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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Blink,
I am curious if you feel there is a link between the Piedmont House and Piedmont Virginia Companies (ie: Facilities Management/RE Lee construction and others?)
Would PVC be a company that assisted Piedmont House residents in finding employment? There was nothing mentioned on the Piedmont House website that this company was one of their sponsors/donators.
And do you know anything about “Sketch”? Would he be someone who might possibly be a resident at a place such as Piedmont House or do you believe he might be more mainstream, successfully working and flying under the radar of the law even though his DNA has been tied to 2 women?
I am going to make a statement that I know many won’t agree with.
I don’t believe there is such a thing as rehabilitation. I don’t think rapists, sex offenders and violence can be “cured” and rehabilitated. I don’t believe they can function in society independently and I don’t believe that they can be expected to keep their nose clean the rest of their lives. I think that we are playing with fire when sex offenders and violent criminals are released back into society and I am sure 99% of Charlottesville doesn’t register the fact that there has been a round up of sex offenders in the state of Va recently and that the news is reporting that there is a dangerous sex offender in the C’ville area. I also wonder why there has not been more about the 19 year old girl from Orange Va who disappeared.
As much as I admire the dedication of those who support the Piedmont house and believe they think what they are trying to accomplish is good, I also know the truth behind giving a criminal the benefit of the doubt and hoping that he won’t escalate to something worse. I can’t help but feel very angry at the thought that another violent offender might be given support, jobs, opportunities which put them in a position to do harm rather than be locked up where he can not harm another innocent victim.
@ bradystjames:
You said “i think sketch been moving a lot of drugs and HE was buying from him and they have a mutual trust.”
Do you mean Sketch was buying from BG, as in BG is a grower/distributor?
Or BG was buying from Sketch, as in BG is small time compared to Sketch?
Just curious what your thought is, Brady. Thanks.
From a story on local Roanoke TV station WSLS today in which the Harringtons were quoted regarding social media and their cause; the quote below is not from them but is the reporter speaking.
“State police are still looking for any information on this man… Who’s (sic) d-n-a was found on Morgan’s body. The man is a suspect in an abduction and sexual assault case in Fairfax from 2005.”
Is the reporter assuming “found on Morgan’s body” or has he or she confirmed this with police or the Harringtons? If Sketch’s DNA was found on the body, I’ve got to think he was the killer himself. I think he acted alone and has no particular connection to Anchorage Farm. I think he does reside in the NC/VA/DC corridor and perhaps travels up and down it on route 29. He will be found when a relative or acquaintance, after thinking back over timelines and itineraries and Sketch’s personality traits, comes forward.
yoshi says:
I hope VSP has thoroughly looked for a connection through Blandemar Farm
——————————–
I agree completely, as she was located extremely close to Blandemar Farm, all connections to Blandemar Farm should be fully vetted. Perhaps the perp(s) have a valid/known connection to Blandemar Farm, but an illegitimate connection to AF. They may know AF quite well by their connection to Blandemar.
Unfortunately, I think we are at point that we are spinning our wheels a bit, due to the fact that there is so little information to go on. It may take another victim to surface to eventually catch the perp(s), which is really quite sad.
Cat, you have been very astute to notice subtle changes to the profile as Morgan’s case evolves.
After more interviews with locals and topo study including commercial aerials from the timeframe Morgan went missing over the last months, I am convinced the entry point was via Blandemar.
They drove to point A, then carried her on foot to her final resting place-
Which to me, indicates they knew both Anchorage and Mrs. Rosentiel’s property very well.
There were plenty of places to put her on those hundreds of acres. Why there?
B
Blink-
No, you searched correctly, the email was wool not wood, I was just referring to the DC chairperson.
B
http://www.nbc29.com/story/13198947/police-searching-for-sexual-assault-suspect?redirected=true
Waynesboro police are looking for a suspect who they say raped a 15-year-old girl, now they want your help to catch him.
Five felony charges have been filed against 24-year-old Anthony Duane Martin. Police believe he’s taken off to avoid being arrested on the three counts of forcible rape and two of forcible sodomy.
Police say the sexual assaults took place on Saturday in Waynesboro.
If you have any information on this suspect, call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-322-2017.
