Harrington/Love Murders AT UVA: Sorority Rape Misses Radar To Alert Students
Charlottesville, VA- Sallie Hamilton, the original owner of the Hamilton House on Chancellor Ave., was ahead of her time when she chose Charlottesville to build her boarding house.
Recently divorced and the mother of two young sons, she was one of five single women from 1900 to 1910 to build and operate boarding houses to accommodate students of the University of Virginia as a means of income and support for her family.
The Chancellor Street address abutted the newly established and exclusive Fraternity Row on Madison Lane and was directly across from the central grounds. The Delta Zeta Sorority purchased it in 1979.
In the early morning hours of September 17th, 2010, it was also the scene of the latest rape of a UVA student and DZ sorority sister.
September 17th, 2010 also happens to have been the first full day of a 10 day memorial to Yeardley Love, the lacrosse player who was brutally murdered in May.
The columns of the Rotunda were draped in black just hours before the vicious rape and assault in the backyard of the sorority house, an assault that the young woman has very little memory of.
Coincidentally, Yeardley Love was a sister at Kappa Alpha Theta, whose sorority, Saunders House, resides at 127 Chancellor Street.
A “stones throw away” you might say.
Eleven days earlier, a meeting between the parents of Virginia Tech Junior Morgan Harrington and UVA President Teresa Sullivan regarding safety on campus, was productive.
Morgan disappeared from the grounds of John Paul Jones Arena last October and was later found murdered in January after months of searching for her. According to her mother Gil, Morgan was also raped and beaten.
Blinkoncrime.com was alerted to the attack at DZ House by concerned parents of UVA students when they did not receive an email alert from either UVA PD or Charlottesville PD as they have in the past, after they were informed of the incident directly.
For several hours following the attack, police actually detained associates of the sororities within the property at the time of the incident,as well as those arriving home while Charlottesville Police were conducting interviews.
After a previous sexual assault on July 19th, 2010, students, faculty, and parents received this email within 24 hours of the attack:
To members of the University community:
The Charlottesville Police Department responded to a report of a sexual assault that occurred on Roosevelt Brown Blvd at 11:30 p.m. on Monday July 19, 2010.
The victim, a University of Virginia student, reported being approached from behind and was pushed into some bushes along the sidewalk as she was walking on Roosevelt Brown Blvd. After a brief struggle, the assailant fled on foot in the direction of West Main Street.
The suspect is described as a Hispanic male in his early thirties. He is approximately five foot seven inches tall and weighs approximately 150 to 160 pounds.
Anyone having information related to this incident should call the Charlottesville Police at 434-970-3280 or Crime Stoppers at 434-977-4000.
Please use all of the resources that are provided to you as a member of the University community. If you are interested in learning more about what resources are available, including safety seminars and self-defense classes, visit our Resources web site.
A few key things to remember:
- Trust your instincts about a person or situation. If you feel uncomfortable, immediately report your concerns to police by calling 911.
- If you find yourself in a similar situation, turn over material belongings to the suspect and focus on his or her physical characteristics, i.e. clothing description, height and weight and last known direction of travel.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Do not let a cell phone conversation or listening to music distract you when walking or in a situation that calls for your full attention.
- Avoid isolated areas when walking alone at night. Use SafeRide (434-242-1122), walk with friends, or take the late-night weekend bus.
- Report suspicious activity or people immediately by calling 911.
The University of Virginia Police Department would like to remind you of several resources that are available if you believe you, or a friend, has been a victim of sexual assault. Sources of support available include the Office of the Dean of Students, the Women’s Center, Counseling and Psychological Services in Student Health, Charlottesville’s Sexual Assault Resource Agency (SARA), and the Victim and Witness Assistance Programs for the city of Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Students wishing to pursue disciplinary action through the University can do so through the University’s Sexual Assault Board. For more information about the Sexual Assault Board, contact the Office of Dean of Students or by phone at 434-924-7133. Students are eligible to receive support through any of these channels regardless of whether they elect to pursue criminal, civil, or administrative remedies through the University.
Michael Gibson Chief of Police
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Sandridge approved distribution of this message.
Apparently, the concern for safety is shared after 2 shooting incidents occurred in the vicinity this past weekend, as addressed by Lt. Melisa Fielding, UVA PD:
“Safety is really a shared responsibility,” said Lt. Melisa Fielding of the UVA Police Department. ”You can’t put enough police out there to prevent all incidents.”
UVA police say that means getting the entire corner community on deck with keeping the nightlife area safe.
“Over the last year there have been enough incidents in this area to make one question how safe the community is,” Fielding stated.
On September 24, UVA held a Day of Dialogue: Toward a Caring Community.
The University’s new president, Teresa Sullivan, says this is a day of healing and of frank discussions about ways to prevent violence.
Frankly, I would like to discuss how after 3 known attacks, one resulting in a sexual assault after two attempts in the same evening in July, a rape and beating occurring at a UVA sorority is not worthy of an alert to students, faculty or parents?
One would think the start of preventing of such violence would be acknowledgment it exists, even when it happens “on grounds”.
