking to exploit?
B
Laura Pepe, didn’t think I would hear that name again! Thinking logically, I do believe Laura’s story, primarily because of the fact that she made contact with her mother shortly after the story broke. The probability that she would have “escaped” an ill situation so very close to the time that the knowledge of her disappearance was made public is far from fathomable IMO. She more than likely learned from the news coverage that she was being looked for and immediately made contact with her family. I am also quite “familiar” with the “Phish Crowd” and know their behavior. What Laura did, although dangerous, is not all that uncommon. I can, however, certainly see why the incident would be questioned.
I do agree with you 100% Blink that Morgan’s murder was a “practiced/experienced” type of event. The Killer(s) were cognizant of LEs techniques and methods and appeared to acquire the “head start” they desired. He/they will strike again if not caught, it is just a matter of when and where.
Serial offenders are typically known to commit crimes in a predetermined, cyclical manner. Sometimes their apparent obviousness, as noted after-the-fact, is astounding. Anniversaries are quite notable. The perp(s), if they remain active and aren’t caught, get a charge off of “reliving” their last successful crime and may offend again around a similar frame of time. As noted by the Fairfax case and Morgan’s murder, the incidents took place in the evening and late summer early fall. The fall, and especially with October coming, are worrisome to me for this reason.
These individual(s) NEED to be brought to justice soon.
what kinda gets me is they didn’t HAVE to say she was studying in the back seat on the way to the concert. Why say it?
Do we have a source for this?
B
Any MMA trained person out there-
If you were going to grab someone from behind, and simultaneously make sure they could not make a sound and render them immobile, how would you?
This would be in a low light scenario.
B
Blink, I may not have the correct words when saying this but I have to ask.
Is there any way that the friends could party the way they did both on Halloween and for a birthday party because they believed that Morgan was with “HIM” and they knew who “HIM” was so they felt it safe to carry on with their lives. Partying and all.
It was only when they learned of the parking lot fight that they realized that it was bad. Very bad. So now they too are silent.
They suspect but do not know for sure. But they are scared.
Wonder if there have been “friends deleted” on their FB’s.
Judy and Mom3.0, not that any of this matters. I don’t think it does. They have no clue. I’m going to believe that they came through with everything they know and knew of that night.
Maybe the friends know nothing more than she was locked out.
All I can say, is that I am hoping that they have grown both emotional and spiritually from Morgan’s death. I cannot emphasize it enough…I was a best friend.
I have been in that amy’s position. Even sarah’s.
The grief and guilt is overwhelming.
Longshot,
Was Morgan abducted by Mr. Howard or does he know the WHO?
&&&
Sister, Thank you for your kind words.
There WILL BE NO ONE that will have this family’s back more than I.
I can guarantee that! 1000%
I stood on that brige with them and realized one thing, the numbers dwindled. I will not leave them. I will not leave her AND, I don’t think for one minute that they need me, just that I know what it is like to have everyone leave. It is society’s coping mechanism.
I know that I am one thing and really one thing only…LOYAL.
To a fault. Although, at times, I may be a bull in that china shop but I will not fail them by not showing up and being present.
I will not fail this thing called motherhood and I will not fail this Mother named Gil.
Not to be weird or anything but I feel this family’s pain as if it were my own. So very different as their’s, so unimaginable.
I have always said that we all have pain and grief, just on different levels. MsL and I have pain yet she acknowledged that maybe mine might be a little deeper of a cut. I get her and her words.
I do not think so but what I do know it that on some days I know my pain pales in comparision to what this family is going through. Add in the fact, they do not have someone held accountable for this crime.
I do know what it is like to have a man walking out there and never held accountable for any of it. Not the beatings, not the threats, not the control and violence he rained down on my sister. But then again she didn’t want him to strike out at another so she kept quiet. Her decision. So I pick up the pieces and move on. Enough about that.
I have piped down about the wording on the bridge.
I am happy if they are happy! Absolutely!
But the minute they need anything, bam, I’m there.
Gil’s words are once again, reassuring.
My, how does she do it? What a compassionate soul.
(sometimes I cry because Mrs. Harrington could have helped my own broken Mom, her kind, wise, blunt words I just know would have helped for sure. Morgan’s Mom is a gift from God for me…a daughter, a sister, a bestfriend left behind)
People, if we do not understand that we are standing amongst something special here well, I cannot speak any louder or clearer.
This family deserves our support.
Is it from sending a letter to the governor, sending in a donation to Morgan’s charities, sending donations to VSP; I don’t know. Just know that possibly every little bit will help. I hope so.
Did Mr. Ray grab Morgan by the arm? Was he listening to a short, curt conversation and realized he had an opportunity?
Thus, the Kickee fighter?
~~~
All I can say is to you, Mr. Freakshow and your friend Sketch, one night, you had the upperhand. That will not always be.
We will search every family deed both good and bad and oh yea, land deeds and find out why there! Why Anchorage Farm.
I would imagine that our steely, ever present Lt. Rader and his crew already are so close. Very close and when the day comes you get your very own runway walk, I’m going be there for your family. Yep, that’s right! I throw them words of support. I will tell them also to get help. Seek out therapy, seek out support, seek out help that works. Know why?
Because if you cannot stand up and do the right thing, it is those little kids in your family that deserve a chance in life. Period.
They do not need your crap heaped upon them. Just my opinion, ya know.
Here Mr. Freakshow:
“Your family must not be supportive of you. You must be alone with rage and self-loathing. I would imagine that we share the same time zone?
The 3:00 in the morning time zone.
Are they as rough for you as they are for me?
You probably sit up in a cold sweat and panic. So do I. I wake up with memories that are fading. Up looking at pictures, holding her robe, her jewelry, and yes, holding onto little pieces of her.
Look at what you have done!!!
I don’t know why but I don’t believe that you have blocked this. Blocked murdering Morgan. I think that YOU think about it every day. I have been raised to see the light in each and every one of us. Could I see the light in you? Hmmmm, I wonder? I doubt it. I want you behind bars. I want you to look into her family’s face and I want you to squirm. I want you to realize what you have done and get your three hots, maybe add in some therapy and a chaplain. I know, I’m dreaming. Prison is full of these guys and when they leave, some go on and live redeemed and some, well, repeat.
I do want harsh words to be delivered as your final blow though.
Then we can work on accepting your violent faults. Or not.
The way some are able to accept the person who murders their loved one. Or not.
You may wear the mask of sanity but you are anything but. No, not insane, I won’t give you that. You are just sick and depraved spawn for a reason. We just do not know why yet and the only reason I want to know because if there is another sitting at home, I want him watched too!”