Waynesboro is 15-20 minutes from Cville. Hope they catch him soon.
Gil Harrington’s blog today stating there was blood on Morgans clothing that hasn’t, won’t come out. Something has got to break here. There has to be justice for Morgan. Hang in there Gil.
Re: Gil’s comment about blood on Morgan’s clothes. I assume that is figurative as opposed to literal. I would hope that LE/Detectives and Crime Lab have ALL of the Evidence.
Still baffled about the MMA component. Is it a very violent sport? I am just wondering, because martial arts are by themselves not violent. You could in theory use these skills to attack someone in the streets – but it is designed to be a fair sport. It has a lot to do with rhythm, balance and strategy. OK, I confess, I go to kick boxing classes, so maybe I am prejudiced. My point is – you don’t have to be violent to practice martial arts, and in my experience you wouldn’t find the common thug in one of these classes. “Common thug” is not a synonym for “poor”, and in my experience, this has nothing to do with money, or education, for a matter of fact. I live in a very diverse area, and I go to a community gym, which was designed to integrate various disadvantaged parts of the population.
http://ukmmanews.com/2010/09/russian-mma-fighter-who-fled-mental-hospital-detained-in-norway/
http://www.midatlanticmma.tv/2010/05/former-philadelphia-mma-fighter-arrested-for-marijuana-operation/
http://www.fox5vegas.com/news/23978224/detail.html
http://www.urbanswirl.com/news/world-news/2475-mma-fighter-arrested-for-killing-and-eating-friends-heart.html
http://www.lvrj.com/news/mma-fighter-arrested-on-suspicion-of-sexual-assault-90954004.html
http://kgan.com/shared/newsroom/top_stories/videos/kgan_vid_3455.shtml
http://outsports.com/jocktalkblog/2009/02/10/mma-fighter-arrested-in-gay-bar/
I would say that there needs to be a level of violence within someone to fight in a cage, but I am not a dude.
B
Can someone refresh my memory…..what exactly does the David & Nancy Bass Foundation do? I can’t find any information describing this non profit organization. Does anyone recall?
@ Blink September 22, 2010 at 5:31 pm
The guys on these links I would categorize as both common thugs and riff raff. It must be MMA, then. I know quite a number of people who do judo, karate and similar, and they are all perfectly normal. No violence – it is mainly about strategy and technique.
Blink
One question brings on another about the boots. If big means up to the knee or over there are a lot of sporting goods places that have those for hunters. If big means larger than a size 12 or 13, then that is usually someone over six feet and 240 or more lbs. and those would be special order. I worked in a family shoe store when I was in high school and did some of the buying. That was a time when shoes were actually fitted at the time of the sale rather than off the rack like today.
I don’t know how much it rained during that weekend and how much run off would get into the North fork of the Hardware River. There is a lot of bare rock out there on AF and that would not absorb water. The slope from the Red Hill Road side would also channel water into the river at a rapid rate. In my opinion, this creek-like portion of the river would drain very rapidly leaving only a little water and a muddy bottom depending on how much silt it accumulated.
I really don’t believe that she was placed on AF till after the warm spell in late october or early november.
katie, look at Mrs. Harrington’s P.S.
It was not figurative!
Watching JVM = the murder of Paula Sladuski – the police have a sketch of a man who was following her after the club closed….the sketch looks very much like “Sketch”. Very much like Sketch.
I am trying to track down the employees for PFM. Not such an easy task. But one name that came to mind was KS. I came across this post on fb, and am unsure if it may prove relevent.
Murcielago Farm Everyone is gearing up for the CATTLE SALE tomorrow, April 2nd at NOON!! The weather man is saying sunny and 86 degrees…could you ask for a more perfect day?! Thank you to everyone at the farm, especially Keith Shifflett and Whitney Vansant Shifflett for all of your hard work to prepare for the big day!
April 1 at 12:35pm
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Terri-Horman-Support-Page/131975590176118#!/pages/Charlottesville-VA/Murcielago-Farm/111808582168180?ref=search
anotherB- if you read some of the posts on fb about MMA Charlottesville, you will see that to some, there are many comments that I would consider violent. I am sure it isnt the focus for all.