Blinkoncrime.com was able to reach Carol Wood this evening, Office of Public Affairs UVA, while traveling for business:
..” I am out of town on business and have not heard of such incident but will look into it..”
Madeline Tanner, copy editor and contributing editor to this report.
Elizabeth Morton, contributing editor to this report.
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acho says:
September 29, 2010 at 9:12 pm
For MsL:
I tried posting this earlier and the post is gone, but here you are. It could not be more clear and Dean Grove’s words could not jibe less with the CPD’s:
http://spotcrime.com/crime/12623166-a4fb526758952ed2c32d6f9598cbca9d
“SEX OFFENSE – FORCIBLE RAPE” (caps theirs)
Note – there was a burglary just after midnight on Chancellor St. – related?
Not the same evening, and yes, we are aware.
B
Acho, first, let me make it clear, I have no doubt the attack occurred. The fact that the incident is listed as a forcible rape report IMO, does not mean Charlottesville PD are not still working to determine the validity of the report. That is their job. I don’t know who commented up thread on the lack of attendance by Charlottesville PD, perhaps it was Blink. Whoever it was, I agree, someone from the Charlottesville PD should have been available to answer questions. Would have been much more informative, and from UVA’s standpoint, could have eliminated a lot of questions about whether they were really forthcoming and truthful.
Localcvillegirl
Austin Community College has multiple campuses. Most of their students are attending evening classes.
This is a problem at all colleges and universities. Administration does not want the bad publicity. Until parents and concerned citizens make a stink so bad that they cannot shove it under a rug, this will continue. Most of them simply thumb their collective noses at the Clery Act. It is going to take some people going to jail and a major fine to get anything moving as intended.
Eloise
Your post is exactly why that university police departments should not report to the Administration. They should be a division of the local PD or county sheriffs office. This would give the victims access to other services provided by the community.
I would not be suprised if the local TV and radio outlets were told by the UVA administration to downplay this recent event.
There is not a doubt in my mind that the perp is known by a lot of his buddies. These little boys need to stop playing games and man up to their responsibilities.
@ Eloise September 29, 2010 at 9:14 pm
Yes, I heard exactly the same thing.
Hi Blink, I’m still in moderation limbo from earlier today. September 29, 2010 at 12:10 pm
Totally understandable with the head exploding events of the day.
Your up, thanks
B
George and Bev
In Texas, the only university campus that has escort services is the main campus of AM university at College Station. This is a large military school and all members of the Corps must volunteer to provide escorts to any who ask. This is usually two males assigned to each escort activity.
Blink
I like you would love to be a fly on the wall in the governors office this morning. I hope this is the “straw that breaks the camels back” regarding these problems. With his children in attendance, maybe he can shake the administration enough to get real action taken. I appologize for shouting in my post yesterday. Heartbroken and then angry couldn’t control myself.
No apology necessary. I am simultaneously sitting on my hands and biting my tongue to observe my self-imposed restraint.
B
Parents and concerned citizens are going to have to force some changes about notification of events such as these. If enough of them E-mail, make personal calls and generally make themselves known to the administration and the media, something will be changed.
Jen
Personal safety classes should be made mandetory for all female students regardless of their class status. This needs to be repeated each day of freshman orientation and at least twice during the first week of school for all uperclass students. They need to have local law enforcement included in the class, not just university people.
The first step to forgiveness is to acknowledge the wrong done….
UVA from an outsiders perspective has no feeling or responsibility to it`s students safety, pawned off to somebody else…
3 henious crimes that could have been prevented with the proper awareness, disciplinery action and security. 2 young women murdered and another sexually assaulted. Shame on UVA. What will it take to change this?…
I was personally offended when he openly vacillated about whether or not the incident was a sexual assault.
More to come.
B
Let me tell you Blink this is an exellent Report and à great work to let things move on the right way:)
In this morning’s paper…it still does sound a little confusing. Hopefully we’ll get an updated press conference by the Charlottesville PD.
http://www2.dailyprogress.com/news/2010/sep/29/uva-issues-warning-about-attacks-ar-533052/
2.A Texas Grandfather says:
September 29, 2010 at 10:05 pm
Eloise
Your post is exactly why that university police departments should not report to the Administration. They should be a division of the local PD or county sheriffs office. This would give the victims access to other services provided by the community.
I would not be suprised if the local TV and radio outlets were told by the UVA administration to downplay this recent event.
—————–
I don’t know if the local tv and radio were told to downplay this recent event, but I can tell you that watching the Newsplex channel news this morning, the newscasters seem more enthused by the recent rain we are getting, then the concern over the rapes and unsolved crimes in this town. I challenge ALL local news venues to do some real investigating, reporting and educating. You are the communication to this town. The power you have is priceless. To sit there and blandly report in a monotone, your 30 second rehash of the prewritten words is pathetic.
As I’ve posted before, I’m on the faculty at a very large university in a college town in another state.
Crap happens here, too, and sports are big. The university bureaucracy has many many failings.
But this whole UVA reaction just seemed very “80s.” Not 21st century, in tone, attitude or methods of dissemination.