There Stop-Gap. (whatever that means)
~~~
Blink, I’m going to paste another part of my post back to Meadow.
It might not make sense as it is out of context…
“His family has no idea what pain they are about to go through.
Their lives will be decimated.
I have tried to see the light in them. I have.
I offered through words of action.
We ALL appealed to a girlfriend, a wife, a mother, a sister.
Cricket, cricket. Remember???
No, not all are bad I know. I know of a family who has that rageful, insane man who put my sister through hell. I blame him not his family. Although there were times they could have stepped up and did the right thing. They chose not to. They wanted for it all to go away. They lived in complete denial. What a sad, sad set of family dynamics. Maybe Meadow, your husband can explain this phenomenon. I just never cared enough to want to sit and listen.
She was gone and he was not.”
There Blink, I think I have said enough for the day. I have printed out every deed of every house within 10 miles of Anchorage Farm. Should I go further?
I would imagine that at one time HE lived in one of them.
Then again, like you, I could be wrong.
Doubt it, though.
Wonder if he liked dirtbikes?
&&&
Meadow, I want you to know that I did write a response to you. I did indeed, “tackle it” like Blink asked. It is far too long and really not many would want to hear it. Plus, I want this specifically to be about finding and locating Morgan Harrington’s murderer(s). But just know that the reason I got up off that couch that day was because I had realized that I too, had become desensitized.
I just needed to be there and do something.
Give back.
I opened not only my eyes but my heart.
Gave back with a pure heart.
Finally, I was truly in a living state of mind and not just living.
(Get it? I know I write confusing sometimes)
If ever you have a chance, I would highly recommend you standing up, speaking up, and never giving up on Morgan.
And no, not just her. There are thousands. A banner from Monica Casion showed us this on that very bridge. But maybe if we keep at searching for the murderer of Morgan, there will not be another from this specific “Freakshow”. He will not hurt another family.
Meadow, your heart (as is mine), is in the right place.
J4M
o/t
Mr. Sandridge, where is he exactly?
Blink, I know you may delete some parts wherein, I understand.
I’m WAY off base, I know. I’m not the professional here.
Just tryin.
crimewriter says:
September 16, 2010 at 8:53 pm
“According to a police report, club security manager Rod Howard saw the two men reach behind the club’s back bar and take two beers each”
http://www2.dailyprogress.com/news/cdp-news-local/2008/jul/29/uva_football_players_face_charges_of_larceny_after-ar-68572/
I recall when I was in school, all of the athletes had a tendency to hang out at the same couple of bars-like a Club 216 where these guys were arrested- from the football players to basketball players and so forth. The security guys are probably in pretty tightly with these players and may have an unspoken level of protection for such athletes, given that they are high profile D1 athletes within the fishbowl that is a university campus. Unless if they piss off security.
I wonder what sort of relationship the players who were at the athletic complex around JPJA that night have with said security firm and its agents?
I’m sure (although I’m guessing) that has been examined by LE, though. Good find, crimewriter. I had seen some links to other club via Facebook “favorites”, but no articles with QUOTES. Hopefully, these are being cached by LE…
Fish says “Not to be weird or anything but I feel this family’s pain as if it were my own”
I feel the same way. So, if you are weird, so am I!
BLINK: Are you able to confirm ANY of the below items (if not, I totally understand)..
- LE’s official stand is that Morgan was abducted from the bridge, not the parking lot or anywhere else for that matter? ( I, like Blink, do not believe Morgan was even on the bridge and IF she was, certainly not to HH)? Are they sticking like glue to this?
- LE is basing Morgan last being on the bridge on what? The dogs, Maggie whatever who posted her sighting, or some unknown witness? And, if there is an unknown witness, I would be VERY curious to know who it was (i.e. security guard)
- Have Lie Detectors tests been given to the friends, kickee, witnesses, H&H folks, NGVFD folks, local RSO’s, anyone??? OR, has anyone been asked to take one and refused? Oh, and how about to the security company who worked the concert that night?
- Did LE learn anything of value from the BB players, even if not releasing to the public?
- In LE’s eyes, what witness accounts do they consider completely ruled out and what witness accounts to they keep as a true possible sighting of Morgan?
- Has LE thoroughly interviewed everyone around the area where Morgan’s shirt was found?
- Is the only piece of forensic evidence we have is the DNA of Sketch or does LE have something else that they just aren’t releasing?
- Does LE, in all honesty to themselves, feel confident about an arrest in this case?
We want to help LE. If there is anything else that they can release without jeopardizing the case, it would be of great assistance to us here. I realize and understand that they must hold pertinent information confidential. But, I’m sure at least some of this stuff they could release without risk of damage to the case.
Blink says:
I believe this. It is also a reason I think her abductor/murderer was in earshot or visual proximity.
He strikes as she is walking away, grabs her in area of Lanigan field, never made the bridge.
B
———————
Where exactly was the last “scent” from the dogs marked at? Was it on the bridge where the memorial items are left, was it on the other side of the bridge (Heading away from JPJA)where there is no sidewalk, just before the bridge (closer to JPJA) or just on the other side of the bridge (farther side from JPJA).
If the dogs lose scent of her on the bridge, doesn’t it make sense that she left from a vehicle at that point? Could she have backtracked and the scent halted at that spot due to backtracking back to Lanigan parking area? If so, someone BB players would have seen her (unless by that time they had left)…Could someone they met in the parking area have picked Morgan up?
And what happened to the Men in Black after they walked with Morgan away from JPJA? As far as I know, these guys have never been identified in public.
For what it is worth, I believe she was taken in the Lanigan parking area also. Or she crossed the bridge and was taken in the bank parking lot just on the other side of the bridge.
So many questions we still don’t know. But it seems like there were quite a few people in the Lanigan parking area around the time Morgan disappeared.
The canine evidence, unless and until we know it’s origin, is useless.
We do not know what k9 certifications are held, or the handlers.
We do not know the strategy of the alert, if an actual alert occurred, which in and of itself, without proper k9 corroboration, is useless.
Were traks run, on what dates, on what perimeter, with what scent, qualifications of dog/handler- corroborated/specimen accuracy, was there a control, was there a false (placebo), weather conditions, data verifications for use in determining perimeter.. etc..
I am simply attempting to demonstrate that k9 use has many controls, and the outcome or result is looked at differently in different LE agencies, specifically trained in this area.
Props to Bink, though.
B
In reference to your September 17, 2010 at 11:18 am question:
There appear to be quite a few that would even appear to be tie holds that would almost make it look like an embrace or hug:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collar_tie#Double_collar_tie
or from behind:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chokehold
Blink- You brought up Lt. Rader comments of “discernable” images- Was that in a press conference? I can’t seem to find that quote attributed to him?