I am in full aggreement that at least one of our perps may have been employed in and aroung the AF homes in security/land care capacity. And wow how mums the word. Shame on everyone it applies to.
E- I dont think that link is right.
B
Fish
I took the link about the promotions at the sheriff’s office. You are local so this may mean more to you than to me. Some history being made for sure with the woman being promoted to sargent.
I thought that the sheriff had been limited to providing protection for the courts and doing search and rescue. I know that is very unusual for a sheriff. In most counties the sheriff has jurisdiction throughout the county. What were you trying to get us to understand?
@ A Texas Grandfather September 22, 2010 at 7:27 pm
I also believe she was placed there later – at least not during this night. Red Hill local, who lives there, had stated right from the start that the neighbours at the Blandemar side would call the police straight away if they saw someone suspicious, even if it would “only” be poaching.
BG must have known that the embassy was closed, and he must have known about potential security measures in place. But – there were still properties on his way. If he had a reason to be in the Blandemar area, fine, but there would still be a considerable risk either driving up towards the field, or alternatively carrying the body towards the field. Even if you know the land, I doubt you would be able to drive across farmland at a new moon night without headlights, nor would you be able to carry a body without a flashlight.
If you use any source of light, you are visible, from a distance.
There was a group of people returning at around eleven that night from the paranormal bike race – so there was a risk of being seen. It was a Saturday night. People could have been out, and return at any time in the evening or night.
What type of vehicle does the person drive who was attending the concert and sometimes worked security? A van perhaps or maybe a friend with one?
Blink
I certainly agree with you on the amount of adrenalin required to pull off an abduction. Isn’t this one of the things that drive these people to commit these crimes? A huge rush that shakes their whole being. Something that once experienced makes them want to do it again.
Yes, it certainly can be, but it is very different for different psycopathy or pathology.
It can also be drug assissted or induced to a degree.
B
Blink says:
Which to me, indicates they knew both Anchorage and Mrs. Rosentiel’s property very well.
There were plenty of places to put her on those hundreds of acres. Why there?
B
Could it be that the person’s responsible are in employ of Mrs Rosentiel in some way (whether a security firm, facilities mgt, etc) and Morgan was placed just on the other side of the property to purposely be off Blandemar property? Perhaps the thinking was that if the body were to be found and it were not on Blandemar, then LE might not think to question Mrs. Rosentiel’s associates.
Think about this: Mr Bass reported early on in this case that he provided authorities with years of renter’s, hunter’s, worker’s info and a plethora of contacts who may have come into contact with Anchorage. But how much was asked about Blandemar? Maybe just as much but it hasn’t been as widely reported if so.
Or maybe they simply thought, we’re the only ones who ever come back here and Mrs Rosentiel is not in the state most of the year. She’ll never be found.
Both, imo.
Was a jeer at Bass, and yes, entered through Blandemar because they already knew Ms. Rosentiel was out of town and would continue to be, for months.
B
I was re-reading some of Gil’s blogs and some lines stand out:
http://www.findmorgan.com/category/family-blog
we are left with bloodstained clothing on our laps. We wish so much that life indeed really was like the miracle of laundry.
P.S. bloodstains never come out
In my verbiage, Morgan was not “missing” – she was snatched. Things did not get “out of hand” – Morgan was assaulted and raped. Morgan did not “pass away” – she was murdered and slaughtered.
I realize that the legitimate target of the consuming raging inferno of our anger about Morgan’s death is the person(s) that abducted her, raped her, butchered her, and abandoned her as refuse in a hay field.
~~~~
I pray the people responsible for slaughtering and butchering dear Morgan and arrested sooner rather than later. Prayer for safer streets in Charlottesville area.
katie, i went back and read it again. maybe you’re right. just figurative. IDK, she wore black. I’m feeling a little hopeless. sorry
HokieHi says:
September 22, 2010 at 5:34 pm
RE: Several months ago I posted several links to various donation’s that were made and listed by the couple. Some of the various donations included to the causes of Piedmont Virginia Community College and donations to the arts, specifically a donation once that brought an award winning instrumentalist to a concert hall to play…One of the last records I looked at stated that in 2007 the foundation had given $10,436 in grants $1,649 in other expenses. 2007 was the most recent record I could find for the foundation.
