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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Kind of makes you NOT want to send your kids to college. I would rather have them without an education and alive then the other way around…
Campus security was one of the first things I researched when my kids were choosing their schools. I have sons who are tall and have been taught boxing (not that that guarantees anything either). My boys also know how to treat a woman, something obviously missing in too many of today’s young men.
If I had daughters, I just might tell them to hell with college at this point.
Judi, I hear ya, but I don’t think that is the answer. Of course, I say that like I have one, which I do not.
If there is no accountability, there is no safety.
As I live and breathe, as sad as it sounds, the only language of change I have seen work unilaterally, is the language of green. Take that away, a scapegoat is found fast enough.
This Institution had a *star* Lax player brutally murder a star lax player while the prologue played out in front of their damn faces for months. Have you ever seen how much Ole man Huguely has given in endowments, golf tourneys, vacays in Fla to players? No.
A promising, shiny, accomplished young woman of privilege, with an esteemed Psychiatrist Dad and respected RN Mom, who by the way, effectively works for UVA. Morgan’s brother is an alumni.
You think that, coupled with recent attacks looks like a headache for anyone there yesterday?
It reminds me of when my son was little and if he was itching for a time out and did something mischievous- he would cover his own eyes and say “You amment see me mommy” If you amment see me you amment put me in time out.”
University of Virginia- We Can See You.
B
PamVA, I meant to say thanks for that good article from the Richmond Times Dispatch. It says what I’ve been trying to say in my pathetic and illiterate way.
http://www.readthehook.com/blog/index.php/2010/09/30/more-crimes-against-uva-students/
Not to argue..suppose I will agree to disagree about the college stats about crime on various campuses. I think that with what we have seen of UVA and how they do not report crimes not directly on their campus, not even just feet away, that many colleges may also skew their figures to keep alumni and parents happily in the dark.
Correction to my 1:24pm post…the first link is for the 25 SAFEST schools, but the article is about colleges reporting crimes, in general.
Re my post not yet up, I see there is no mention by them of the sexual assault on Sept 1 in the dorms? I guess they forgot about that one. I wonder how many have actually gone unreported?
Does anybody think this is a serial rapist/escalating ?
LocalCville Girl – I don’t have any children, and live in a rough city – I live in the “nicer’ area but if I did have children, I would send them to a nice little quiet college (on a deserted island).
I am appalled by all of this. The rape, the hush hush, the indignity of it all.
To the Woman who was so violated, if you are reading here, please know my heart bleeds for you and that I am so sorry that some filthy pig thought he could do this to you and it would be ok. Please look to your friends and family for the support you must so need, don’t shut them out. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Godspeed for your peace.
carol
I second that. This young woman is a victim. The public sidebar was out of line.
B
localcvillegirl, I don’t understand where you got the comment that the first perp wasn’t a student from the linked article. The only description is “African-American man, described as 20-23 years of age, wearing a gray hoodie and blue jeans.” What did I miss?
It appears to me that some on this site have decided to insist that UVA is in every way imagineable either irresponsible, negligent, uncaring, derelict, afraid of being sued (and playing games with on/off “grounds” to suit their cause), etc etc etc. It is clear that UVA is facing the kind of turmoil, safety-wise that is very UNUSUAL for them and they are struggling in how to deal with it….but to those that think they are in any way trying to ignore it, pass the blame, play games or anything else, you are mistaken. I have been in constant dialogue over the last week (as the Mom of a UVA student) with both officials and LE at UVA and the local community and for those that believe that, I heartheartedly disagree with you. And yes, I have asked the hard questions. Having said that, there is no doubt serious improvements to be made (on many fronts) both at UVA and locally in the community. Let me clear up one thing. For some reason on or off “grounds” seems to be a hot button. The problem is that is the problem. Not every area associated with the University is legally part of the grounds. Yes, the jurisdiction changes. Is this a problem…sometimes yes, which is one of the many hurdles they face in investigations I would bet. Now I will stand back and watch the fur fly from all of you I am sure….but I can tell you, I would rather my daughter attend UVA than many, many other schools I can think of. What is happening across so many campuses is abhorrent! Period. The murders at UVA have thrown the entire campus and community into a tailspin. OK…have at me. Peace.
