Inspiring Vigilance: The Murder Of Morgan Harrington One Year Later
Charlottesville, VA– Sunday October 17 marks the one-year anniversary of the worst day of Dan and Gil Harrington’s lives. Although they were not yet aware of the horror that had befallen their Roanoke, VA family, the next morning their daughter’s purse was found on the grounds of the University of Virginia Lanigan Field. Morgan Dana Harrington had vanished.
While attending a Metallica concert with friends Sarah Snead, Amelia Melvin and Dan Cassagne with tickets purchased 6 months earlier by Morgan’s Dad, Morgan, for reasons unknown, was outside John Paul Jones arena at approximately 8:45PM.
Morgan attempted to re-enter the arena but could not locate her ticket and was denied access to return to the venue. Shortly thereafter, Sarah called Morgan at 8:48PM looking for her and was told she could not get back in and would be attempting to locate a ride, according to Snead.
Various witness accounts and in some cases corroborating statements from Virginia State Police (VSP), place Morgan in different areas of the adjacent parking lots of JPJ over the following 45 minutes, moving toward the far perimeter of UVA property.
According to the VSP, there is a witness statement that a person matching Morgan’s description was seen hitchhiking alone on the Copeley bridge at approximately 9:30PM.
After several private law enforcement searches and two volunteer based efforts organized by the Harrington’s failed to locate her, Morgan Harrington’s remains were discovered by a prominent Charlottesville land owner on his remote 700 acre farm in Albemarle County, 8 miles South of JPJ arena, on January 26th, 2010. Morgan’s death has been classified as a homicide, however her cause of death has not been released.
Until July, the case seemed to be at a virtual standstill from an investigative perspective, in fact the only arrest to date is that of a man who provided a false lead to VSP, and was prosecuted for it.
On July 1st, as a direct result of an article linking Morgan’s case to an unsolved sexual assault case in 2005 in Fairfax, VA published by blinkoncrime.com, a sketch of a man forensically linked to both the Fairfax case and that of Morgan Harrington was released by the Virginia State Police, albeit grudgingly, at first.
Behind the scenes, Dan and Gil Harrington, who were made aware of the connection a few weeks earlier, were adamant the sketch was critical to developing leads and warning others and demanded the sketch be posted on the VSP website; it was uploaded later that afternoon at Dr. Harrington’s request.
Virginia State Police have not commented publicly on the case in several months, but in a private correspondence with a concerned blinkoncrime.com reader, Lt. Joe Rader, leading the investigation for VSP, said not only is the case not cold, but he has recently assigned additional manpower to it.
Dan and Gil Harrington, Morgan’s bereaved parents, along with Morgan’s beloved brother Alex, have spent the last year keeping Morgan’s case alive through the development of their own family blog, TV and radio appearances, and most recently, a meeting regarding safety concerns with new University of Virginia President Teresa Sullivan. This Sunday, a memorial plaque to promote safety and honor Morgan Harrington is being presented to the Harrington’s on the Copely bridge.
Note From the Editor
“How would you describe the Harrington’s?” I am asked this question frequently.
I always respond the same way. “I would not”.
The grace and poise these parents have shown in the face of the worst conceivable tragedy to befall a parent is not something I could wordsmith or articulate.
If the question comes from someone I feel may help their cause, I offer to make the introduction, but I would never presume to speak for them.
The Harrington’s have created a legacy in memory of Morgan that only parents of a 20-year-old blossoming artist, music loving, budding educator could.
Morgan Harrington Photo chosen by and courtesy of The Harrington Family Library
Elizabeth Morten, Madeline Tanner and Jason Mateos, contributing editors to blinkoncrime.com
Madeline Tanner, copy editor
Images By Klaasend
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susanm says:
June 14, 2011 at 6:28 pm
i’ve seen you tube footage of uva practice and there are plenty of watchers in the stands ,search the terms: uva big men’s drill.
___________________________________________
I haven’t seen any lengthy footage of 2009 is what I meant to emphasize. Sure, there’s plenty of overall footage from the past few years (the “big men drill” is from 02/2011), but I was trying to hone in on 2009-10, preferably something around the start of sanctioned practice which was 10/16.