Here’s what I found regarding images, footage ect.
If anyone can point me in the right direction…..TIA
dew says:
February 1, 2010 at 10:16 pm
It seems one of the reporters at Hook agrees with Blink on cameras at JPJ.
“Courteney Stuart February 1st, 2010 | 8:03 pm
I’m a Hook reporter covering this story. There’s a smoking area inside JPJ; the official story has always been that she told her friends she was going to the bathroom. And there has never been any information about Morgan being seen on surveillance at JPJ or anywhere else. In fact, that’s one of the many odd things in this case: police have been very clear– in multiple conversations I’ve had with them– that they have no video or photos of Morgan from that night.”
It also sounds like a shirt was found at some point – last week or last fall – but doesn’t sound like it is confirmed as Morgan’s.
From the hook website on tomorrow’s story —
http://www.readthehook.com/blog/index.php/2010/02/01/multiple-riddles-harringtons-body-creates-new-mysteries-angles/
Courtney is correct and I agree. I will be honest, I am getting ticked off at some of the rookie errors in reporting and wondering if it is not on purpose for exposure. If that sounds harsh, than allow me to express that reporting was just irresponsible and not fact checked.
No discernable images of Morgan on that video per VSP, multiple sources- confirmed.
A shirt, resembling one Morgan was wearing, was found, and imo was an orchestration and is not Morgan’s.
B
In the early days of the investigation, Geller says, police reviewed hours of surveillance footage from the Arena and from area businesses but found no images of Morgan. According to the owner of the closest convenience store to John Paul Jones Arena, the 7-Eleven on Ivy Road, it was several days before investigators reviewed her store’s tapes.
“I believe it was Wednesday, October 21,” says 7-Eleven franchise owner Sabiha Raja.
Asked why it took so long, Geller said at a press conference, “It depends when that information might have come in.”
An employee of nearby BB&T bank declined comment on investigators reviewing surveillance at the bank, and the manager of the Cavalier Inn on Emmet Street did not return the Hook’s call.
http://www.readthehook.com/blog/index.php/2009/11/15/concerned-witnesses-before-hitching-morgan-harrington-caused-worry/
Well Blink,
I’m not MMA trained but I would think a blow to the head; temple area, snap of the neck; only if not needed, pressure on the carotid artery; a pressure point, yes chloroform; really shows prepardedness, a knife; silent or about about a simple stun, as in gun?
Yes, if someone out there has one, go ahead stun yourself!
BG
I guarantee you will not make a sound.
Any which way…IT was a violent maneveur.
A stun gun was always my first thought and it is a possibility.
The reason I am thinking more along the lines of her being grabbed from behind, is because I think if she were stunned, there is alot of movement/activity and one would need to “catch” her or scoop her up. I have been studying stun guns for a few weeks, and the instructor at my range will not allow me to be shot with one since I had a 3rd degree concussion last March, but I asked. Mr. Blink offered, though
But also, when it is discharged, there is a record of it, via the software and calibration.
I have a dear friend in LE who tasered his partner when apprehending a suspect, he seems to think LE would have a beat on who would be carrying such devices by now.
Because of the hands-on intense violence of this brutal rapist and murderer, the more I think about it, the more I think he would see that as a risk, and in his mind, a pansy act when he is large and in charge.
Morgan was 5’8″ with 3-31/2″ heeled boots. Our guy is 6’3″ plus, imo.
B
@ Amy September 17, 2010 at 9:47 am
Red Hill local said there were no unusual killings on AF or in the area – neither cows nor any other animals.
@ Blink September 17, 2010 at 11:01 am
“Possible, but then why not give a statement if one was looking to exploit?
B”
Because her lawyer told her she would have to cover the costs of the police operation?
Only if they could prove intent to do “something” against a statute- she was 26.
There has to be a reason the mp “alert” came out with LE support, imo
B
Such an amazing community here, kind and good. I’m grateful to be a part of it. Just want to follow up and thank those who allowed me to pour out my embarrassment of riches
–it’s awful to reread my posts, ugh, so overwrought, need to get back to lurking…..so:
Houston Mom, I love you
. Followed you here and I do hope this book will be as meaningful for you as it was and continues to be for me. It has enriched my spiritual understanding in ways too plentiful to count or even know. I think we are spiritual sisters and I say that not knowing but feeling it, hope it doesn’t offend you.
Alexandra, wow, what an incredible compliment, one I feel I do not deserve, but you gave it to me and I will take it with gratitude, thank you to someone always so kind here.
Mom3, we are so on the same page and I really appreciate the efforts and time you put in your thoughtful responses. I can easily see how you could be conflicted on how I presented things. It was late and I was fully in my emotional mind, grasping at straws, reeling a bit from Gil’s blog entry for that week, feeling frustrated beyond belief. While I do feel all that I said is technically true for me, as I named what I see as potentially problematic in our culture, I can also see that I may have sounded short sighted and without a lot of latitude. Thanks for calling me out on it and allowing a dialogue versus monologue to occur.
Warning if needed: skip this, it’s long and another ridiculous rant that after I wrote it and tried to edit and couldn’t figure out how to edit and keep it together in a meaningful way, just so you know:
I know this is about Morgan, yet how do we come here to discuss and attempt to problem solve, integrate the reality of what she went through that night, the vulgarities of how her life was ended, without addressing a piece of the violence so very apparent in today’s society? Gil calls us I do think, to explore these areas and find the parameters and push. She is passionate and curious, so relentless and fierce. So I do think in a way some of this is owed to Morgan–this discussion. To any and all girls, kids whomever, in their innocence living their innocent lives, that get shattered, obliterated, butchered by whatever demented person who thinks they have a right to. It’s horrifying and it isn’t just about finding the evildoer only. However, Blink, if you disagree in any way I’m there, just say the word. If it does detract, then it doesn’t belong and I apologize to all. Maybe I’ve been married to a shrink for too long, as he’s taught me, most of life is found in the “grays” and not the blacks, the whites. So I never see things cleanly.