As you know NB as a distinguished artist..Here is a clip of some of she and DB’s doings…
“Nancy Bass visits local British White Cattle
June 7, 2010
Nancy Bass recently visited Nebraska to attend her opening reception May 28,2010. Part of her itinerary included giving a talk about her recent work and walking through the gallery with museum visitors. Chief Curator Moseman and Bass discussed with the group that had gathered that afternoon the importance of artwork with a message. An interactive discuss was enjoyed by all.
Earlier that day Nancy and her husband were able to visit the home of the largest farm of British White Cattle in the country. Bohaty’s British Whites are gentle cattle with an easy temperament and wonderfully expressive faces. Artist Bass looks for such character for her paintings. Along with art, the conversation turned to the Bohaty’s methods for grass fed beef, the changing economics of farming, and joys of living and working with animals. This was a richly agrarian experience these participants will not soon forget!”
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:QbeQhzrklFoJ:www.bonecreek.org/news.php+2010+david+and+nancy+bass+foundation&cd=5&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us
Blink, occasionally I am posting from my office computer and sometimes from either my home desktop or laptop user accounts. I’m not seeing my posts from my office computer. Are my posts containing too much speculation and not enough fact? If so, I’ll cease to add any speculation and certainly just deal with facts…Your blog site, your rules, and I respect that. If there’s a tech problem I’ll copy from the awaiting moderation status from my office computer and re-post from home. Your call. I think occasionally one of my user account information cookies is listed as CW instead of crimewriter. I’ll go in and change them to crimewriter if that’s the case. I hope I’m not confused as being the CW I’ve read about via other threads who allegedly posted on FindMorgan and caused some sort of trouble in the past…Thanks Blink.
I just spent however how long reviewing AT’s fb wall to begining of Oct. One thing I am very curious about is his constant mention of hearing voices. Either he truly has a ‘problem’, or he needs a tremendous amount of attention. I learned he joined the NG and was then released due to his background check. That’s not good news for him. Also, curious over the timing of he & SS’s short breakup. Blink, I know you know all of this, but those particular things I somehow forgot or something. This doesnt sit well with me. Is he just a guilty bystander or guilty participant? He does seem to text her several times that night. Hmm..
With all that we have discussed, I have these players in mind.
AT-FD, guilty behavior,NJ trip, military affiliation, MMA,vehicle problems, location of Sentry, priors
JCR- security, MMA, location of job,priors
Elliott A- VT, MMA, discusses violence too often, ? feelings toward women,
Sketch-DNA, priors, job locale, security,
I just needed to write, dont think you should post this. Just trying to see where to go. Is DW somebody’s girlfriend? How about Ray’s mother of his children, what kind of breakup was that? And Elliott, could anyone bear to listen to him?
I certainly hope they didn’t give her the clothes from the recovery site! That is evidence. (I haven’t seen the actual blog.)
They did not.
B
Alexandra, RE Katie: Wouldn’t anything from the crime HAVE to be kept by LE as evidence? I wondered about the bracelet returned to Gil as well. If LE has released evidence to the Harringtons, is it because they don’t think they will be solving this case????
Blink,
I still have a post in moderation.
http://nccsdataweb.urban.org/PubApps/geoShowOrgs.php?Id=C51540&Code=C51540&V=Pf&Src=County
Tis up, thanks.
I found that painting pic I owe you I snapped in Sacré Cœur, will forward.
B
http://www.albemarleso.org/Nhistory.html
Texas Grandfather,
The above link provides history of the Albemarle County Sheriff’s Department. As you will see, it was the primary law enforcement agency for Albemarle County until 1983 when Albemarle went to a Police Department. After all these years, I think there are still questions about whether or not this was a good move. Chip Harding, the current sheriff, was a Captain with the Charlottesville Police Department until he ran for county sheriff. I could be mistaken, but I believe he was one of the first members of the JADE Task Force. In my opinion, Charlottesville’s loss was Albemarle County’s gain though I’m not sure his experience in criminal investigation doesn’t over-qualify him for the position of sheriff.
HokieHi: Interesting thoughts about Lady Rosentiel–surely her estate employs tons of people, from caterers to gardeners, etc. I am sure it must be well known in the North Garden community that she is gone 9 or so months out of the year.