I am guessing that closed practice means closed to the media, but may mean family and even friends may be able to attend. That would depend on Coach Bennett and his staff. Nonetheless, I would think that sort of practice, even a day later, requires at least a certain level of security.
Thank you susanm for the UVA game on youtube. LOTS of people in the gym. I still don’t know if it was the closed first practice or the second practice with a new coach on October 17, 2009? I wonder if anyone got that night on video.
I don’t want to cast suspicion on the UVA BB players, at all.
It’s that there are always so many hangers’on and such. Morgan was abducted from there. He/they were there. There had to be lots of other people there that night.
I can’t believe he could have come by her as she was HH. He had to have seen her during her time outside and either offered her a ride or took her back behind FOAN to a vehicle of some kind.
This creep must be found.
Blink, little Caylee will have justice.
I really want justice for our shiny college girl Metallica fan.
They have to solve this case.
The first practice was that Friday night. The next morning (Sat) the team went to the weight room. Then they had the practice on Saturday night. The two practices were the team’s first together with Bennett. They had to have been pretty tired leaving that Saturday night. I apologize for the lack of links. I used to have it all together and in fact somewhere deep in the Blink vault are posts of mine which have the links. A lot of info I got from reading “Whitey” who writes sports for I want to say Cavalier Daily but I’m not sure. I tried to look up some old articles the other day but couldn’t retrieve them.
Blink, when your team gets together to do an upgrade I have just one wish: Page numbers within each thread. At one time I started indexing but it was a monumental task. I think I’ll spend the rest of the summer working on that.
This email?
B
The youtube videos susan is referring to showing some people in the stands are open practices. They have a couple each year for publicity purposes. The videos were posted by whitlaw “whitey” reid who writes for the daily progress. He does a great job of covering the hoos. He was in attendance and allowed to take video and post it because they were open practices. UVA basketball being what it is, not many people show up. Closed practices are closed to everyone not affiliated with the program. That would generally include family (the coaches don’t want people to see how tough they are behind closed doors
. These practices are usually not in the main arena with all the seats. There will be all the coaches, the team, the walk ons, the trainers, any athletic department folks who may need to attend. There can also be high school recruits there to observe.
I am posting a youtube of the first day of practice from this past year. It was held in the same place they will have held it on October 17, 2009 and will be similar to what happened that evening (though the coaches may have concentrated on different drills). The practices will be taped for later review by the coaches. There will be records of everyone there. It is not something someone can just crash.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yAg8HGRa5k
I also attach a link that explains the “practices” they can do before the first practice under NCAA rules that also shows the practice court.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsiKS0Ce-YM&feature=relmfu
Here is a practice from November 2009. It appears to have been closed though it was held in the main arena.
http://www.youtube.com/user/virginiaathletics#p/u/83/5JDKgdnSl_s
A closed practice from October 2009 which again should give you an idea of who attends.
http://www.youtube.com/user/virginiaathletics#p/u/81/676TTiNQqO4
The first open practice was October 23, 2009.
http://www.newsplex.com/uvasports/headlines/65886792.html
Sorry for the multiple posts. I should clarify that the October 23 open practice was only open to the media (and they were not allowed to report details of the actual practice, just generalities). They will also usually have one completely open practice a year which will have been later. This is open to students and fans and they don’t do much of anything that shows real plays.
Thank you redly
My pleasure Alexandra. Here is footage from the October 16, 2009 practice. The one the next evening will have been essentially identical from the perspective of who attended. It doesn’t tell you much else. I should have posted this earlier. I remember watching it when it was first posted but did not realize they saved it all.
http://www.virginiasportstv.com/?load=basketballmen&v=2302&f=.mov
check later today.
B
susanm says:
June 14, 2011 at 10:58 am
i am fascinated by the v.i.u./u.v.a. parallel,was sketch a student at viu or was his friend? did his friend/mom work there and now works for uva? does he know someone who lives north of the copely bridge?are there houses back there? ,does he cross copley bridge every saturday at 9:30 ,what about the international athletes ,did one one attend viu and then transfer to uva? the macdonalds hangout group at emmett,that was mentioned,is interesting,surely there is footage around 9:30,there hundreds of hours worth,he came from somewhere.the tower cam at univ. of ala. caught the tornado that hit tuscaloosa.