Lee, with much respect, it took guts to state your opinion on this issue and I commend you for it.
I do not want anyone to “have at” you, I want folks to consider your perspective and put it in their funnel.
Here is the issue- I am in touch with several Mom’s who do not share your opinion.
I am touch with officials at UVA who both share your opinion, and do not.
I am touch with others whose children, as UVA students, no longer have the luxury of singing it’s praises.
I think the problem is that this crisis, and make no mistake, it is a crisis, is developing “sides”.
There is only one side as I see it: our kids.
B
Blink, I truly heart you and your staff. You know I do and I pray for all of you every day!!
Thank you Sister, and back at you.
Prayers in abundance please.
B
Regarding the latest two attacks.
You do not owe your attacker obedience!
Run, scream, pepper spray–do not comply!
Don’t fight for your purse or wallet–get the hella out of there!
These five victims could be Morgan.
Why is this so hard to understand?
I am in no way blaming the victims, but let’s get them trained and aware. C’mon UVA. Step the Giant Step UP!
Carol, I too worry about sending my kids off to college…some are already out there and I talk to them constantly about being safe. I just hope they’re listening, because I can’t be there to hold their hands.
I don’t know about a serial rapist, but it appears we have some serial thugs out there…I’m more inclined to think of these recent assaults (besides the two up on Chancellor in the sorority and fraternity area) as crimes committed by either the same people, or the same groups of people. The two homeless men who were beaten, one downtown and one on the Corner. The students who were walking alone this summer in the neighborhood by the hospital. The two girls last night. I hope Chief Longo can come out and address the assaults that have happened in the downtown area…it’s not just students who are being targeted. UVa can’t do a whole lot about the local thugs when they attack students away from campus, but they can alert students to the problem areas, and alert them when a crime has been committed. I think it’s up to the city police to get a handle on the local criminals. Then if we can only get the judges to put them away for a long time.
Lee, there are a couple of us here who see it your way.
Throwing this out there-
Does having a child studying at UVA previously or currently make you unable to be objective?
No judgement, honest question-
B
While on UVA website I see the posted a photo of a suspect.
http://www.virginia.edu/emergency/message100930.html
No, Blink, not unable to be objective. An honest answer to an honest question: I think it just makes us more aware of all that the school does have to offer, more aware than, say, some who are reading only your words and not looking at the whole picture. I know you want to be fair to all, and you’re not knocking me or Lee, or even redly and MsL. We’re just in a position to see all of it, the good and the bad. I hope you’ve been able to see that I’ve been trying to stay objective in my posts…I’m as angry with UVa as anyone about not sending out notices about these crimes. Honestly. But I also believe these kids need to wake up and be more aware of their surroundings, don’t want alone, sober or drunk. Stay out of troubled neighborhoods. Again, this goes for all college towns, not just Charlottesville. I understand that UVa is currently in the linelight, but if we really want to create change, we need to look at UVa, yes, but without tunnel vision. We need to look at all schools and be fair about the criticism.
I live 30 miles from UVA. I am a 48 year old mother of two daughters. One still in h.s. One is a sophomore at a Virginia College east of home. Her best friend is a sophomore at UVA. I am on her non stop to be careful. I alerted her the other night when I read your site. The gals there are incredibly smart, otherwise they’d not be there. It’s not that easy to get in. I am extremely proud of her but love her much more deeply than I care about a college education at a “highly respected university”. Thank you Blink for keeping your eyes on Virginia. Perhaps this is yet another legacy of Dear Morgan. I won’t say ALL EYES on UVA because obviously that is not the case, but some very important and caring eyes are on UVA, yours and your editors and posters and me. I would very much love for a shocker, Gov. McDonnell steps in, or maybe even the new UVA Prez steps up to the plate. The time is now. It’s already out there. She can do wonders…….if she wants to.
We can go on and on. Bottom line, personal responsibility. Tell anyone you know with a child or loved one at a UVA, or any college…LOOK OUT FOR YOURSELF. Don’t count on the admin or others. Hell, don’t even count on your friends (these are new friends, not the ones you grew up with). Learn some self defense. Dont go out alone and think about this…..report anything. Report it. If you feel blown off, call HOME.