Mom3, you hit the nail on the head about it boiling down to responsibility and if you didn’t add moderation then I would. What disturbs me is the enormous and unprecented amount of junk floating around this world available to every/anyone most all the time. The intensity of it I do think is unprecedented and unique. Where in history have we ever been exposed to so much info, and not just ugly stuff, just stuff period? IMO, we live in info overload and even changing channels doesn’t stop it. It is just our world the way it is now. We are a generation or two away from seeing the effects of much of it. Gross lyrics in music is a relatively new phenom in any mainstream way, as is violence-and I am thinking extreme, sophisticated here, in movies, TV, video games. We just don’t know yet what the meaning–good or bad will be. In the best worlds, there are good grounded parents or significant others that help to guide kids with their exposures and interpretations to all this stuff. In my mind, fictional literary violence, and historical violence isn’t the issue. However imo, the superfluous, extraneous, gratuituous violence is questionable. Now b/c I think this doesn’t mean I feel it should be denied. It scares me, even if the most cared for of our kids see this, but who am I to know or say that it shouldn’t exist? I wish there wasn’t this very apparent need for ppl to be gratified/entertained by violence as we have witnessed throughout history, you know the gladiator, throw em to the lions, bull fighting, stoning ppl to death for perceived crimes, public thrashings, witch burning, etc….sort of stuff. It is clear that humanity has a need for violent release. So is watching a terrifying movie full of violence against the innocent better than the real thing occurring? Yes. Does it make me discouraged and sad, well yes. But if it keeps ppl from acting it out in real life, then it’s working on some level. But what a double edged sword you know? It’s like a baby’s pacifier or something to stick in society’s mouth so it won’t scream so loudly.
You are right as well, on how to use it all for good through conscious interpretation and dialogue–which in the best worlds is what education is about, good parenting, good religion. I was taught that God cannot prevent evil from occurring but He can take it and use it, work it for good. I see BOC doing this, Gil and Dan, all of us here, trying to make sense of this, wanting a measure of justice for Morgan, b/c let’s face it, while we all want the perps caught and convicted, tried and punished, it is NEVER going to be enough or right. All that will be left after justice for Morgan has occurred here, is what God and company, and Morgan, will do. I have no doubt Heaven will have its hand in a continual reconcilation. Final justice is also about Gil, Dan and Alex finding peace in their hearts and the ability to find safety and meaning I would think, back into their worlds. Fish, for you too Sweetheart. For all hearts to mend and heal and feel joy and freedom again.
I would like to say Mom3, and we may disagree on some things, but I totally respect your points of view and think you are a terrific parent and educator-if only all could be…. I think it is important to name clearly what is what and not disguise or minimize things. The boundaries on labeling things are blurry in a lot of areas imo. To have distinct boundaries around certain areas helps one to make decisions, form thoughts, actions. Gil constantly refines definitions: not died, but butchered, slaughtered, Morgan was not showing skin at all that night, just her face and hands, abducted not missing, all in what I’m thinking is a constant need and desire to face what is true no matter how painful, in service of her daughter. So I also believe we need to craft our words carefully, realistically on what we see as clearly as possible. Mom3, here’s where I disagree a bit. We just don’t know what occurs when some watch horror/slash movies. Maybe they don’t act out in groups or society. Maybe they don’t hurt anyone on a large or small scale, in language or deed, but maybe they do. Who really can know what watching and enjoying killing others does on a soul level? Does it make them mean to their wife, kids, or dog? No one knows. Even as we as a country have rights to do things doesn’t mean there aren’t costs. Guns don’t kill ppl. Porn doesn’t make ppl rape, doesn’t force others to objectify the opposite sex. Movies don’t make ppl act out.
For the most part, for the majority, but it does for some. We don’t write laws in this country typically for the small few. We have our freedoms-but if we as individuals don’t question our desires and tendencies I fear for us. It is about balance and reason for those who are blessed with this in their life. As Gil pushes for refinement in a search for truth, I see too, this is a great analogy as well for each of us to do in our own personal thoughts and actions, if one so chooses. The problem is the ones that do self analysis are typically not the problem. We are free to smoke, yet we well know the effects, drinking and driving….if I know I have an anger issue, it would behoove me to chill out more, expose myself less to anger provoking issues/topics, focus more on what is balanced. Would you agree? Am I being unrealistic here? Please anyone give me feedback as I’m trying to work this out in my head and life. I do not have answers to most of life. How do we use our freedoms wisely and responsibly?
An example that scares me is in particular is internet porn. I have been overwhelmed by the stories DH has told me of the damage to families and marriages, younger and younger exposure to porn, and not only the addictive nature of it but how violent and edgy it has become. I’m not even going to mention child porn which is another horror. I had no idea that it was as rampant and as interfering as it is showing up to be. It is now one of the top presenting problems being identified in treatment programs both in and out patient. (We are not religious fundamentalists either and neither of us believe in censorship, however, the boundaries around age and violence in porn is certainly debatable and merits rigorous observation imo. I say this b/c I don’t have any agenda here other than what he’s told me and this isn’t about my politic or religion.) Are ppl going to for the most part going to seek out porn? Yes, I suppose they will, and they have rights to do so. But that it has become such an interference in families to the degree it has tells me something. Whether it is addiction or laziness or indifference is up to the one affected, yet it appears to be a growing issue that threatens our families. While I don’t believe in censorship I do believe in calling it a major problem and not pretending it’s okay and a “right”. This is what I didn’t say in my post Mom3 that you picked up on and I again thank you for the exchange and clarification. I know you may not agree with me on this, yet agreement isn’t the goal is it? It’s that we can dialogue and debate that matters imo.
Okay, I’ve been thinking about this monster, reading Fish’s insightful and sad, strong post and want to add some thoughts:
Whomever murdered Morgan imo, was a sexual and violent-goes w/out saying, sadist(s). Full of rage (at women) and impotence, weak and insecure, full of fear about his masculinity (and women),and very confused about his sense of self and power (with women). Someone who has blurred sex and rage with violent acting out, and has probably followed a pattern finally resulting in murder, b/c the need for relief and discharge of these feelings require more and more violence. Someone who’s boundaries are so blurred and rationalized that he himself doesn’t even think of himself as ‘bad’, as he probably heavily compartmentalizes his feelings. Fish, you so eloquently write that this ******* may wake up in sweat and fear, as you do with your memories and trauma. I’m not so sure. IMO, this ******* is so psychopathic he knows that he’s broken the law and that’s where it ends. The only thing I think he fears is getting caught. Is of himself and his own needs.
Morgan may well have represented all he is empty of: joy, beauty, fun, grace, innocence, purity. Because he doesn’t have it, can’t possess it, he has to kill it. Rape-as in control and dominate, and squash out all her immense light( he didn’t succeed). She represented something literally and figuratively unavailable to him and it attracted him and scared him to death-but it had to be her death. He’s a monster. He is one of the thousands of repugnant violent, vile vicious characters in any of these movies or shows. He’s nobody unless he’s in charge, has power, can hurt, can overpower, humiliate, diminish, punish (mother maybe?), and extinguish. This is how utterly useless and what a nobody this man is and stands for. He observes ppl like us feeling for Morgan as if he arrived from another planet and cannot speak the language, can only watch. The ways he feels close to ppl like us is to hurt us to the degree he can. The closer he comes the more damage he does. He absorbs light, he steals souls and goodness. So to anyone who knows him even peripherally you better believe you are on the losing end of the deal. He is stealing your light and soul and any goodness left in you. He isn’t going to stop until you stop allowing him to. If you can’t think of Morgan and her family, or think and do what is simply moral and right, then think of yourself and do the right thing for you. He is going to betray you with your own energy and life force, you will be a victim of this, these, men in some way, place, shape or form. I promise you this. Wake the f*** up and talk.