—
What are you talking about here? I missed something! V.I.u.?
So confused.
: )
Posting under the influence is frowned upon.
What did I miss?
B
: )
Thanks B
This is off topic but I have been following a case of Carly Lewis, a missing 16 year old (today is her 17th birthday) missing since June 2nd in Traverse City, Michigan since this is so close to home. I was disappointed since there was very little media coverage besides the local stations, I only live 2 hours away and there was no mention in our papers or radio stations. The sad thing is they found her body yesterday, in a sand pile behind the DPW. They have a suspect in custody that admitted to killing her, the suspect was an aquaintance. She went missing at 6 PM, still daylight out. Will this never end? Hug your daughters!
Thanks Redly for posting those UVA practice videos.
I have a question about closed practices though: When practice coincides with Family Weekend do they allow the families to attend?
It seems sort of odd to have such a short window of opportunity for the families to see their sons be in conflict with bb practice.
If the families aren’t allowed to attend, what do the families do while practice is going on? Does the school has an activity in place for the families during that practice time? If so, I wonder where.
I also wonder if the event that the bbps needed to get to involved their families.
Another question: Are there routinely members of UVA police (or any other security) on detail at these practices?
I’m also curious how a self-styled scout would get into a closed practice, or is he allowed in under the concept of being “press” or something else? Apparently there was (at least) one scout/sports blogger there that night.
Thanks again, Redly.
Er… that should be “Does the school HAVE an activity in place for the families …
diana h.
Hard questions to answer Diana — at least for me as I don’t really know. I will say I am confident there would be no UVA police presence there, as there would be no need for it. I would also say that it is really unlikely family members would be there and you can see from the videos (including the 10/16 one) that there really isn’t room in that gym for many observers. The schools have events scheduled for the students’ families the whole weekend — not just for athlete’s families. It would not surprise me at all if the event they were going to after practice was a get together for family members — assuming any were in town.
Here is an itinerary from an old one I found on the net. I personally found the one I did very boring.
http://www.virginia.edu/uvatoday/newsRelease.php?id=3109
Here is a video of the concert they did for family weekend October 16, 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPnAQGcg8iQ
Finally, I would just note that family weekend at UVA is not much of an event. I don’t think my family ever came down for it after my first (freshman) year and my experience was the same for everyone I knew.
Redly, thanks for providing the links and insight into UVA’s basketball practice culture. I look forward to viewing the 10/23/2009 practice in particular.
I read the other day that Facebook was starting to use facial recognition software.
Mark Zuckerberg could afford to make an investment to help make this technology available in some kind of aspect for LE.
I know that it’d be tough with a drawing & not an actual photo…but if scientists can clone a lamb, anything is possible.
Minnie Penney says:
June 15, 2011 at 8:17 am
Posting under the influence is frowned upon.
What did I miss?
B
Minnie pinney-
Who were you referring to? Me? I havent been drinking but my thoughts are sometimes scattered. Guess it could’ve been mistaken for tipsiness lol : )
No, Blink, it was not you – it was another post and now I can’t find it… it was some funny post someone made… my post was in jest.
I do not think I have ever connected Family Weekend with that weekend that Morgan went missing. If I had thought about it, I certainly would have come up with more ideas. Family weekend for the one student we have had to go thru college was a big event for us, his freshman year, after that, we tried to get there, but we did not think every event was a must. In any case, I would have drawn a lot more conclusions earlier had I know about family weekend being the weekend of Morgan’s disappearance. When I looked over the bb roster, it seemed that two players had N Va homes, but I don;t know much that we can draw from that other than coincidence,. None seemed to be from City of Fairfax. i do suspect that the bbp event had to do with family weekend, if that was indeed the case.
There was some chatter on the Scared Monkeys website around November ’09 about the UVA spokeswoman or police spokeswoman saying that the two players who had left UVA had nothing to do with Morgan.
I suspect their reasons were academic.
However, I am not able to rule out anyone because of leaving on any basis, especially if I know that same weekend was when other relatives were visiting the last known people to see Morgan in the parking lot.