I’ve been heartbroken since Morgan’s disappearance. I’ve been disappointed at the C’ville, Albemarle, Uva, ability to solve, yet I do still remember Showalter. Some criminals are incredibly intelligent. We want them to just be thugs and caught quickly. Not always the case.
That having been said I am LIVID that after two young female deaths at UVA, these latest assaults are IN OUR FACE and we have stuffed shirts late to the party and lacking any rage. WHERE IS THE RAGE?
I suppose since my child does not attend UVA, my vote doesn’t count. But as a parent of a student in the state of VA, I can tell you I would easily be able to throw her school under the bus if they deserved it. Just like I did when they did not warn the students there was a manhunt for the lunatic that killed that family last year. What the h—! There, territory was the focus as well. The town felt that students didnt require there own special notification, meanwhile he was associating with students. Whatever.
As we have gone through the various stages of this case, the touchy little subject of defending a town, a school or a neighborhood periodically veers it’s head. In this case the ‘off grounds’ first came out of the pc’s of the UVA staff, so apparently that is of issue for them as they try and work thru this. It is unnerving for parents and the public to feel that those with the ability to defend this problem are in the learniing stages themselves. Coupled with the he said, she didnt say, your jurisdiction etc, needs to be done in meetings and not at the podium during a public address on safety.
Let’s all keep a cool head and focus on helping protect those in need in the affected areas. They need the help.
It is unnerving for parents and the public to feel that those with the ability to defend this problem are in the learniing stages themselves.
Brilliant E
B
http://womenscenter.virginia.edu/sdvs-Morgan-Harrington.php
Above is a very good read.
***************************
Thank you Blink and Company and faithful readers and posters for being who you are.
Sara
I am still struck by her beauty and the kindness in her eyes.
Props to Kirby
B
This is not a crisis exclusive to UVA, it seems that there are serious problems with colleges all over this country, from a shooting death at an off campus party at Seton Hall to a gunman/student who, by the grace of God, only managed to kill himself at the University of Texas to a Rutgers freshman who felt so hopeless after being filmed during a private act streamed on the internet by fellow students, one who knew him in high school, that he jumped off the George Washington bridge. All of these incidents happened just during this school year. Each of situation sited is different, but illustrates a parent’s worse fear, kids going away to college and either putting themselves in danger or becoming a victim of another person’s insensitivity, bullying or violence. UVA had an entire day devoted to reflection and teaching due to the violent death of Yeardley Love. Maybe it was only a feel good event, maybe it accomplished some good, we’ll probably never really know. I don’t know what can be done nationwide, but it seems that our kids need some sort of an intervention, to teach them about their own personal safety and to teach them to respect their fellow students. Unfortunately, there’s nothing any college can do to keep their students completely safe. Even if every student could be miraculously turned into a cautious,caring person who would never consider an act of violence against another, there are outside influences, hoods and predators who will always prey on people who they see as easy marks whether students or locals. No city has the manpower to keep a policeman posted at every corner 24/7, there’s always going to be an opportunist looking for the chance to rob, assault or worse. As a parent, right now as I look at my own kids, it makes me feel really helpless realizing in just a few short years I’ll have to cut them loose to a dangerous world over which I’ll have almost no control.
I want to break this down before the ripple reaches the shore.
We have an unsolved rape and homicide, originating from JPJ- Morgan Harrington.
Her case is tied to a 2005 Sex Assault in Fairfax.
We have a rash of sexual assaults, drug arrests and burglaries in the vicinity.
My urgency resides here for the above. These women are at risk, that is the priority.
B
Here is my bottom line opinion. In today’s economy, any college education, no matter the University’s status, is not that important. Was once, may be again someday, but not presently. So I’m gonna go with safety. Sure, I know all colleges have safety issues. We could be shot going to Macy’s for God’s Sakes. But do we expect to send our 17/18 year olds off to a prestigious University and not even have the hope they are going to alert them of danger? Alert them of danger after the past year they’ve had there at UVA? I see no excuses here. Oh yes UVA has much to offer. But risky, no?