The university here NOW errs on the side of “alert now” and “ask questions later.” For example, an alert went out last March about a reported stranger assault/rape, and we all heard about it by the next morning. EVEN THOUGH there was doubt about the report, and it later turned out to be fabricated, the alert was very simple and didn’t go into that. I heard no one complain that the report was later proven false, or that the university had over-reacted. No one.
Can you imagine the impact at UVA if others were victimized during their 10-day delay, because they wanted to be sure that there had been a sexual assault?
Once again Lizzy, you are in my head. Jason Mateos, BOC editor said something to our group the other day that I have been hearing in my head since. In fairness it had more to do with the overall Morgan Harrington Investigation, but when we learned of the attacks, it got louder.
He said (para): I have not seen arrogance of this magnitude since the 80′s and the whole coke phenom.
These people remind me of the cast and plot of BLOW, just tweak the storyline.
Part of me reflected yesterday I wonder if Dr. Sullivan told sweater vest to wash his own laundry since those that know better should have informed her. In other words, if he makes it through drip dry and this blows over, lesson learned, move on. If not, then he is left hanging out on the wash line.
No, I have no clue where I come up with some of my analogies, just appear over my head in thought bubble formation.
B
I just lost a post, but in it I said to Liam that his point about security takes us right back to the issue of the firms on UVa’s approved list for security providers … how comfortable do we all feel with that list, and the murky licensing for one H&H? UVa (and many other institutions, certainly) needs a boldfaced list titled How to Better Protect Our Students, and one important item should include verifying the licensing and backgrounds of their security firms. I agree students play a paramount role in their own personal safety, but give me a break: the university must do right by its paying families.
Has anyone else noticed that the language in Groves’ letter to student is much clearer, MUCH less ambiguous about what happened than what is being put out to the media as of this morning? What do you make of that? (Snark: I think UVa’s bike pedals reverse far more quickly than they move forward.)
I am seeing some ad-libbing that concerns me. A few Richmond accounts refer to the victim in the 9/17 rape as impaired. Whether she was or she was not, I have never seen verified information of that, nor would I expect to.
Who needs schooling in VA statute about victim confidentiality in a rape case? Not Charlottesville PD apparently, when UVA finally called them on 9/21 when the student would not agree to discuss the incident directly with the Dean of students et al, they were informed that Cville PD could not discuss the case with them. Why isn’t anyone picking up on that? Anyone pick up the nearly inaudible comment that it was Cville PD responsibility to alert a safety concern because it was their case?
Lastly, Blarsky- can you wave your magic research and tell me why Cville PD is investigating the 9/17 incident, and not UVA PD? What’s the SOP on that?
B
This whole thing angers me to the point that I can’t even comment on these latest developments because I might likely go off on a tangent
I just hope that SOMETHING is done by the governors office and that the penalties hurt.
Edits:
“the university must do right by its families” (With “paying families,” I didn’t intend to distinguish from those on scholarship; my point was families pay this school to do right by them.)
“forward,” not “foward”
The residents of the Charlottesville and Albemarle county area can never expect any news that might reflect badly on UVA from our local news agencies. It seems they have a “don’t ask don’t tell” relationship. We won’t ask about what you won’t tell. And if they have to report on bad news because it is being reported by others (say a NJ lady 200+ miles away) then they do so in the best way to soften the blow with no meaningful follow-up investigating or reporting. Sad indeed!
This would be a great time for the arrests in the Morgan Harrington murder to be made and the truth come out about her abduction on grounds in the lot where the purse was found, contents strewn about, that the UVA Police said showed no signs of a struggle.
You nailed it.
I have a 15 year PR background, most of it successful lol. thus why I write about true crime.
Kidding aside, if I were advising them, that is exactly the tact I would take.
B
I have been faithfully reading, but not posting for a long time. I am not sure if anyone remembers but my youngest daughter applied to VT and UVA (we are from NY) but have family in VA half an hour from UVA. She was accepted to both and our decision was not to send her there. For the handling of the murders and rapes, (yes I know, it happens everywhere), but I will tell you another part of the reason. A slightly different culture than we are used to.
When we go to family reunions, the women are still treated for the most part like it was 100 years ago. For instance, my husband’s female cousins, who are between 30-65, are not allowed to drink beer out of a bottle. They put it in coffee cups to avoid the hassles from the men. Except for one, who is the coolest most outspoken southern drawl speaking woman I have ever met. Now as a yankee, I caused a bit of trouble with that notion myself.
I am wondering if part of this reaction from UVA, is that the assaults on women happen late at night, possibly while drinking. Just like with Natalee Holloway, there are some who believe what happened was her fault. She shouldn’t have…you name it. Blame the victim.
Virginia is a very beautiful state, but still has very old fashioned values, which in some ways is truly wonderful.
Obviously, this is just a personal observation and my observations only. I do know that this seems a sweeping generalization. Sorry, I don’t explain myself in writing as well as I should. No offense to anyone, especially locals.
“Lastly, Blarsky- can you wave your magic research and tell me why Cville PD is investigating the 9/17 incident, and not UVA PD? What’s the SOP on that?B”
I believe Charlottesville PD is investigating because the attack occurred within the jurisdiction of Charlottesville police and not on University grounds. I’ve read comments that such investigations should not be conducted by a police department that has to report directly to a school’s administration. Well, that apparently is what is happening in this case. If there’s concern about the objectivity of UVA PD, should they do such an investigation? I do think that both police departments should fully share information if legal to do so and support each other, for the safety of the community, both in the town and on the grounds of UVA.