I still think it might be a transient, OR might be someone connected but only visiting the bbp, AND the idea that FOAN and Giant foods are both groceries, and are both figuring prominently in the crime scenes is concerning, and maybe means something?
I see at least three directions in which my thoughts might go.
wow, michael scott acosta had a hockey puck ,and a puma jacket ,which belonged to a friend, said he had loaned him ,a month ago and he had not returned it.these rapes by acosta are so similar to ff ,and a metro stop away ,they were around the apartment complexes of the metro stop . interesting ,hockey violent sport, and in 2005 ,alot of highschools banned girls and boys from playing : Qoute on each other unquote ,so does that mean field hockey is now for girls and ice hockey is for boys?uva ice hockey played cua in charlottesville on oct 17 2009 ,at downtown main st arena,cant find what time. the University of Virginia Men’s Ice Hockey 301 15th St., #5007 … is located on 15 th street. if you read the case ,of michael acosta three things popped out ,”he admits he was involved ” isnt involved,suggestive of “others” ,the victims ,all, describe the height different (cuz its a different person,his friend ?),he was pegged as a black man by the victims,he is not black, even the detective who hid out the area and found him walking and questioned him said he looked black in the dark ,interesting.he raped on september 21 ,2005, and twice on oct 7 2005,ff victim was september 24 th 2005.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/04/AR2005110400317.html surely le had to wonder if they were connected to ff victim.
Anchorage Farm!!!!
Gotta put that in equation!!!
Transient and AF knowledge don’t fit together IMO
There’s gotta be a third perp who is the tie to AF
Or sketch is local or was local at some time.
Gotta sleep. Night-
@ Dr. Pepper:
I think “transient” and “a secluded and remote spot in the woods of Albemarle County” do go together.
From reading the comments to the news articles, it seems clear that transients were camping out in the warmer months in tents in some wooded areas. The link I posted to the article about the mayor leaving the homeless advocacy group (3/09) has a comments section in which some posters are specific about locations of transients with tents, and also about transients walking up and down the railroad tracks. No one mentioned AF in that comments section, however, I have to wonder if the woods there could have housed a travelling group at some point.
There are wooded areas around that location of AF, and if memory serves me correctly, there were comments around the time of finding Morgan concerning finding all sorts of “items” for lack of a better term, in the woods.
I will try to find a link to the police statement that there was all sorts of evidence found around that location. Of course we know that some other things went on there besides possible transients, but that does not mean that transients did not at some point make that wooded spot an encampment.
http://www.newsplex.com/home/headlines/82688062.html
“a wealth of evidence”, comment made by Morgan;s mother.
@Susan
I never thought of that. It totally makes sense. In fact, when I was in college- we’d see random homeless people walking past our townhouse into the woods. Come to find out the reason we got such a good deal on rent was because the woods behind my house were known as a transient hotspot. Very safe.
I also found out a few hrs ago that I had transient living in my neighbors shed less than 20 ft from my bedroom window. It was the winter & he lived there for a week before we caught him.
Apologies–caution—graphic
He used the restroom in coolers for the whole week.
Awesome.
-
But both of those areas were closer to town. Not 8 miles away. So I can’t see homeless living out that far away from the city w/o transportation.
I think he must have had a car
Hopefully cops have questioned any homeless whove ever been seen in that area. If they frequent AF…it could be someone who used to be homeless.
Thoughts?
I don’t think you would get homeless that far out. There would be no real access to food or water. The homeless shanty type places in the area are all in the city proper.
“He used the rest room in coolers for the whole week.” Awesome indeed.
I hope that Fairfax LE is breathing heavy on an answer. I hope VSP is too. This case has to be solved. Justice needs to come.
2-4-1 Morgan
Sorry I meant to say that I incident happened a few years ago.
Also, my “very safe” and “awesome” statements were meant to be taken as sarcasm. I’m sure that’s apparent.
Redly. I agree. Think we can cross transient off the list. Finally someone to cross off!
J4M
Here is a crime I just saw on Chicago news, and the perp is described as 20ish. However the sleeper hold, and the blitz attack seem to take a page from Sketch;s Fairfax MO.