Eloise says:
September 30, 2010 at 6:35 pm
While on UVA website I see the posted a photo of a suspect.
This is the photo of a man who is thought to have accosted two people, I believe both students, last night. One was a woman who was approached and thinks that perhaps a gun was placed in her back. Her ATM card was taken and a small amount of cash withdrawn from her account at several locations. Another was a woman who said a man placed his hand on her shoulder. Neither person was harmed. At first, until I saw the picture, I thought that maybe he could have been the man from the September 17th weekend attacks. In the dark, a “light skinned” black man could be thought to be white. After seeing this picture, I do not believe he was involved, at least in the fraternity/pantry attack. That man was described as being able to fit in with the student population if not a student himself. This man, IMO, appears too old to “fit in.” It’s certainly possible that he was involved in some of the other attacks though there did not seem to be any physical violence involved in these most recent incidents.
Lizzy, a local tv news report said that Gary Pleasants with the Charlottesville PD said it is thought the man is not a student. Maybe the reasoning is his manner of speaking, perhaps too uneducated to be a student, just speculation on my part. I hadn’t read the age estimate, so maybe I’ll have to rethink my opinion that he appears too old to be a student. I’m really thinking more along the lines of a local who sees the University area as a prime location for people out alone at night.
I have been reading- for a couple of days- unable and unwilling to comment.
I am doing so now because the undercurrent of “blame” seems to be getting louder.
Blink is right- there seems to be a take sides kind of stance – IMO not just about UVA but about the victims themselves.
It shouldn’t matter what the victim was wearing, or whether or not they were drinking, or at a party and pushed into a pantry, or whether or not they were 500 yards off campus, or smack dab in the middle of “The Lawn”, Or God forbid on a bridge that is technically not on campus, And it definitely shouldn’t matter if the victim was a student or someone just visiting or someone that works there..
The campus and the surrounding areas- seem to be the choice for an exuberant amount of assaults and attempted assaults.
I think at the very least, as a matter of safety, UVA should warn their students, parents and faculty as soon as possible. Whether or not it is an attempt or more, and regardless if they know who the victims are or if the incident is true or not. Isn’t it better for everyone, UVA, the students, their parents and the faculty to err on the side of caution?
Caution – it has been reported that there has been an attempted assault near …. Please be on guard Take Extra Caution… walk in groups – stay in lit areas, be aware ect ect. Isn’t easier to BE AWARE
if one is alerted to the chance of danger?
Although I agree all students, not just women, but everyone, should be aware of their surroundings, carry mace, not drink or excessively, and know defensive tactics- I do not believe any of these things would have helped the latest victims.
UVA IIRC, has stated it seems the attacker has been watching the victim beforehand and is lurking, waiting for the best time to attack. The victim was attacked from behind, thrown to the ground- pushed in a pantry- hit in the face, all in the matter of seconds. BE AWARE
How is releasing a statement that has an undercurrent of blaming the victim (IMO) helping or making most people feel as though they themselves should take heed? – Hey I don’t drink, I don’t go out at 1am- I don’t have to be on alert- No need for me to BE AWARE
Why state: Walking at 1am -impaired- reported by 3rd party ect ect.
Everyone should have been cautioned about the Chance or possible threat of an attack.
Hopefully UVA will take any criticism and use it, to better safe guard themselves and their students, faculty. and workers.
Is any school/ campus perfect? No of course not. I think they, like all of us, want to make their students safer. How can they make the campus and the surrounding areas safer? Lets start there.
Ask yourself, “Do I think they are doing their best?” – I would think everyone’s answer can only be- “I hope not.” IMO there is room for improvement. Everywhere- not just UVA
Back to lurking- thanks Blink for allowing me to say my piece.
PS. Observer, if you are reading this, I hope you take it in the spirit in which it was written. I hope you are well. You are missed.
Peace
I should have said above, neither person was physically harmed. I’m sure, with the recent attacks, that both women were absolutely terrified. Mental harm can be as devastating as physical harm, completely destroying ones sense of well being.
Yes, the reference to the photo as indicated on that link is in regard to last evenings incident w/ the bank etc. No, it did not seem to me that it was the same perp based on description to be that of the pantry perp. Whew.