As for whether or not this young woman was impaired before the attack, it would seem that it should be easy to determine from her injuries whether or not an attack occurred and that is apparently what the Charlottesville PD is working to determine. If it is determined that she was raped, then her condition before the attack should have ABSOLUTELY no bearing on charges placed and should have no place in a trial if there is an arrest. Attached is just a brief story from our local paper, The Daily Progress (or as it is sometimes referred to in our town, The Daily Regress.) Take it for what it’s worth. I haven’t had a chance to read reports from other local news sites this morning and probably won’t until later.
http://www2.dailyprogress.com/news/2010/sep/29/uva-issues-warning-about-attacks-ar-533052/
Morning Blinkers-
I too lost a post due to the pesky weather. Look out for tornados!
I am questioning the SOP. It seems UVA wants to keep their dirty laundry to themselves. I question that notion. Unless all is enclosed in a glass wall, the alleged attacker’s here can venture beyond the glass wall to the community at large. This is a community issue. What I tried to say in my lost post, is that when a victim is seen in the ER, their situation is seen as an alleged assault. They proceed with obtaining and collecting all potential evidence. No one waits for the prosecution to complete it’s case beyond a reasonable doubt. Afterwards is too late. So basically, to wait to warn people well afterwards is poor practice and outright negligence.
For instance, if UVA had it’s own FD, and there was a fire, they would respond and likely be able to handle the situation. But in a case where there is an unknown threat by one who can obviously travel beyong the glass gates, the community LE, ie: Charlottesville, imo should be the lead. Keeping UVA LE involved and working together is a given. But yes, Charlotesville should have been able to report independantly of the school.
Blink I see you asking about this. This is why I questioned that yesterday, to me theres too many cooks in the kitchen if you do not have cooperation. It certainly has been shown to not be working.
I mean, one minute you are off grounds, but the next you want to be directly involved in the message. Get over yourselves and do the right thing for all of the community.
I imagine the Harrington’s are very dismayed about these events. Morgan is trying to warn people and no one is listening. No one except our Blink.
Ok, I do have one comment. Whether the victim was impaired or not is neither here nor there. That does not give someone a free pass to rape. To insinuate such is horrendous!!
Just saw this… FYI
http://www.readthehook.com/blog/index.php/2010/09/30/more-crimes-against-uva-students/
The problem is not just with UVa, although they seem to be on the far end of the spectrum. ALL higher level institutions have their share of inefficiencies in dealing with important matters, mostly due to a disorganized bureaucratic structure. A University setting is also a highly decentralized environment. Blurred reporting structures and a complex array of services leads to visible disorganization and lack of accountability. The setting is also highly political. Do I think UVa, along with all other major University settings, have important issues to address? Of course. Are those issues consciously and purposely avoided by a select group of individuals to deflect liability? My belief is no, being that the end result is and always will be a product of the inept environment.
Seething over here as well.
I can certainly tell you that if I had daughters and they were going to college there, they wouldn’t be anymore.
Someone has some splaining to do…
Are we feeling these these rapes/attempted rapes are being committed by someone involved with what happened to Morgan? Or, do we believe this to be different offenders?
I don’t know which would be worse. If same people, than we have a serial offender preying on college girls in and around UVA that police can’t catch OR we still have serial rapist preying on college girls in and around UVA that has yet to be caught PLUS a murderer who 11 months later still hasn’t been caught.
Either way, things are not good in Charlottesville or UVA right now and certainly, the streets are NOT SAFE for woman in that area.
Something needs to be done to take this area back off the predators and bring it back to the lovely town that it surely is and a place we do not fear for our daughters to be walking the streets, or heck, for our daughters to just be.
I am on day 2 of my seethe, and honestly, I don’t feel my usual ability to settle into my resolve on this.
I do not know why I had to stop that press conf 4 times and leave the room, but as you saw on the Hook, and I will update, this is a crisis. Sweatervest can bloviate about his staffers at the ready for such ‘inconveniences”, but I ask you- if you were victimized by someone there, after that pressconf, are you accepting an invite to his office?
B
Blink,
I am curious where Observer is and why she isn’t commenting on this article….guess someone higher up than her put the “hush” button on her. Or perhaps, like the rest of us, has no words to defend the lack of action, empathy or response to such incidences any longer.
Hang On-
I have made Observer aware of the situation while she is out of pocket for a few. She was unaware of it, appalled, and very open with me, but as I have kept the confidence of many, many people in this case, the rest of our exchange is private.
I can tell you unequivocally that O will NEVER support a hush up, or anyone ever telling her to hush.
She has literally spent the bulk of her career championing causes to address these issues.
Contrary to what a lot of people think, alumni, professionals and their families of UVA may bleed orange, but they also have great respect for the respect and integrity of the institution.
People have their limits, and if your a parent of a student residing on campus, near campus, beside campus, above, below, beside or between grounds, and your not concerned for the welfare of your child respectfully, your an imbecile and you need to educate yourself.