Okay Blink remove whatever you wish and thanks again.
@ susan September 17, 2010 at 10:09 am
This is exactly what I had thought – that her mind overlaid his face with the features commonly found in her own ethnic group.
Some part of my brain says that Urdu is spoken in India, Pakistan and Afghanistan, but I am not entirely sure about the latter.
Anyway, she is Indian or Middle Eastern, Morgan was white, Sketch is Afro American – this pretty much refutes the assumption that rapists only attack members of their own ethnic group.
I propose to drop the term “black” as this is again leading to confusion. African Americans have black skin, most Indians and Pakistanis have black skin. Sketch is apparently African American, the victim is Pakistani, and both are black. Why not drop “Indian” as a synonym for “Native American” as well. I am not trying to be politically correct here, it is just that the colloquial terminology is in fact very misleading.
When I first mentioned that Sketch looked Pakistani to me, a local person said that there are next to no Pakistanis living in this area. So is it just the victim and its family?
Oh God that was so long I am sorry you guys. Fish my love, you and I are equaling each other in the words and length dept. Yikes!!!! I promise I’ll back to lurking soon.
16.Blink says:
September 17, 2010 at 11:18 am
Any MMA trained person out there-
If you were going to grab someone from behind, and simultaneously make sure they could not make a sound and render them immobile, how would you?
This would be in a low light scenario.
B
************
Well I haven’t been in the ring lately but what about a power guillotine?
I so know where you are going with that. I know.
B
About Ms Pepe: Maybe she knows the Bg/BGs and this was her lame attempt to come to the attention of LE so that she had some other reason to explain why she went down to their interview room.
6’3″ huh? Well ignore above then.
I may have to say between 6″ and as much as 6″5″, he would be noticably taller.
That said, we know there are at least 2.
B
There is/was quite a large number of Indian people living in Fairfax County as well as Fairfax City.
Also in re: to the question about JC, the Melon Man, the thread with the most info about him and his pictures of AF was on the thread about the “Seven Mile Sleepover.” That event apparently occurred the weekend after Morgan went missing. So, there is a great possibility that she was already placed in the hay field when the sleepover happened.
Something that has bothered me lately is Morgan’s teacher’s comment about Morgan’s interest in Tibetan something or other. Those drawings done, by what we assume was a group of artsy partyers had an Eastern flare to them. This still bothers me.
Per Blink,
The reason I am thinking more along the lines of her being grabbed from behind, is because I think if she were stunned, there is alot of movement/activity and one would need to “catch” her or scoop her up.
Recently someone brought a thought up of the evening being chilly and Morgan had no coat. As they stated perhaps someone offered her a coat. The thought of someone offering her a coat, wrapped around her shoulder would be a good starting point to control her…ie…she would have difficulty using her arms. When I first thought about this I dismissed it that she would scream but if she was then tasered quickly the coat might help in disquising what was really happening as well as continued control of Morgan.
I wonder who’s the tallest? Not too mention all the MIB. # 88 in particular.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=70485151288#!/photo.php?pid=41333388&fbid=681532471316&op=1&o=all&view=all&subj=70485151288&aid=-1&oid=70485151288&id=1506436
meadow, you are an amazing person. Thank you. With forums like Blink’s that attract the minds that hang out here, the world still has a chance to change. I have been exposed to a sociopathic personality that turned my family upside down. a stepson. Your descriptions are acurate.
Blink, what smart people you attract here on BOC. I was never able to keep up with the amount of research everyone on here is able to do. I tried, but was always heading in the wrong direction. Everyone on here is amazing.
I fell in love with Morgan and her dear family from the very beginning. I’m staying to see justice for them.
Wrestling moves – half or full nelson. Either one works on the neck.
Another thought on how she got into the car – Morgan is on the bridge, an official looking car stops next to her, the driver asks “was it you who was denied reentry? They sent me to fetch you, the manager said it was a mistake.” This is totally fictitious. I just wanted to say there are a number of reasons why she could have gotten into a car willingly.
Alternatively, someone could have been following her on the parking lot, she didn’t find anyone she knew, she walked with a few guys towards the bridge, they get into their cars, she decides to walk across the bridge to get a coffee, sees this creepy guy again, and at that point she flags down a car – and meets her murderer. This is also fictitious. In both of these scenarios th handbag is planted.
Oh I almost forgot, that Josh Hightower is a very tall strange one.
There was an MMA fight in Lynchburg 10/17/09. Ray Caddell participated.
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:ATC2mnrd9bgJ:www.mixedmartialarts.com/mma.cfm%3Fgo%3Dstats.fightCard%26eid%3D74f2b72d-4af5-4dc8-adf6-a8ed4c4a21ca+Lynchburg+MMA+October+17th+2009&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us
Wow Alexandra, you too dear lady–being totally amazing to me as well, and so generous with your graciousness. Tears filled my eyes when you wrote my descriptions were accurate, that your family was turned upside down by a sociopath. I am sad this was part of your life—-it hurts so bad. Me too and this is how I know–a very close relative and it practically kills me to write this, fills me with shame and much regret. This person was one of the funniest, smartest, most charismatic and charming, good looking people you’d ever want to meet. Like a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personality– for my family anyway. I know the gigantic pain a soulless person can inflict upon so many. I’m so very sorry that you experienced this and glad you’ve survived intact and as kind as kind can be. He didn’t destroy you which speaks to your strengths. I’m sending hugs.
Someone above spoke to the Tibetan stuff, off the top of my head:
I’m not sure if Morgan was into Tibetan Buddhism, I did see I think, a ‘Free Tibet’ sticker along with her Obama stuff once. However the drawings at JB’s are traditional drawings of Tibetan ‘dakinis’, which are like angelic beings in their culture, or one of their Goddesses either: Tara, Avalokiteshvara–I forget the spelling, or Kuan Yin. I studied a bit of Tibetan Buddhism in college and the drawings look to be the typical ‘tantric’ ones featured commonly in Tibet. They sometimes hold daggers and swords, even detached heads, some pretty shocking looking things here in the West, but they symbolize–well, the dagger is symbolizing cutting one’s ties with one’s ego, or detachment from possessions or chronic states of mind like anger, fear, greed, etc.. and are not to be meant to be taken literally. I forget what the cut off head is supposed to mean, well, maybe it represents a detachment from bodily pleasures or an over attachment to living materially, something like that. I will look it up if needed. Does anyone know if JB or friends are into Tibetan Buddhism? If not sometimes the deities are used negatively from what I’ve heard–out of the context of the T. Buddhist religion and misused here in the West. But I cannot speak to what JB is up to at all.