Also, I would not be surprised at all if the Bass Family and Lady R. were definitely acquainted with one another, with both families being patrons of the arts and philanthropists, etc. I did much reading on Lady R.–what an extraordinary person she is.
They are very aquainted. Bass and crew denied several “zoning proposals” for her farm including a Health Center. He was also NOT a fan of the damn she built. I have read every minute of those meetings, and I walked away wanting to meet her. She is a shrewd businesswoman and a pip.
Ahead of her time really.
B
I still believe Morgan was only skeletal remains when she was placed at AF. I know, I’m beginning to sound like a broken record. BG had no idea when somebody might just happen along and find a fresh body with all kinds of potential evidence there. Did I read that where she was found might even be visable from the road or another property – perhaps not scattered bones – but an entire body? Why not leave his driver’s licence, SSA card, AmEx and a color 8×10 with his businees card. Will anyone consider the possibility that she may have been kept at maybe a nearby location – a barn, a tool shed, a garage, on a large but nearby property until all evidence was gone. Yes, there is DNA on the shirt – placed on a bush. I have no idea how that will play out. My apologies – I know I sound like a broken record. Please, somebody, rip my “theory” to shreds, go great white shark on me, Jaws on ‘roids – and I will retreat and hoist my white flag.
Interesting!!
I concur–she appears to be a “Renaissance Woman.”
I have not read these particular minutes. So, Bass was not a fan of the damn dam?
I would love to know how you define ‘pip.’ A man I greatly admire called me a pip and my first thought was Gladys Knight…looked up the word, but found no satisfactory def.
Would you say the relationship between Lady R. and the Bass Family was “strained?” Or was it more than strained?
I do remember reading about the possibility of a health care facility–for “indigent” people for lack of a better word. I can see how this would be controversial. I will go back and do some digging.
acho says:
September 22, 2010 at 3:34 pm
@ bradystjames:
You said “i think sketch been moving a lot of drugs and HE was buying from him and they have a mutual trust.”
Do you mean Sketch was buying from BG, as in BG is a grower/distributor?
Or BG was buying from Sketch, as in BG is small time compared to Sketch?
Just curious what your thought is, Brady. Thanks.
i think sketch is the drug dealer. Although it very well could be the other way around. Still, i think its drugs tying these two dirtbags together.
BLINK:
Maybe somethng I finally can contribute. Why the precise location for the victim?
As I posted so many months ago, three possible access points: 1) Bass driveway which is unlikely because it clearly begins as a private drive with a high risk to attract attention, 2) Gate off of Red Hill at the creek crossing which seems pretty exposed to observation while going through the gate but otherwise plausible, and 3) Blandemar down the drainage from barn area, limited likleyhood of detection and navigable in part without lights if familiar with terrain.
All three access points are conceivable as being randomly discoverable by a perpetrator although the likely hood of that seems limited in varying degree per route.
*****The reality is however that no matter which access is used the victim’s location is a likely endpoint.
If one uses the Bass driveway (unlikely because of mailbox and proximity to house unless unlit) and leaves the road in an attempt to find a remote area it is very possible to end up in the general vicinity of the body – as the terrain becomes steeper and more wooded perp would park and carry body to find more concealed spot. As he moves down hill he encounters fenceline and that barrier provides the impetus for the body being left here. It should be mentioned that it is less likely for most people to go downhill than up when trying to hide something, however uphill with a heavy load is very difficult.
If one uses the Red Hill road gate access at the crossing the track along the hay bottoms is navigable in dry weather for a significant distance. One comes to a dead-end from the south (I apologize for the term) very near to the scene of discovery. The dead end for a vehicle is an exposed location so one would carry the body towards the wooded area and in doing so would encounter the fenceline. After struggling to get beyond the fence and now adjacent a wooded area and at the base of a substantial hill the perp has reached his limit and chooses this location.
Similarly if one approaches from Blandemar along the same drainage from the north again there a dead-end where a vehicle can go no further (very near to the same end-point as coming from the south). Forced afoot the perp again heads towards the woods, and encounters the fence at nearly the same location. Body ends up in same area from three different locations.
Oddly enough the precise location of the scene of discovery makes sense from all potential access points. What does this tell us?