B
Blink, can you read something for me.
A part may not be post-worthy.
Getting there Fishter, way behind, but yes.
B
Ok, I do have one comment. Whether the victim was impaired or not is neither here nor there. That does not give someone a free pass to rape. To insinuate such is horrendous!!
it makes it far worse, I cannot believe how many different themes and versions of blame the victim policies are firmly and legally in place. Its NOT okay to attack hurt/drugged/homeless/defenseless/older people okay???? Well at least the cowardice shows which can help point to the groups who d go t
Were there no rape kits taken? I may be missing info, so excuse me if I overlooked that part-
Also, is there silence? The girls seem scared all the way around, too scared to divulge or not divulge what they know….sad.
“MsL says:
September 29, 2010 at 8:21 pm
Blink has referred to a “forcible rape” but I gather, from having just watched the news conference that the Charlottesville Police Department are still investigating the first incident and have not yet classified it as a rape, at least according to Allen Groves. Has he misrepresented the facts, or is he correct that the Charlottesville Police Department has not yet made a determination about the facts?”
To all and I mean ALL.
http://www.whsv.com/news/headlines/81786707.html
This is an article about the young girl assaulted in Harrisonburg, Va. To date, I don’t know if they have any other information other than a describtion of the two men and the car they were in.
&&&
Localcvillegirl; You are correct.
It happens everywhere, every campus. Even in a dorm room.
I’m not quite sure I understand what plea deal was made in his case but I sure hope he is reporting to his PO. I believe he has a one year probation period. I could be wrong.
Nope.
http://epwsgdp1.courts.state.va.us/gdcourts/caseSearch.do
One year for “Resisting Arrest” and “(misdemeanor)Assault”
~~~
Now on to DaisyGirl and JEN:
Oh my God!
I am so, so sorry for what you both had to endure. My heart also breaks for you. But if there is anything that I can say is that the example you set here will be read by my own daughter!
Yes! That is what I said.
I have printed off your posts. I know that I inundate her with a barrage of information, facts, posts, articles, and yes; I never shut the hell up! I just want her to be safe.
It must be very difficult for her to be my kid.
It’s just that I take my job so, so seriously.
By you sharing with us, I will share with my own. Hopefully, that will open up our very own “Day of Dialogue!”
Her day is right around the corner and how will I know she makes the right choices, the right decisions?
I won’t unless I give her all I’ve got in my own arsenal!
I want her to have to give her the wings that I have clipped years ago.
I don’t want to live in fear, girls.
I want all of you to be safe.
I want for you all to heal.
I want this all to stop.
My oh my, that is a whole lotta of wants!
Here’s the best of all…
I WANT to thank you girls, for being the positive role-models that those of us out here are watching!
We need you to be strong.
Remember, there are girls out here that still believe it can’t or won’t happen to them!
So, thank you from the bottom of my heart for making the decision to share so that I as a mother, with the weight of the world on my shoulders, can pass it to my own Guppy Gal!!!
Which now brings me to this. I swear on my sister’s grave.
My daughter has been invited to friend’s in Cville.
Should I let her go?
They have plans for shopping, the game, and dinner out.
She will be in those LOTS, across that bridge, and oh yes, I send this to you…
Dear President Sullivan,
She will be not only on YOUR campus but also off-campus!!!
What the hell does that all mean?
STOP!
I know that I would go into a burning building for someone and I don’t need to have it belong only to me. Do you get my point?
I’m so frustrated, I’m not sure I get me!
But…
Will you personally protect her?
Will you let us know if something happens & quickly?
Will you hold her close and keep her safe?
What will you do, President?
A Woman of Women studies?
Now, what does that mean?
I’m confused, angry, and beyond words. Remember Prez, I’m not as smart as you. Just made a promise to love, protect, and raise her successfully. How can I do that if you don’t keep your promise of your office you hold?
Please just let those UVA parents KNOW!
I tell my daughter…ad nauseum,
“I need to be able to live with the consequences of the choices I may as your mother”.
How can I make choices if I don’t have the information to make them?
If knowledge is power then why do you get to hold all of it?
Because you’re powerful?
Well, then do something good with it!
MAKE A FRIGGIN DIFFERENCE!
I’m sick and could puke right now. If it is some “FRAT BOY” gone bad then start hauling them all in. NOW!!!
And to Law Enforcement… we all keep saying we support you.
Now do something!
I guess my meager friends beginnings have just done run out.
I SEE NO LIGHT IN ANYONE!
But again,
Pres. Sullivan, I’m sending YOU my daughter!
I have no choice!
I cannot live this way anymore!
She has to live her life she was given!
That little girl who was so close to death!
She has seen what it does to a family!
We all need to be there for each other!
Maybe if someone had, the Harrington’s and the Love’s would be eating dinner with their daughter’s tonight!!
I know bad shit will and can happen anytime but something BROKE in your system, President. I don’t know what it is but please can you watch out over the following….
young, beautiful girl
artistic
loving, king
headstrong
frontal lobe issues
athletic
5’6″, 120 lbs.
going to be in and around your campus, your city.