Fish I had meant to say before: I care what you think. A Lot. You contribute enormously here in so many ways and are so caring.
This site and you amazing ppl keep stretching me in all sorts of ways, mentally, emotionally, and all for good….. now if anyone could get me off my fanny to go for a jog or walk, that would be appreciated!!!!
meadow, yes sisters. Oh, things not seen… Ditto to Alexandra’s sentiments above! This blog has been on fire recently and I hope the perps are feeling the heat. WHERE is Observer? I hope this finds you well and just really busy with the start of school, etc.
Laura Pepe
What about same scenario different result? Laura might find the idea of going with that band fun. Maybe Morgan didnt think so and it all went wrong. Do we know who contacted Laura to come along etc? same person? I remember on a date a guy mentioned he is a friend of Phish and I had no clue that was supposed to be cool, some women really are easily impressed tho. Wasnt Gojira moving out right after they played?
just thinking out loud !
I’ll rip off the media outlets and use the term, “Developing Story”:
http://www.newsplex.com/news/headlines/103157629.html?storySection=comments
I hate to be one that engages in speculation, innuendo and the sort, but I have to say that after checking superpages.com for a J. Matheson, and finding that he lives at 620 Preston Place, my antennae go up given that this address is a mere block away from 15th and Grady. The city of Charlottesville does not openly discuss personnel matters evidently per one of the articles I read (Newsplex).
Blink- any rumblings about this or do I just have an overactive imagination and grasping at straws?
Actually, it seems as though the spelling is Mathesion and not Matheson. However, I did not find any residents with the spelling, Mathesion. Various media outlets are reporting the story with both spellings; but, it seems that the Mathesion spelling is correct.
Maybe it was a grasp for straws after all. Back to the old drawring board.
I am finding the listing sans the “i”, fwiw.
B
I came across these two posts from early in July right after we learned of Sketch and the 2005 attack. I know that we have been assuming or geared in the direction that Sketch was not the main bad guy.
The posts below question how Morgan was snatched and how it could have been similar to the method in which the victim was attacked in 2005.
From what I read above about the police having the ability to track each time a tasered is used…leads me to believe that Blink is possibly not as sold on a taser as she once was. Is that correct Blink?
Also pay attention to the power grids or whatever that they mention.
______________________________________________________________
1.J2K says:
July 1, 2010 at 2:10 pm
I still have a comment in the ol’ moderation queue, but it concerned the MO of the 2005 rapist connected to Morgan’s assault.
That victim was in her 20s, walking alone along a side street on a Saturday night in the fall, and was jumped from behind and carried off to the place of attack.
This type of blindsiding was one of the two main theories of modus operandi in the MH case – she either willingly got into a car with someone or was forcibly abducted (or attacked at the scene and absconded with). Looks like, if this is the perp, it was the latter of the two.
One aspect of our collective speculation that hasn’t changed, however, is that MH’s attacker was likely familiar with that back portion of Anchorage Farm in some way.
Of note is that an access road lined with power wires is located very close to the site where Morgan was dumped (and possibly killed) – just like in Pham’s case.
May just be a coincidence, but I wonder if we’re looking for a utility worker – someone who knows to follow powerline trails to secluded spaces when he is with-victim…
acho says:
July 1, 2010 at 2:33 pm
J2K (helllooooo, Friend!!!), you said “That victim was in her 20s, walking alone along a side street on a Saturday night in the fall, and was jumped from behind and carried off to the place of attack.”
____________________________________
That is bugging me, too. How does one so instantly disable grown women to the degree that at least one (from ’05) is “carried” to the site of her rape? Head trauma? Taser? What? And if head trauma to the degree that she had to be carried, is it plausible she had the wherewithal to recall his face–and scratch it? I dunno.
FWIW, Appalachian Power owns the parcel to which you refer, not that ownership has all that much to do with access on such a piece of land.
Taser. Definitely. No doubt in my mind.
B
My thought is that a ligature may have been used to subdue Morgan by surprise in one of the isolated lots, unconsciousness typically occurs within 10 to 15 seconds. Ligatures are used for purposes of controlling, silencing, and/or killing the victim. This technique would allow a perp to control Morgan in a relatively short window of time to transport her to a vehicle and out of the area.
Certainly possible.
Because I personally believe we have seen Morgan on the video discussed previously, I believe her hair was in a very long ponytail which would asisst a rear attack.
B
Blink
Are you thinking of an actual taser gun like that used by LE? There are other types that are handheld and could fit easily into a jacket pocket. These are capable of being used against exposed skin such as the neck area. They usually leave a mark that can be identified on tissue after death. This would not likely be found on a body exposed as long as Morgan’s.
Morgan was tall and the boots made her even taller. A guy six feet or over could reach over her shoulders and cut off her air so that she could not scream. But even beyond that, the girl I rescued from the car jacking did not utter a sound. She was simply too surprised and scared. She never said a word when I asked if she were ok, just looked at me and shook her head once. Had I not been scanning the area ahead of me as I usually do, I would not have known what was happening.
I think it is possible any kind of stun gun could have been used, one just requires one to be much closer.
Both, imo, would require them to have been used in the dimly lit area of Lanigan.
Waiting Behind a Tree?
B
Mom3.0 says:
September 17, 2010 at 1:59 pm
Blink- You brought up Lt. Rader comments of “discernable” images- Was that in a press conference? I can’t seem to find that quote attributed to him?
++++Mom- you took the words right from my mouth. I scowered the internet last night looking for any press conferences or interviews by LE where he would have said or insinuated (sp?) that. I couldnt find anything.
____In regard to the Phish concert…here are my thoughts
I am in late 20′s and VERY familiar with the band, the music and the type of fans they have.
-Fans are either real hippies or wanna-be hippies.
I can name at least 20 clean cut preppy kids who got to college & decided it was time to go hippeeish. They started smoking pot, stopped wearing makeup, started wearing ragged clothes…some grew dreads
Not real sure where this explanation of the band and its fans fit in to the picture…but these are the type that went to Woodstock, go to Bonnaroo, went to Greatful Dead Shows, love Widespread Panic (another great hippyish band)….the “lets eat some shrooms” mellow kind of crowd. NOT METALLICA BY ANY MEANS.