1. Perp was likely somewhat familiar with the area but it is not mandatory. This does not seem anywhere near the most likely site for a panicked murderer traveling down this highway corridor to access unknowingly at random. It is possible however and I would not exclude a suspect because he does’t know the area.
2. Perp had a vehicle, or access to same, either a 4 wheel drive, pickup, or utility vehicle (might have got the Subaru there but not the Buick). Who rented such a vehicle over the following day or two? I must assume they have checked.
3. Trace evidence, particularly fibers or hair in the barbed wire fence (Assuming it is barbed wire?) could be crucial. I have crawled thru a million such fences and it is hard not to snag something on the way through. I would search every inch of wire and the ground around for a hundred yards of fence – I trust they did so. Also check the gate on Red Hill Road if it is wire.
4.If the crossings were muddy around the time of the crime then surveillance from carwashes in area might be of interest I doubt if any such records still exist but who knows? (I should have thought of this earlier). Also car washes have vacuums for cleaning interior.
5. Scene of murder is elsewhere unless Morgan was disoriented enough to be incapacitated or unless she was familiar or comfortable with the perp. Otherwise she would not have gone to this area without a fight. I don’t know what his tells me. Anyone?
6. I can’t help but lean towards Sketch with some type vehicle (not a car) as being the primary suspect for now – and why would he not be the primary suspect for Cassandra Morton as well unless we have some reason to think otherwise?
I am not sure any of this helps in any way Blink. Nathan Bar-Jonah and Joseph Duncan (both in my neck of the woods) left me wondering what can I somehow do? Sandra Cantu led me to this site. How could a parent see that skipping girl and not want to find out if the internet can help fight this battle?
You are doing it right Blink, figuring it out as you go, and having an impact on investigations in a positive manner. You have attracted a group of smart people (and a few …..). Stay the Course.
Kudos friend.
I am leaving this post for consumption.
Learning as go, sen se
B
Blink Says:
They drove to point A, then carried her on foot to her final resting place-
There were plenty of places to put her on those hundreds of acres. Why there?
——————————-
That is to say that where she was specifically found was the exact spot where she was left. Based on the reading I have done, I am not entirely convinced the perps(s) specifically left her there. I still feel that a degree of natural activity was involved that may have moved her, the surrounding wooded area a more than likely disposal spot. I feel that she was murdered in close proximity to this spot.
Moving a body more than 50 yards postmortem, unless transported concealed in a car/van, is extremely unlikely. Physically transporting a body more than this distance is even more unlikely. As car/van access was not immediately accessible to the surrounding area of where she was located, I feel she was murdered in proximity to AF/Blandemar, not transported already deceased to the disposal site. I am, however, only speaking from a statistical perspective, which of course is not 100% accurate.
I do feel that the entry point IS as important as the disposal spot, especially if the entry point was not typically accessed. I hope LE has pinned down this location with 100% certainty. Mrs. Rosentiel’s property as an access point is definitely worth noting.
Extremely interesting about Ms.Rosentiel’s absence during those months.
Was someone that works in construction or other such areas- concerned about not getting the work that a land development/ building ofhealth care facility would surely bring them? Or could it be even more personal than that?
Rader’s comments about location location location seem to come back into play yet again.
Wow … Eloise … good job!
SARAMOM, as in Piedmont House?
Blink, your comments about Lady Rosenstiel made me laugh! This is just what we Poles are like. She reminds me of my mother and her companions. By the way, I saw her in real life some years ago. She runs a large cultural foundation in the States, which is also linked to an international network, and she runs another charity funding a chair in Polish literature, I believe at UVa, but don’t quote me on that.
There are various internet sites stating that the embassy is closed over the winter, in both English and Polish, and the schedule of the Miami concerts is also on the internet. It is in fact very easy to find out that she was away at the time.
Agreed and FYI. I am married to a “pole”. Does it ever wear off or wane at all?
B
Saramom,
I went and looked for a few bits on Mrs. R and found this article. I snipped one part showing her ‘personality’. I love the word pip and use it often. Like ‘something else’.