Sounds alot like Yeardley, Morgan, and a couple other victims now doesn’t it!!!
But it is not.
It is a daughter of someone you will probably never meet!
No, I’m quite sure you will never meet.
But if you step up, I’ll have your back! I swear!
Teresa,
I don’t care whether it will be off or on your campus. I will tell her to keep safe, don’t leave your friends, don’t let them leave you, call 911 immediately if needed, call me, call your dad!
But Teresa, can she call you?!!!
Will you be a part of the village that I thought, that I was told it would take? Or should I just protect my own and not give a shit about any other?
Please woman to woman…educate me on this!
Sincerely panicked,
fish
~~~
Blink, the above is just a letter written from some moron who is spitting mad and really has no business putting it into these lameass words.
Maybe it is I who is an assclown? Quite possibly, yes.
Believe it or not, I’m ok with that.
I’ve been through so much worse.
~~~
Now here the part I’m worried about…
Edit please but I swear I mean it!
Thanks friend.
BTW:
The murderer of Morgan Harrington go fuck yourself!!!
15.cvilleconcerned says:
September 30, 2010 at 9:17 am
The residents of the Charlottesville and Albemarle county area can never expect any news that might reflect badly on UVA from our local news agencies. It seems they have a “don’t ask don’t tell” relationship. We won’t ask about what you won’t tell. And if they have to report on bad news because it is being reported by others (say a NJ lady 200+ miles away) then they do so in the best way to soften the blow with no meaningful follow-up investigating or reporting. Sad indeed!
—————–
The Hook is the only local paper that even begin’s to touch on the real topics in this town. I would think that the Local PD and UVA officials would see how frustrated and angry locals are by reading the comments sections of the articles posted on the Hooks online website.
UVA needs to change their mascot from the Cavalier to the Ostrich. There is nothing cavalier about UVA and how they are dealing with these crimes.
AMEN SISTER! It will weaken a persons response depending on the level of impared-if you can even really defend yourself at all. BUT, if someone is out to do something, it shall be done regardless. HORRIBLE realization, but it’s true.
“Judi says:
September 30, 2010 at 10:46 am
Ok, I do have one comment. Whether the victim was impaired or not is neither here nor there. That does not give someone a free pass to rape. To insinuate such is horrendous!!”
I just saw the two incidents from last evening.
UVA needs to understand that it is not about the ‘grounds” it is about the students, and it appears that UVA has become as much an urban university as VCU is. That is “not locked behind gates and separated”, and even that is no guarantee of safety as in the U of R matters.
I do not think in the prior incident the victim’s condition should be made the issue, as if she is underage, she may not want to incur the disciplinary and legal sanctions which go with admitting she had a beer to the Dean of students. That fact alone may be preventing her from going to UVA for help.
I do not think the Dean is the appropriate place anyway, rape crisis center, or student health would be better. Someone who understands victims, and is not looking to blame the student or penalize them for reporting a rape. I hope sanctions by administration for drinking underage are not what is the issue in reporting this crime. If yes, that is a dirty deal from administration.
What??? 2 more assaults/attempted assaults last night??
That would bring the total to 5!!
I would say we have reached a state of emergency!!!
Well, hell maybe they were impaired and off grounds.
B
What would it take to make action be taken?
Can all of us here start emailing someone?
What can we do??????
Looks like the 2nd assault last night was basically right where Morgan’s shirt was found. He made her go ATM’s. Did we ever confirm if Morgan’s card was used or not after her last known sighting?
Walk the other direction down 15th (away from Grady) and that’s where the first attempted assault happened?
What the heck is going on?????
great business opportunity to set up a kiosk down on the corner:
Only ~$13 each!
http://www.mace.com/personal_defense/hot-pink-purse-model.html
Quick Overview
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Carry this Hot Pink Pepper Spray Purse model with you as a discreet unit with you when you go out on a date or for everyday protection in your purse!
Blink said:
You nailed it.
I have a 15 year PR background, most of it successful lol. thus why I write about true crime.
Kidding aside, if I were advising them, that is exactly the tact I would take.
B
Yeah, Blink, PR is a funny game. I have a cousin-in-law who worked for a big firm in NYC who once had to tell the world how really ok dioxin is after some kind of accident happened involving it. She didn’t feel very good about it afterwords.
KUDOS to BLINK!!
Raise our goblets!!!
I heart u Hummingbird, but not feeling worthy of kudos, I know you and Mr. Hummingbird know what that feels like in his career and your advocacy work.
B
Dearest Blink,
It has been sometime since I posted here, but I have been deligently following along.
Such a sad circumstance when a university back peddles to cover it’s behind rather then moves forward to solve the problems on it’s campus that involve the safety and well being of it’s students.
I have a feeling that until alumni and parents begin to question, rant and rave..and then pull the purse strings shut..UVA will continue to pretend it has it’s head in the sand.
I say pretend because they are in the business of academics so they know the stats on college rape, robbery, murder and assault. They just simply have decided that spending the time and money to make their campus and students safe is not a priority. (Even after the murder of two females in one college year.) Disgraceful conduct, unbecoming to a prestigous university. This conduct is not going away on it’s own..it will take a community of parents, locals and politicians to raise the pitch forks and say enough!