I was not shocked in the least that this chick went M-I-A to hang out with the band.
_______Also, I spent hours searching the internet for other females who have dissappeard from concerts. There were none that remotely fit this MO.
I DO THINK THAT THIS WAS NOT THE FIRST TIME NOR THE LAST TIME THIS PERSON OR PERSONS HAS STRUCK.
IF NOT A CONCERT….THE STATE FAIR?…..A FOOTBALL GAME? SPORTING EVENT?
IMO…I THINK THAT HIS EXPERIENCE COULD COME FROM SIMPLY SNATCHING SOMEONE FROM A CROWD AT NIGHT.
….It has baffled my mind why much thought hasnt been given to the chance that this guy could be linked to any of the unsolveed murders in the state. Until now, I assumed that had been evaluated and ruled out in the beginning. But the fact is that there are numerous unsolved murders, attempted kidnappings in that area of the state along 29 and Colonial Parkway Murders. They’ve never had enough evidence to arrest anyone in those cases…and from what I understand they dont have much here either (well the kind that points cops in a clear direction).
I could be completely wrong…but I do really think it would be worth someone’s time to evaluate some of those old cases and see if anything is similar here.
*If this guy was the kind that stuck to the same pattern and style…I think we’d know of more cases.
-I hate to say it- but to evade detection for almost a year now (over 5 yrs with Sketch)the BG has to have a fair level of intellect. (maybe) but not for long at least.
Because this dog is GONNA ROT IN HELL!!
3 Scenarios I plan to discuss shortly:
1. Serial connection (partially discussed above)
2. Someone she’d trust angle
2a. someone she actually knew
2b. someone she shouldve been able to trust (Security Guard, EMT, cop)…this includes the potentional for dressing up as an official
3.The surprise attack angle (which I think could either be with initial friendly contact or out of the blew from behind in the dark attack
Since day one…I have not believed for one second that she was ever on that bridge. Period. Unless she was walking towards fraternity/sorority row, a friend’s apartment, or to the bars (none of which seem to be in that direction).
But if I am wrong and she truly was…I dont think she was hitchhiking.
I think that she was approached in either a friendly, helpful or violent manner somewhere outside of JPJ.
Friendly:
single female who HAS to venture out into this world everyday solo…and being a trusting soul….I promise you that this is not as far fetched as it may seem.
In college you meet hundreds of people from all over your state. I was at the AR Razorback game last week tailgating and I ran into LITERALLY 50 people from 15 different towns in the state. People I hadnt seen in 10 years but if I got separated from my friends- I’d feel totally cool with just staying with them.
—In fact—-
(boy I may be in trouble for this one)
I went by myself to the game bc I had to leave and attend a high school reunion before the game started. I parked and walked (unfortunately the longggg way) around the stadium to meet my friends at the tailgate. My friends parked in a completely different direction so a guy that I kind of knew in college (but who is best friends with several ppl I grew up with) walked me to my car. I told my friends I was safe and they didnt worry about me.
*Guys have we EVER ruled out the possibility of it being someone she knew? *Even a friend of her brothers? *This could explain a reason why her friends kept quiet for a bit. I dont know…but seeing that I am a young, beautiful (had to throw that one in
By the way….found out today that my exboyfriend of 2 yrs who broke my heart a little over a year ago…has recently gotten engaged. Sorry had to throw myself a quick pity party (but now I done!)
came across this just a minute ago. I was by no means referring to anyone/anything in regards to her.
1.Twinkletoes says:
July 1, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Did anyone download the friends list of little miss wanna-be-hippie daughter? I’d like to compare the drawing with her associationsizzy s
Love_Palm_Trees
You may be on to something regarding electrical utility workers. Most of those guys know where all the power lines are located in an area and how to best access them. They even memorize the pole structures and the transformers and air break switches both auto and manual.
This is how they are able to restore power quickly after a power outage. This could also explain how Morgan was moved to AF without anyone really noticing anything. Who really pays attention to a utility service truck working in an area?
The same thing applies to telephone service trucks. Many times these are enclosed vans where there are no windows except in the front. An easy way to transport a body.
What kind of workboots would an electric utility worker keep in their van? If Morgan was “snatched” from behind, I have to agree my money is on a van.
I want to say I recall a vandalism in August 2009 to that small access area owned by Appalachian.
B
sorry ya’ll….I’m posting away tonight. Please dont hate me!!! Trying to stay on topic…PLEASE YELL AT ME IF I AM WASTING TIME IN THE WRONG DIRECTION. I HAVENT MADE MY MIND UP YET … YOURE NOT GONNA HURT MY FEELINGS
In regards to my post above:
1.Mom3.0 says:
July 2, 2010 at 3:24 pm
I think we are assuming Morgan wasn’t acquainted with this guy- We have mostly all said that Morgan probably was comfortable with her attacker. She probably knew him- or knew him/them through a friend or acquaintance….
What has changed? Why the sudden turnaround?
Look at Ted Bundy he was a nice upstanding guy but he was a rapist/murderer. He had many friends and love interests that would never believe he could do these horrible things. Look at OJ Simpson, even though he was acquitted for murdering his wife and Ron Goldman a civil court found him guilty, and now he is guilty of burglary.. He was a fine upstanding celebrity. He would never have worn those ugly %$ed shoes- I am sure he had family and friends that thought he was innocent.
This guy (Sketch) can not be an RSO- This guy can not have been arrested previously. He is not in the database….
His friends might be. His friends may be Morgan’s friends of friends- He may be a new friend of Morgan’s or an acquaintance, or an acquaintance of an acquaintance.
Just a thought…
This post is in regards to
THE POSSIBILITY OF MORGAN KNOWING OR SOMEWHAT KNOWING HER SNATCHER.
(THINK IM GOING TO START WRITING A TITLE TO EACH COMMENT AND STAY ON ONE TOPIC IN EACH)…TO MAKE IT EASIER TO GO BACK AND FIND FOR REFERENCE
1.Mom3.0 says:
July 2, 2010 at 6:55 pm
SnarkyT-
Although I agree with you that the odds of Morgan knowing this guy “well” are next to nothing- I do disagree that she could not have known him- possibly may have known him only by sight- having seen him around concert venues, or having known him through a friend of a friend or an acquaintance or may have seen him on campus or sporting events, or working in the area….
I don’t know- But, Think Elizabeth Smart.- In other words -Known him enough to walk up to his car to say Hiya -and then he could have blitz attacked her. Or he may have known her or stalked her and she may not even known he existed.
Lets not forget how easy it is to cyber-stalk these days- Morgan posted where she was going- she had been talking about going to the concert for months- Did Vanessa post her plans on FB also?- Was this meeting with friends discussed prior, on her FB or her friends’? Did this previous attack on ’05 occur on a route that the victim walked frequently? Was it a routine? Did she post her plans on the web….