The Convention started with an enthusiastic acceptance of my plan to establish a permanent office for the ACPCC in Washington. Mr. Alexander Koprowski was appointed by me as the fund raising chairman, himself giving a considerable amount of funds (over $100,000) to this project.
We discussed the other issues presented by me. Unfortunately, the two year term for President and Board Members was rejected…the change of name was rejected…the tours of lecturing professors and exhibitions was not approved. Only two of the member organizations have shown our “Perspektywa Polska” and “Polish Music Today”. It seemed that my heartfelt efforts and concerns served no purpose!
http://www.poles.org/DB/R_names/Rosenstiel_LB/Rosenstiel_BA.html
MP:
I dont believe anyone could go great white on you, you are too kind and sweet.
I have never believed you could see Morgan from another property. Most definetely not from the road. From what I gather, the landscape is high & low, add in trees and waist high hay. You remember the pics from fb, well think of the creek like photos. I think Blink has indicated she may have initially rested in that kind of gully if you will. Then, with the tremendous rain, a bit of snow, the tributaries overfloweth, and out she came from her hiding place. I believe that is the working scenereo. Now, I am not sold on her placement the night of the 17th early AM 18th necessarily. But, I do believe she was there pre-skeletal. I dont think they have the gonads for that, it gets pretty unpleasant. I am curious as to what makes you feel the way you do? At the moment, I think she was taken, beaten up, and used for a period of time, possibly by more than one. I think some have theorized it went on for days, I think that is too risky. But, once over, they needed to separate from her. If we go with the the story that Blandemar was unoccupied and Mr & Mrs Bass were oot, they had ample leeway to do what they had to do. 4am is a very quiet time of the night, the drunks are asleep and the early risers arent up yet. JMO. I doubt I swayed you, but gave it a shot.
Thank you, E. I always admire your tenacity and your research skills. I believe you have been known to put tongue in cheek on occasion. You’re a pip!!!
Blink – you may not want to post this, but this hits too close to home for people, date and time – who was in town for this funeral? who would have enough rage due to this person passing? i think this may be the link / location location location: hot or cold>?:
ELIZABETH ANN SHIFFLETT GENTRY
The Daily Progress, Charlottesville, VA, Thu, Oct. 15, 2009
Elizabeth Ann Gentry, 62, of Charlottesville, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother went to be with God Wednesday, October 14, 2009. After a long battle with illness, she is finally at peace with her loved ones and will be missed more than simple words can say. Born March 21, 1947 in Charlottesville, she was the daughter of the late Dolphis Shifflett and Mittie Ann Shifflett. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Phyliss Knight; and two brothers, Carl E. Shifflett and Harland Shifflett. She leaves behind a husband of 47 years, Charles Douglas Gentry Jr. of Charlottesville; five daughters, Vicky S. Hensley and her husband, Butch, of Scottsville, Frances A. Shifflett and her husband, Fred, of Keene, Rebecca Gentry and her companion, Jeff Morris, of Charlottesville, Tasha R. Monroy and her husband, Oscar, of Charlottesville, and Pamela D. Morris and her husband, Thomas, of Esmont; one son, Clevland D. Gibson and his companion, Janet, of Greene County; 20 grandchildren including a special grandson, Michael and special granddaughter, Christina; six great-grandchildren; a brother, Elvin Shifflett and his wife, Nancy, of Newport News; and a close friend, Eddie Siler. A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Monday, October 19, 2009, at the Hill and Wood Funeral Home with the Reverend Sidney Craig officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends at their home. Friends my sign the guest book at http://www.hillandwood.com
I guess the reason that I felt she was moved there later as it would have made it more difficult to gather evidence and complicate finding the cause of death. Now to counter myself, the coroner may well know the cause of death and it is strategy perhaps to give the perps a false sence of security. There – am I yinging and yanging myself – looks that way….
I didnt know if you had seen this. April 2010.
http://www.facebook.com/notes/elliott-atwell/the-college-gym-weight-room-etiquette-pet-peeves-and-miscellaneous-observations/65599660947
Know what I think?
I think if I were a serious gym rat, I would be embarrassed that I had the excess sand in the hourglass to pontificate about such bullshit. I have been an athlete all my life, and still drag my ass out to run about 20 miles a week. Coach a little.