With all due respect to the locals, one who used the suicide at UT Austin as an example of violence on all campuses…that school went into lock down immediately. Classes cancelled, no dickin’ around about image or anything. Safety came first. Not seeing that at UVA. Seton Hall police have already made an arrest. Rutgers “porn promoters” already arrested.
What you have is a university who thinks so highly of itself that it will not recognize failure anywhere near it. Sorry MOO. I am so glad my 4.0, 1550 SAT daughter is not there right now and I will not apologize for my perception of the place. If UVA wants perceptions changed, maybe they need to do something about the violence against women on and near their grounds.
The police are questioning a suspect from the Wednesday night incidents.
http://www.newsplex.com/home/headlines/104081744.html
Please read. From the United Nations Commission for HUMAN RIGHTS.
http://www.unhchr.ch/Huridocda/Huridoca.nsf/0/043c76f98a706362802566b1005e9219?Opendocumenthttphttp
Gender violence is a an attack on basic human rights, whether it happens in India, or Switzerland, or UVA, or right in my own backyard. Divisiveness regarding this subject scares the shizzle out of me.
@ Blink September 30, 2010 at 1:11 pm
“How did this chasm of gentlemen vs. thug develop exactly? ”
There is also a third kind – the coward/onlooker.
@ Eloise September 30, 2010 at 6:35 pm
This is what I meant. CCTV. Every corner shop has it, with image storage. A lot of private properties have it, and it often also captures parts of the street. Why is there no image of Morgan, or of cars leaving the area/near AF? I bet the people on Blandemar have some fancy anti-burglar devices.
carson, not using the incidents as an example of University response, but rather pointing out that incidents of violence occur all across the country on and near college campuses. Thankfully, the students at UVA have not had to experience what would happen if there was a gunman loose on grounds. I don’t know how such an incident would be handled, and I hope I never have to learn.
The reason I returned here was the following. I had heard local news at 5:00, but apparently there has been a new development in at least the incidents from last night, a suspect being questioned. I also want to correct what I earlier wrote. I said there was no physical injury to either of the young women from yesterday. I had missed the report that one young woman was fondled. Being touched in any unwanted sexual manner to me is a physical injury. Hopefully the person being questioned will lead to an arrest.
Sorry, forgot to include the Newsplex link for above. If someone has already posted the link, I apologize for the double entry but have not had a chance to read newer posts.
http://www.newsplex.com/home/headlines/104081744.html
C’ville PD questioning a suspect in last night’s assaults:
http://www.newsplex.com/home/headlines/104081744.html
MOM 3.0.
Why are you in lurking mode? Just taking a breather? I hope all is well with you!
For the out-of-towners, here’s the nbc29 article about last night’s assaults. No mention yet of having a suspect in for questioning, but there are some comments worth reading.
http://www.nbc29.com/story/13244444/police-investigate-incidents-near-uva?redirected=true
Oops, they updated the nbc29 article as I sent it. Suspect in custody.
@ Mom3.0 September 30, 2010 at 7:42 pm
“I think at the very least, as a matter of safety, UVA should warn their students, parents and faculty as soon as possible. Whether or not it is an attempt or more, and regardless if they know who the victims are or if the incident is true or not. Isn’t it better for everyone, UVA, the students, their parents and the faculty to err on the side of caution?”
It is, indeed, and they should also be straight about the matter. And if I was a student there, I would be wondering why I should fund such inefficient bureaucracy as demonstrated in the press conference with my tuition fees.
At this point I think any change is going to have to come from the city of Charlottesville and the UVa students themselves. The UVa administration is in outer space and have no plans to return to Earth anytime soon. Maybe after a few more poetry readings or dance numbers or draping of the Rotunda columns they might head back but it appears doubtful. Perhaps the Charlottesville Police Department could open a storefront office on the strip near the Corner and put some plainclothes officers on the street to monitor what is going on. I have been a few blocks from the Corner on University Avenue in broad daylight and witnessed several unsavory “homeless” type people bumming change who made me feel uncomfortable, especially as my wife was with me. I would not want my daughter anywhere near them. The male students could come together and start an escort service for the female students to get them home safely. Interim measures to be taken while waiting for the UVa administration to implode.