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/06/16/woman-attacked-on-lakefront-jumped-into-action-fought-back/
So, I am wondering, is this a popular and well known MO, dragging off women using a sleeper hold? I had thought it was pretty unique, but maybe they all know this by now as it is being used in Chicago by someone evidently not sketch to try and drag someone off into the woods. Does it indicate military training, MMA training, gangsta culture or anything else in particular?
So sad, it seems this case is cold now. I don’t see the same large number of names that used to post. Maybe cause its summer and all. But I read something over at Newsplex from a poster saying she had it on good authority that the security people or band security, at JPJA actively kept MH from her friends and that MH may have had the bad spill due to their behavior. Never seen this referred to before. I think they said they were rough a bit on her and there was film footage but never been released. Very strange and suspicious. I know someone saw MH fall inside but this is a separate event. Does anyone know about this? Seems to be virtually no new info or leads since I’ve been away. I posted a long time ago Blink and forgot my screen name-sorry. Also is the thought now that the man in Sketch is not really black but may appear this way to others? I am confused. I thought for sure he was African American.
One more thing I read. 2 men over in Crozet were up to no good during the time of MH’s disappearing. Were considered suspects, but I never read anything of them. They said they were white and good ole boys and the cops were looking at them as potential suspects for MH. Don’t know how in the world I could have missed this as I followed closely at the beginning up til she was found mostly. They might have been SO’s but not sure. Does anyone know more on any of this? Wish there was more updates and news. So discouraging to come back here after an absence and to find old names gone and not much new news. I fear sometimes we will never find the answers to solve this case and it makes me sad. Newer pretty blonds have disappeared recently and over the last years at other colleges making MH fall back more into a long line of disappeared lovely young women so full of promise and life. She and time take her further into the past and attention wanes. Maybe this is where the Sketch man will begin to feel safe again to begin his evil ways now that MH is pushed down the line, where the years go by and no new news creates the appearance of apathy and disinterest. Thank goodness Blink, you hold this spot for her. Am glad there are still a few here posting so compassionately for her. This could be the time for us all to use our observing and discriminating watching judgements for each other and out and about. Time to lecture to our young out in these towns and schools to stay always in groups and do quick studies on the folks around
Solange says:
June 17, 2011 at 3:53 am
“But I read something over at Newsplex from a poster saying she had it on good authority that the security people or band security, at JPJA actively kept MH from her friends and that MH may have had the bad spill due to their behavior….. I think they said they were rough a bit on her and there was film footage but never been released.”
This is why there needs to be legal action against UVa (owner of the JPJ Arena) in a civil suit brought by the Harringtons even if they do not ask for damages. To get the truth out. It strains credulity that the Virginia State Police would be protecting the criminal(s) who killed Morgan. It does not seem improbable at all that, in fact it seems very likely, that the VSP would protect UVa by withholding video evidence from the public if Morgan was abused by arena security.
A lot of states have a two-year statute of limitations for filing civil suits in cases like this. If that is the situation in Virginia then there are only four months left for the Harringtons to take action. Time to put some UVa/JPJA folks under oath and take depositions. Start with Chasteen.
I had stopped posting here because I was weary of dealing with the UVa apologists.
Solange-
alot of us are still here- mostly reading and hoping-
I can only speak for myself, but this summer is a busy one- I dont seem to have as much time as I would like. I am still here everyday reading and hoping and thinking…and supporting. But there just isnt too much I can say, that will add anything to the cause.
I never heard those rumors you posted.
But I would be lying if I said that I didnt believe that there is much of the story inside the arena- with security ect that we havent heard.
In the first days- LE came out and said (PP) they were not concerned with what went on inside the arena- they were focused outside after Morgan was in the lots-
Why? For all they knew she was being stalked inside…
Still today, as late as the Disappeared shows airing- they still do not know what happened- perhaps she fell…perhaps she was drugged…perhaps she was looking for her camera…perhaps…perhaps perhaps. Its frustrating. I am sure they and we are frustrated.