Another thing Snarky- I agree that Sketch’s last known victim was carried off- in a blitz attack- but I would also like to point out that this guy now, would be older and possibly more adept at luring his victims away from the immediate area- so as not to be foiled again by a passerby- as in the earlier attack.
And as for Morgan’s bag and cell- We still don’t know whether or not it was returned there after the fact- or whether or not Sketch is the attacker or the helper- as Blink has wrote, she still believes this may be the work of 2 perps. Until that is proven false I am willing to stand behind her analysis.
As a very astute poster once wrote, Skyler or Fish IIRC- Everything’s in until its out-
To disregard any plausible scenario at this point would put us at a disadvantage- As Gil wrote this guy is probably hiding in plain sight- He may be your neighbor, your friend, your mail carrier, your son, your friendly librarian – Look around you- Do you recognize him?
One of the things that has bothered me tremendously about Morgan’s case is that she posted, as did many others, they would be attending the concert. Makes it considerably harder to decrease a suspect pool. Again, this is an area where the friends information is critical to understanding her victimology that evening.
I studied the video on Vanessa Pham. I am of the opinion that her attacker was in her vehicle.
Releasing more info on that case would solve it, imo. Perhaps they are waiting on DNA samples from inside the vehicle
B
We are all fighting for justic for Morgan, but even more we are collectively finding ways to fight evil in our world.
We can all do as the little boy in the movie (don’t remember the title) where Helen Hunt played the mother, was able to touch a few lives and those touched others, a lot of others. When he was killed defending his friend, the last scene in the movie was a long line of persons streatching off into the distance that his caring kindness had touched.
I believe that the American people are having an awakening about their responsabilities to their country, their neighbors and community. By each of us acting in our own way to do what we can, we will once again make our country the safe place that existed when I was a child. Once again we will be able to allow our children and young people the freedom to walk without fear in their neighborhood and community. It took a long time to get to the place where we are today. It is going to take a long time to get us back to that point. We can do it with one kind act and one day at a time. We can show by example to others in each of our communities that we care, that we will not tollerate bad behavior or evil acts.
The movie was Pay It Forward, and it is one of my faves..
I sincerely believe if we all embraced that concept, it would go a long way to eradicating evil deeds.
B
Meadow,
You are right it is not about agreement. It is about dialog.
Meadow you wrote in part:
Even as we as a country have rights to do things doesn’t mean there aren’t costs. Guns don’t kill ppl. Porn doesn’t make ppl rape, doesn’t force others to objectify the opposite sex. Movies don’t make ppl act out.
For the most part, for the majority, but it does for some. We don’t write laws in this country typically for the small few. We have our freedoms-but if we as individuals don’t question our desires and tendencies I fear for us.
Meadow, I agree, every action has an equal and opposite reaction. There are consequences and benefits for every choice we will ever make.
Laws are made to protect all of us. I agree. Meadow, Pedophilia is illegal. Murder is illegal. Rape is illegal. Domestic violence is illegal. Child abuse is illegal. Animal cruelty is illegal. All of these crimes are against the law.
Laws have not prevented these atrocities from happening now or in the past.
How is limiting our individual freedoms, going to stop them from happening in the future?
Meadow you wrote:
While I don’t believe in censorship I do believe in calling it a major problem and not pretending it’s okay and a “right”.
Meadow, what is a major problem? That we have freedom? Freedom to watch horror movies? Freedom to read books? Freedom to watch television shows or even freedom to watch adult movies?
It is a right Meadow. We are free as adult Americans to CHOOSE what we watch and what we read. Even if it offends someone else’s tastes or sensibilities.
I do not believe that is my place to stand in moral judgment over any other law abiding American. Whether I agree with their choices or not.
Thank you Meadow, your posts have been extremely thought provoking. Clearly you see some things differently than I do. But we are in agreement about censorship not being the answer ever. I think we are just going to have to agree to disagree on the specifics and That’s okay.
Peace
Hi Blink. This is Nelson Kane in Charlottesville, Virginia. No hard feelings on my part! I enjoy your website and I hold no grudges. You and your staff do a great job! I guess you’ve read about the plaque that the University of Virginia is going to put up on the Copeley Hill Bridge to honor Morgan Dana Harrington. If there is anything I can do to help you at any time, just ask and I will be glad to help. I would be glad on any day to take a photo of the new plaque, for example, and email it to you for free. I have been walking over that bridge for 35 years going to University of Virginia basketball games, which is the reason why I had the idea to do an article for a local newspaper on Morgan Dana Harrington in the first place. (That and the fact that I attended Virginia Tech and graduated with an English degree from UVa). Also, I had been a reporter (as a hobby) for over 20 years. Sincerely, Nelson
Good morning, Nelson.
OT: Does anybody recall the Natascha Kampusch case? The circumstances about her disappearance are still under investigation. She maintains that she was snatched by one person when she walked to school. However, there was a witness, another little girl also on her way to school saw two attackers. Her description of the van was accurate, and she even remembered part of the numberplate correctly. Because of the incompetence of the police officers in charge, this was not followed up. (There was also another anonymous tip regarding the attacker, one of his neighbours called the police saying that he was a creepy, perverted pedophile – as it would emerge eight years later, a very precise description)
I was just wondering how one would snatch a person – possible from a parked van, just open the door and grab her. But how would one do that if the van is stopping next to her? That would require two attackers.
Geeze Blink, I guess we have no MMA fighters that can give us the first hand knowledge of a “choke hold” resulting in a vasovagal response.
MMA of Cville, care to jump on and educate us?
Have any of your fighters been taken out of a match this way?
&&&
One thing I do know about a stungun other than I have one. Is that when you get stunned by it, or tased…you drop and you do not make a sound!
And for you Blink, I will be happy to retest this on my very own hubby!
&&&
If HE is that big of a dude then a 118 pounds would be nothing for him to pull inside of a van.
Blink, I have to ask this where do you think they went after their night was over?
Home, a bar, a club, friend’s house, or the local Waffle House?
I’m really curious to hear what you think.
It was a gruesome night but were they on a high?
Did people notice?
&&&
I’ve heard of some students carpooling for a concert. They all prepartied, so to speak, at one’s house then off they went.
Could someone have spotted Morgan before the concert somewhere, anywhere? Roanoke, Hburg, Cville?
Did they stop along the way?
Then and I don’t know how he did it, lured her outside?
They argued.
Freedom comes first! It is the hearts and minds of the freedom loving people. No censorship. Curing any sickness in society has to come from pride in our culture and what we leave behind.