Glad to see on Newsplex that the above linked story has been updated and a man has been arrested for the two most recent incidents. Very good picture, so glad the person was looking almost directly into the security camera.
Update from the Albermarle Police Dept–Interesting quote from the Chief of Police about confidentiality
http://www.nbc29.com/story/13248127/albemarle-police-chief-retires
And due process, so I would suggest someone is either being sued or facing charges.
‘B
I dont know why I read the comments on the news articles as they always pizz me off. As a general rule it is beyond me how so many people take away a different angle from the same bit of information. I suppose that’s what makes us all special, but I dont have to like it.
http://www.nbc29.com/story/13244444/police-investigate-incidents-near-uva?redirected=true
I for one certainly don’t blame UVA or any other college campus as an entity for the evil that exists and the evil deeds of individuals and their conspiring counterparts, but what I do agree with is that somewhere down the line there are individuals who are responsible for not providing a fork in the roadway and a safe path.
I believe campus staff members who covered for GH knowingly, not disciplining him from participating in sports, and and there not being anything in place that should be mandatory for college students who with malice who commit acts of violence to complete such as counseling and etc. who reoffend; it’s those that failed Yeardly.
A ticket gate clerk not using common sense that a possibly impaired, above average looking female, not dressed for the weather, separated from her friends, without her keys, possibly slightly injured, needed their help. They failed Harrington. Friends and foes, and everyone who just watched on without doing anything, YOU also failed her.
A young woman is out alone after midnight (nothing ever good happens after midnight) & is overcome by a male who disgustingly forces himself intimately into her; and you sit back and wait to notify others of a loose predator in the proximity of a campus housing? You fail the victim and any future victims.
-If there is something wrong, those that have the ability to change it, have the responsibility to do so-
Blink, This Carlton Arnold fellow was convicted in 1998 of 2nd degree murder in Charlottesville for shooting (10 times) a gas station attendant. See this link:
http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:sVmX_jjFeAIJ:www.courts.state.va.us/opinions/opncavwp/0143012.pdf+carlton+arnold+charlottesville+va&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESjGjUv0T60uTX4KeXt_VJKNbaI84q_iDtaVGMioc9hpmc3oq6kkCB4UPNSKDkNr6h3Viw8SUFADYToKWbyjx0H79Yy3T4OyzkiY24QcjoR0D93f2DbFiXQFRxQR_R0-xCFBF5vq&sig=AHIEtbSS48v7DJKLd96FirFjOyvSxSgxVw
I got really curious and googled his name. This showed up. I could not believe it! How is he out and walking the streets? The young women were so very LUCKY! I understand he has a mild form of mental retardation, and others were involved; however, he was the one who killed the attendant for $100. Unbelievable.
Kind of off topic – heard you on Dana’s show re Tim Miller last week. Just wanted to tell you I was very impressed. Have been following your coverage of Morgan. Her case just breaks my heart and I so hope for J4M SOON! Thank you for all you do. You are one of the best of the good guys.
TY, I have no clue what this dude is doing out of jail.
B
Regarding the “off grounds” issue, I’m sorry but I find University’s excuses in this area ludicrous and totally disingenuous.
The Clery Act, passed in 1990, unambiguously provides that its reporting requirements are not limited to crimes occurring on campus/”Grounds.” The University has had twenty years to figure out how to comply with this law, and yet its officials act as dumbfounded as ever. One would think that UVA is the only school in the nation with a significant portion of its student body living off campus/Grounds, but in close proximity to the University. Of course, this situation is commonplace.
If UVA is having such a difficult time dealing with the “off grounds” issue, I suggest that President Sullivan get in contact with the appropriate officials at her previous institutions. Sullivan spent most of her career at the University of Texas where 80% of its undergraduate student body lives off campus, as opposed to 57% at UVA. She then spent about four years at the University of Michigan where 37% of its undergraduates live off campus. There is no need to reinvent the wheel here; if UVA officials can’t figure out how to report crimes occurring near its campus, they should go study how other universities are dealing with this perplexing problem.