I wish they would have an official press conference- and I wish they would send out a fact sheet-
Something
I apologize, I cant remember who said it, maybe anotherb or Dr. Pepper?- Anyway, someone once opined that it seems that LE is only capable of stating something as fact when it lends credence to Morgan being incapacitated, irrational, not in her right mind…or when it bolsters a scenario of her HH
Despite the fact that noone saw Morgan enter a vehicle HH- it is said she must have entered a vehicle, most likely willing in the bridge.
What I have gathered from LE’s various statments-
They state the BBP merged in the lot- they declined Morgan a ride because of her attitude/behavior – all 14 left-it seems simultaneously- in separate vehicles- enter Curtsy dudes- which she demurely curtsies to, but doesnot flag down – ask to borrow their phone -nothing- Morgan by PP- then Morgan hightails it to the bridge to leisurely Hitchhike, yes leisurely – She did not flair her arms widely- she did not step on front of vehicles- hit the car going by- screaming for a ride- She stands there HH on the bridge- alone- as described by MV She leaves behind her purse- her batteryless cell- and an umbrella -seen by F/d on bridge- first pass gone in second pass in matter of minutes -
—It doesnt make sense.
I do not think Sketch is a transient. I do not think he is a gang member ect. I think he is very comfortable in his surroundings- I think he learned from his mistakes in the FF case. I think he is comfortable on campus in town and on AF- I believe he was waiting for the perfect set of circumstances – The perfect Storm- I think he played it out in his mind a thousand times before Oct 17th- how he would do it- where he would go- if ever a perfect storm presented itself.
IMO
A transient ect would never have brought her the distance to Anchorage farm- he would have threw the body on the train tracks- hid her in the thousands of other potential hiding spots that were there- before getting to AF- in a dumpster- in a river, lake- ect
I think Blink is right- he has a background in LE or security- and I think he is biding his time until the next alone and vulnerable unsuspecting victim steps into his comfort zone.
I think Sketch is hiding in plain sight– and after reading Blinks comments as of late, I think LE believes they have a better shot of arresting and prosecuting him for the FF rape and assault, then for Morgans disappearance and homicide.
I dont like it, but I have thought long and hard about Blinks comment to me IRT- getting him off the streets and justice not always being swift, and fair.
The Harringtons have said all they want is for other women to be safe from his clutches. An arrest would be a step in the right direction-
Still here- still praying for The Harringtons and the community. Still hoping for Justice for Morgan.
Peace
ps-
Previous post, as always-
ALL JUST MY OPINION
George and Mom. Great comments. I got all of that info I posted from an old Newsplex article recently referred to here maybe by Minney don’t remember and cannot research it at this moment. Sorry Ms. Minney if it wasn’t you.
George, I agree with you unfortunately about a potential lawsuit. I am learning more as I age to question authority. An individual against an institution of any sort or character is one that is inherently imbalanced, not evenly stacked. One is personal and the other is impersonal. Not a judgment but reality in my opinion. This means uncomfortable questions should be asked if one can, meaning if one has the means, money, power available. Many marginalized ppl don’t have the resources to do so. The Harringtons do I would presume. I personally think it is time to step it up and ask harder, more uncomfortable questions. This poor family has been beyond patient and understanding. Perhaps they find they cannot, and while I don’t like it, I have to accept it. However, if we are to think of our children being Sketch’s next potential victim, I would like to see this entire level of involvement be taken to the next level. As Mom says, this is JMOO and I respect whatever the Harringtons find they need to do. I am not in their shoes gratefully and cannot fathom their pain and daily lives.
Mom, as always, you are a breath of needed air and support, loyal as always to all. I agree with your post. Esp. the early statement by LE they weren’t concerned with what occurred so much in JPJA. Why hasn’t there been an evolution from this early stance? It isn’t about JPJ or UVA, or loyalty, or being nice and civil, it’s what the facts are. IMO, the entire day needs to be viewed holistically and not placed in compartments of place, time, ppl, states of mind. Even if shows things about Morgan that are not flattering. Facts, not what we want things to be or look like. Let me add Morgan will always be the innocent no matter what. Nothing she did caused this man or men to do what he or they did.
What follows is JMO: Blink, if you print please feel free to edit as this is long and pretty angry.