Thomas Jefferson must be rolling over in his grave.
I am thinking that many many students, esspecially those in evening classes have no way to always be in a group or with a buddy going from car to class..just not possible for evening students. So they need to come up with a plan. They need to spend time, money and thought on how to keep their students safe. They also need to get with the C’sville LE and have them be the campus cops..not rent aa cops. UVA is not it’s own country..they need to be reminded of that.
Whatever happened to in “loc parentis” anyway? I know..antiquated laws, from the olden days of the 60′s and early 70′s…but it put more pressure on colleges to be as reasonable as a parent for their young charges.
Hope you, hubby and your Blinkettes are doing well Ms Blink.
Hugs and peace,
Gypsy
Dearest DD-
Coming from you, a woman raised in the lands ripe and rich with our glorious American history, similar to the surroundings of Cville and Uva, it hits home.
I recall with horror what your Mom went through and I know posting on this brings back things you would rather not think about, for that, and for all the women here who have stood up for this issue in the face of overcoming your personal pain, I honor you, humbly.
I am not a feminist, never have been. I stand at a door with a man approaching expecting him to open it for me, or if he is elderly, allow him to think he did with my body language. I am an equalist.
I give Mr. Blink a break with kids in the car, but on date night, he is back on suitor status, bless his heart.
You would think I am in my 60′s while I write this compared to what I am seeing. How did this chasm of gentlemen vs. thug develop exactly?
Hugs, love and peace to you-
B
I am posting a link to an article from the Richmond Times Dispatch. It seems college kids are becoming bigger targets for all kinds of violence. I’m thinking a state-wide/national taskforce or something is in order to combat these issues.
http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/2010/sep/24/camp24-ar-522419/
I just want to provide this link to UVA’s idea of loco parentis..seems to be attached to the purse strings as well.
They may well nurture their minds, but they certainly are not looking out for their wellfare and safe being.
http://artsandsciences.virginia.edu/meredithwoo/blog/in-loco-parentis/
UVa does have some explaining to do about these recent incidents, but I wanted to share these two quick articles about college crime:
This is a good little piece, with comments, that ranks the top 25 schools with the biggest crime problems:
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-09-18/how-safe-is-your-college/
Here is a gallery of the top 50 most dangerous colleges. UVa is not on the list, but most of the Ivies are on there, and so is Tech.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/galleries/2085/1/?redirectURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedailybeast.com%2Fblogs-and-stories%2F2009-09-18%2Fhow-safe-is-your-college%2F
Carol, and the others who are afraid of UVa, you’ve got a lot of other places to worry about first. Please teach your children, before you send them off to school, about personal safety. It can only help.
A few snips- I am researching how the UVA PD are designated to proceed.
http://www.virginia.edu/uvapolice/
Its statutory arrest jurisdiction includes the property of the University as well as streets and sidewalks adjacent to the property. In addition, it participates in a mutual aid agreement with other local departments and a cooperative patrol agreement with the City of Charlottesville, which gives University officers jurisdiction in much of the city area surrounding the University. The mutual aid agrements do not apply to the investigation of most criminal cases.
The University, as with any other public or private entity, cannot assure or guarantee a crime free living or working environment. Accordingly, it is the responsibility of members of the University community to act in a security conscious manner and to avoid actions which jeopardize their security as well as the security of others. Members of the faculty, staff, and student body should report all crimes, hazards, emergencies, or dangerous situations to the Police Department.
I then checked out their webpage to see about the safety warnings.-
http://www.virginia.edu/uvapolice/reports.html
SEX OFFENSES – Dillard Dorm 201000995/68
Reported sex offense
RPT: 1645 09-01-10 OCC: 0001 01-01-09 to 2359 01-31-09
CASE STATUS: Active
SIMPLE ASSAULT – John Paul Jones Surface Lot 201001041/64
Arrest made
RPT: 0008 09-09-10 OCC: 2230 09-08-10 to 2315 09-08-10
CASE STATUS: Cleared by Arrest
SIMPLE ASSAULT – Jordan Hall 201001134/24
Report of simple assault
RPT: 2036 09-27-10 OCC: 1900 10-01-09 to 2330 09-24-10
CASE STATUS: Active
http://www.virginia.edu/uvapolice/safety.html
September 26, 2010
Charlottesville Police responded to a shooting incident that occurred on 13th Street at approximately 2:30 a.m. on September 26, 2010. Charlottesville Police believe the incident occurred between two separate groups that may have been known to each other. One individual, a resident of Charlottesville, was struck by a bullet. He fled the scene on foot to the University of Virginia Medical Center.
July 20, 2010
The Charlottesville Police Department responded to a report of a sexual assault that occurred on Roosevelt Brown Blvd at 11:30 p.m. on Monday July 19, 2010. The victim, a University of Virginia student, reported being approached from behind and was pushed into some bushes along the sidewalk as she was walking on Roosevelt Brown Blvd. After a brief struggle, the assailant fled on foot in the direction of West Main Street.