The implication that there is no communication between the Charlottesville Police and the UVA police/campus officials simply stretches the bounds of credulity.
UVA is required by the Clery Act to provide:
(C) A statement of current policies concerning campus law enforcement, including—
(ii) the working relationship of campus security personnel with State and local law enforcement agencies, including whether the institution has agreements with such agencies, such as written memoranda of understanding, for the investigation of alleged criminal offenses; and
(iii) policies which encourage accurate and prompt reporting of all crimes to the campus police and the appropriate law enforcement agencies.
I can’t seem to find UVA’s policies in this area. I challenge the University to prominently publish all of the required Clery Act policy statements on its website.
UVA is on notice:
“This determination finds that the University violated the Clery Act. However, as was noted in our July 2004 Final Determination in another case, there was apparent confusion in the higher education community regarding the intersection of the disclosure requirement under the Clery Act and the strictures of FERPA. For this reason, the Department will not impose any fines or other sanctions at this time. However, UVA is advised that any subsequent violations of the Clery Act will result in a referral for the imposition of a civil penalty up to $27,500 per infraction.”
http://federalstudentaid.ed.gov/datacenter/cleryact/uva/UVAProgramReviewReport11032008.pdf
So please UVA, stop the excuses and clean up your act now.
It seems to me clearly the time is now for the New President to take a stand. Surrounded by the UVA PD and the C’ville PD she needs to take the bully pulpit. It is hers, she needs to utilize it for the sake of the University and the Community. This is out of control and has been for some time. And……thank you Blink.
Carson, 7:54 pm, I do so agree that other colleges have responded well and very differently. I applaud those who do. (The Rutgers incident took precedence on my Facebook today.)
I had one child at USC who received weekly reports via email and got updated regular texts if there was an incident. I could also log in to see them. She was able to change the shuttle driver attitude of not waiting at drop offs, but could not convince them to get off the bus to crane the neck to see that she got in okay–small progress.
Still, I felt the university was responsive.
Even so, she was a victim of a crime while there. It could have been worse than the burglary it was. Her Hinky was up, but not quite enough. She thought she was doing diligence–”door lock, check; valuables stowed, check; two guys sitting outside that don’t really belong here….uh, I dunno…maybe they’re jazz students?” I don’t think I’ve really gotten through to her entirely, yet, and feel that we parents should organize defense classes for our children when they are adolescents. Before the no-fear totally kicks in.
It’s such a learning process and we always think that the institutions should be leading us in the effort, but I believe it behooves us who know to step up and assist them in what they need to be teaching.
I think Observer is the one who could build a structure of education and practice that would pervade all aspects of university life–if only they’d give her the key to the city!!!!!
Now that’s a novel idea!
Who can help UVA get organized to empower and protect students?
1. No BS clause–crimes happen in the UVA area: no more on or off grounds as it doesn’t matter. No blame implied.
2. Freshman-required self-defense and on-going safety and interpersonal discussions: make it a required PE and sociology credit.
3. Instant communication of any threat, even it later is discredited.
Tweet it out. Text everyone. Follow up with email. Have an open relationship with your college (student) media and give them access–one of my greatest challenges as the editor of my college newspaper (“we wouldn’t want suicide to trend or women to be afraid of rape!”)
4. UVA could become a national leader in this effort. Who can get it organized? Does it take a corporation to come in and show you how?
The academic world is a lot more business-like in some places…please join this century, UVA!
ruckersville,
thanks for bringing the info of the police chief resignation.
It might have filtered down eventually, but its freshness
is important:
Please note the tone of the article–the interviewer deems the subject vulnerable. The subject reveals the word “frustating” several times.
The heart attack, the Hwy killer…
I’m sorry this man has had to bear this all, but perhaps a little truth telling may have made it all easier?
I brought this over from the previous Morgan article. It truly deserves a place in the discussion here.
Sandy Shoes says:
September 29, 2010 at 2:19 am
The beautiful Hummingbird said, “ANYONE who knows anything SPEAK UP NOW!!! Ask for witness protection, email Blink privately. This is NOT the time for mute fear. That is what the murderer/murderers want….for the witnesses to be afraid and not help the victim. If we turn a blind eye, or lack the courage to speak up for what is right, we on some level have become victimized and helped sow the seeds for future unspeakably brutal acts of violence on fresh innocent victims,perhaps our own loved ones, and theirs and our subsequently traumatized families…….”