Not training mode, not bustin a groove, just doin’ as I do, and hopefully keeping my ass off the ground at the same time. Like we all do.
Point Is: If your serious about your sport, your not sitting for hours developing a diatribe.
Your just- not.
B
@ Eloise: I was rereading the obit of JR’s father, and noticed that father had a sister, Kitty S. Is she any relation to G S, the incarcerated S/O? Sorry if this has already been discussed, but there are so many to keep up with. I am wondering if JR and GS are related.
My theory of this crime seems to change from time to time. I am now thinking (after reflecting on Blink’s coments about the perp growing up in the area, fishing, biking, etc,) that it would make sense to have boyhood friends, or cousins, doing this crime, if they were mean to the bone.
This is not a crime that could have been done by anyone, because the vast majority of people are just not sadistic bullies. In fact, I think that there are only a few of them out there in the NG area, capable of this crime.
That might shed new light on the Sketch involvement, such as possibly if Morgan;s shirt had Sketch;s dna planted on it, and shirt was planted 5 blocks from “the car wash”, to throw off LE. Perp could have thought that so and so was in the dna data base because of the early 1990′s felony charge, which was reduced, and then maybe perp was surprised when he was not, and the Fairfax 2005 connection came in instead.
I will say that if Sketch was supposed to be in the dna data base, and through an oversight or mistake of LE in whatever jurisdiction, he was not, it will be a shame, even if he is not a direct suspect in the crime, and could simply shed some light on this matter, such as where he came in contact with the shirt.
Also, I think that in the case of the early 1990′s felony charge, (which was reduced,) if dna was supposed to be in the database, and is not, through oversight or mistake, as has been reported in the State of VA to have happened in some jurisdictions, then LE needs to make that right, and go get the dna now.
joeamerica wrote:
“2. Perp had a vehicle, or access to same, either a 4 wheel drive, pickup, or utility vehicle (might have got the Subaru there but not the Buick). Who rented such a vehicle over the following day or two? I must assume they have checked.”
If the killer was a local then the odds are there was a 4 wheel drive or other rough terrain capable vehicle available, either owned by the killer or easy to borrow. We are very much a 4-wheel drive, SUV, crossover, front-wheel drive community. All one has to do is travel our roadways and observe the number of jeeps, F-150′s, Tundra’s, and the list goes on and on. Most likely a rental would not have been necessary. I am personally of the opinion that Morgan died the night of her kidnapping and was left on the farm that night. Probably just my hope that whatever occurred happened quickly, that she was not subjected to fear and pain for a long time. I would hope that anyone who let someone use their 4-wheel drive that night or in the following days has done some serious questioning of the need for such a vehicle. After 9:30 on a Saturday night probably would raise some questions, but on a Sunday, not so much if the excuse was “hey dude, got something to move, can I use your truck for an hour.”
Point Is: If your serious about your sport, your not sitting for hours developing a diatribe.
Your just- not.
B
***********
Maybe that is why we are looking a little square and chubby.:)
Susan, I am guessing that I know the 1990′s case you are referencing. I believe someone here wrote that the final charge and guilty plea would not have been subject to a DNA sample under Virginia law. I just do not believe the mere fact that the man from the 90′s charge has some resemblance to a sketch provides LE with legal grounds to even request a voluntary sample. IMO, there would have to be more cause to make such a request. If you’ve been a long time reader, then you know that Charlottesville women were terrorized by a serial rapist for a period of years. DNA evidence recovered at several scenes but no match in any database. Local LE, desperate to find the rapist as the level of violence increased, started the process of asking local black men who could fit the description to submit voluntary DNA samples. I understand LE’s position, they had a dangerous predator on the loose, but the major reasons these men were being asked for a sample were age, body type and color of their skin. Nothing else to suggest any involvement in the rapes. To say the requests became a great source of controversy with threatened law suits would be an understatement. If there was an obvious birthmark, scar, or something of that nature that definitely distinguished the subject of the sketch then yes, I can see how such a request could be made. I really see nothing from the sketch that can be said to be such a distinguishing feature. To my eye, the man in the sketch does appear to be African American, but his facial hair and hair style are so prevalent, his facial features are so prevalent, that I can completely understand, if there’s no other evidence, why there’s been no arrest from 2005.