The suspect is described as a Hispanic male in his early thirties. He is approximately five foot seven inches tall and weighs approximately 150 to 160 pounds. ( as we already know here from BOC).
And that’s it! other than a laundry list of DIP, lost possessions etc.
So do we have a link for the 2 assaults last night? Or did I misunderstand?
Local, these are just the reported ones right? Sadly I do not find zero rapes of any kind realistic…..sad I feel that way.
“Here is a gallery of the top 50 most dangerous colleges. UVa is not on the list, but most of the Ivies are on there, and so is Tech.”
http://www.thedailybeast.com/galleries/2085/1/?redirectURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedailybeast.com%2Fblogs-and-stories%2F2009-09-18%2Fhow-safe-is-your-college%2F
I have a niece who is putting herself through college. She is 22 years old (just started this year). She also works as a waitress. She is juggling being a full time student and working a job. Since she is paying her own way, she doesn’t have a lot of extra cash. So, she could not afford the closer parking lots. She bought the cheapest parking pass, which is to the parking lot the most far away from school.
This year already, a woman was raped in broad daylight by two men on campus.
Upon hearing this, I immediately called my niece and told her to get a can of mace, the kind that go on your keychain, told her to always carry her keychain and cell phone in her hands and be aware of her surroundings, etc.
She asked why??
I told her because of the rape.
She said OK but I could hear it in her voice, she wasn’t worried or scared and was telling me OK just to appease me.
I nagged her until she bought the mace to pretty much shut me up.
Every time I see her, I tell her “Show me your keychain” to make sure it’s still there.
She ended up telling her boyfriend about my nagging her about this and he agreed with me!!!
I am very close with my niece who is a junior. She was my baby before I had my own. I had a long conversation with her last weekend. She has 3 female roomies in their new pad. My Mom, had her monogrammed hand towels purchased and folded pristinely.
My gift- I am going to visit. Make sure every car in the lot is registered to the tenant, and that every tenant is accounted for after the standard other checks. I am going to do a safety analysis on lighting, locks, blindspots, emergency escape routes, etc. Then I am going to introduce myself to the property manager and offer any suggestions for improvement for the tenants of the building I think are appropriate, and let him know I will be visiting often.
Yep, I am her favorite aunt, how did you guess? You go Judi
B
In memory of Gini…here is the link to the news about Wednesday evening’s assaults.
http://www.newsplex.com/home/headlines/104081744.html
It looks like at least the first of these was not committed by a student, as I have a feeling most of these assaults are committed by local hoods. The first girl was on Wertland Street…parents, please research the neighborhoods where your students will be living. This is a known crime area, where the student population bleeds into an old Charlottesville trouble spot. I don’t have a solution to that problem, only that I would not let my student live over behind the Corner and Main Street.
I think most of the crime around here is local on student, but I am one of those graduates who does believe in UVa showing integrity about everything, especially when responding to student safety. If they find that the guy who assaulted the two girls up by the Chancelor Street sororities is from a fraternity, then I hope UVa uses this opportunity to get rid of the whole Greek system. It is outdated, and has used up it’s purpose.
Judi @ 10:46 am
I agree. It’s nearly impossible to believe that someone — most likely from UVAPD it seems — gave out the info that the young woman was “impaired.” (In quotes because I say: “Prove it you anonymous cowards!”)
This kid now has to deal with being discussed as someone who’s unable to help the UVA police force because she was too impaired, as well as the attack she endured? Did no one on UVAPD ever hear of drugs that are slipped into drinks specifically to take advantage of young women? In what universe is pronouncing her too impaired to be of any help to the investigation even half-a$$ed acceptable?
If I picked up a mirror right now I’m sure there’s steam coming out of my ears. This is just awful and it should never have made it to a live newscast.
The young woman needs an attorney to protect her rights in this situation!!! I’ve looked in vain for a Women’s Center in Charlottesville that’s not a part of UVA itself. I wonder if there is one that can help this young woman by getting her some representation to protect her from the loose lips of the UVAPD.
Blink, you are amazing. I was online when you put this new article up and was stunned to read it. What an astounding thing that they would dare to keep this info from students and parents until you forced their hand. My steam level increases when I think of the conference with the black drapings and no mention of the recent attacks at all.
You are to be congratulated for exposing this awful mess, Blink. Your devotion to justice for victims is inspiring and heroic. Seriously — You rock, and are an unwavering, rock-solid advocate.
Justice for Morgan.
d.
Thank you for the kind words, but we are the sum of our parts. My compliments and respect to BOC editors and contributors.
The places these folks reach for what matters without tipping over the step stool makes me continue this work.
B
At this point, there should be someone from the Charlottesville PD on every street corner surrounding the University, especially on the downtown side of campus, and all around the hospital. UVa has been stepping on toes with it’s perpetual expansion, and now it’s students are paying the price by taking the brunt of the heat. Protect them, and please teach them to protect themselves.
We’ve been looking at colleges for several years and have seen even worse, believe me. At one school we were even given a warning by the kid leading the tour. This was in Connecticut. I know personally that the Univ. of Delaware has this problem, too. Maybe it’s all due to the ugly economic climate, I don’t know. Things are unsettled everywhere.