And I finally understood why I have been drawn back here every day for almost a year now, voraciously devouring every word and fact that you all have offered. I am amazed by all of the passionate intelligence, sensitivity, hard work and analysis of so many of the posters here. But I only read and prayed as I felt I had nothing meaningful enough to contribute other than emotions. But Hummingbird’s post made me realize that our family’s experience might, at least, give hope and maybe some guideposts.
I didn’t lose my daughter. Just a piece of her. A few years before all of the rapes at the Air Force Academy made headlines she had been raped by a classmate. He was dismissed from the Academy; she had to “walk tours” (march in full dress with fake rifle) for several hours each day for several weeks as her punishment for having been drinking at the on-campus rec center the night before. He admitted his guilt but was never legally charged with anything outside of USAFA’s tight little environment. Our daughter, on the other hand, spent the next three years being treated as a pariah by her instructors and peers because she broke the code by turning her rapist in to the “authorities.”
And therein lies the reason this case has struck my heart so heavily. The Code of Silence. It is so hard to break. It is subtile but powerful. But it can and must be broken. Even with all of our caterwauling and powerful presence the only thing we were able to accomplish before her graduation was changing the policy that the students were finally allowed to lock their bedroom doors at night. Until this point the Academy was relying on their “Code of Honor” which they felt was a stronger deterrent than locks.
The hope lies in the fact that finally enough people were able to break the Code of Silence in order to expose the false Code of Honor. The national media became involved, we gave our testimonies to the Congressional Committee and the policies have been changed. Big Time. Many big wigs fell and stars were shed from lapels. The perpetrators were exposed.
And they will be in Morgan’s case, too. Only one, just one person has to speak out here. Not years worth of people like we had to experience. I beg anyone who knows anything to please speak out! You will not only be helping Morgan’s family; you will be instrumental in saving other daughters and their families as well. Don’t be a partner in perpetuating worthless, self serving ethos. . . unless you feel comfortable knowing that your own child will be living in this same dangerous world you have helped to create.”
Thank you, Sandy Shoes, for sharing. It takes so much to change the culture of institutions stuck in this way of viewing and handling sexual violence. One could dismiss this attitude of those in power at a Military institution, by pointing out that they are soldiers, warriers, etc. and not as highly educated and refined as the administrators of the world’s finest Universities, as many perceive UVA to be (I for one do). That’s what makes it all the more heinous when they neglect victims (past, present, and future) and look the other way, or just play lip service to the problem when they supposedly have the education, power, and duty to actually do something to bring about change.
Covering up for misbehaving athletes and frat boys has to stop. Any organization that has a “bros before hoes” culture has no place in higher education or civilized culture. A female showing up at your party is not implying consent for sexual use, but that is the attitude these privileged boys seem to have at campuses and “grounds” all over this country. Change is going to take a long time.
Blink…
Good morning…my internet is down so I can’t send you the link, but please go to newsplex.com. The guy who held those girls up the other night is a convicted killer, let out in July. How does a town protect itself and it’s students from this kind of crap when the court system is working against the public? This is what we are dealing with here, and our local LE sees this more than anybody. They catch these guys, and the courts put them right back on the street. What is a college or university supposed to do against those odds? We’re all in harms way.
Gee…are we surprised that the arrest for the two latest incidents are that of a convicted murderer who just got out in July?
Didn’t take him long to miss the 3 hots and a cot! I wonder how the judge who gave him such a short sentence if feeling today?
http://www.nbc29.com/story/13244444/police-investigate-incidents-near-uva?redirected=true
Charlottesville police have arrested 28-year-old Carlton William Arnold in connection with a University of Virginia student that was robbed and another that was accosted near grounds Wednesday night.
According to Lieutenant Gary Pleasants of the Charlottesville Police Department, Arnold was recently released from prison for the murder of Osama Hassan at a Shell gas station on Ivy Road in 1998.