What scares me though is I’m not sure it always needs to be a perfect storm for someone like Sketch and his ilk to attack. A big strong man. who is at an advantage in his environment or not, with a gun or knock on the head, could be a terrifying reality for almost any woman or child, or teen, even another man, even in a crowded parking lot, even in daylight, if any one of us were even slightly caught off guard, even if we had a weapon. I may be overstating but if I am it is with the intent of waking up to either dumb luck or God’s particular grace of that moment.
I am going to say what I have thought for awhile and it may not be politically correct or nice. I’m trying to say if we just look at the facts LE has presented it makes Morgan look like she placed her own life in his hands. with the friends tidily clueless and inside, content with the concert. Enough about Morgan’s state of being and mind, what about the friends’. Were they high or drunk, were their cell phones working, what about their call logs, bathroom breaks? Who did they speak to or flirt or not with? Where if they drank, did the liquor come from? Aren’t these facts relevant, or is it about protection or power? Shouldn’t facts be simply facts? I know the Harringtons support the friends, but it’s not about this either, just what occurred, nothing personal. Lets see the tapes or cell phone photos someone must have, if they haven’t been erased, discarded. Lets ask for more IRT to what occurred in that Arena. Who’s rights matter more? At least the friends are alive. Why can’t everyone who saw MH in that parking lot be interviewed/names released? It seems in other cases most everyone elses names come out complete with statements and time frames, destinations. Why make it look like it all just started in that parking lot with Morgan out of it, careless and alone? The friends and the rest supposedly are lawyered up and choose continual silence. They are older now and can’t we suppose less fragile, and more mature now? Weren’t they her friends? I feel certain they are innocent, therefore really wish they’d speak out for Morgan.
Too many neat, tidy compartments in this night and case. And we are clueless about all of it until Morgan is alone, incompetent and in the parking lot roaming around alienating people. Why can’t the dots be connected? Will there ever be progress or citizen’s assistence if we are continually kept out of the dark. with the principal people being always silent because now they matter more than what occurred to Morgan? I know, I know, we aren’t supposed to be privy to most of the evidence and info, but after this long time of waiting for someone to come forward, can’t a little more be released? Probably not. I want to believe this is progressing and don’t see it. I want to believe ppl cared and am not seeing it myself.
Anyway, I just realize more and more how random life and death seems to be and how those who are in darkness have a ‘bleeping’ field day here each day. I am angry, frustrated, as I-all of us I’m sure, witness more women and children disappear off the face of this earth each day, simply because of anothers whim, lust or evil. I’m fed up. Anyone want to go march in the streets with me? Sorry this turned into a rant. Listening to the Anthony case. Now that I said I realize how many are not safe even in their own homes. Ugh. Sorry to any I offended as this is not my intent. All of this is JMOO.
Interesting post, Solange.
George, don’t stop posting on here. I agree that there can be ano undertone of defending UVA at times, but everyone is civil enough so that we can engage in healthy debate if there is disagreement.
I sure hope that investigators have vetted what you read Solange.
Can you even imagine a missing person case where there is video of the missing person recorded within minutes of her disappearance but it isn’t released to the public?
In Morgan’s case the VSP has said there isn’t any video of Morgan INSIDE the arena. They do not address whether there EVER WAS video of Morgan inside the arena or whether any inside video is MISSING.
The VSP does not address AT ALL if there is video of Morgan OUTSIDE the arena. If there is video of Morgan (inside or outside of the damned arena) and if it had been released IMMEDIATELY Morgan’s life just might have been saved.
They managed to silence the ‘ Disappeared’ show concerning the last witnesses to talk to Morgan, thats pretty amazing considering this show is ‘ sensationalist’ . I d venture to say that the UVA apologists have nothing to complain when it comes legal power, influence and PR steering capabilities. In these circumstances its not unthinkable security could feel above the law. VSP would not help them I d think, local institutions probably yes.
If those latests rumors are true, might it have been security also that seperated the BBP from Morgan with words to the effect of: ‘ do not help her she is crazy, a freak, drunk etc? Or some other authority figure? Someone connected to what happened inside (fall, camera, denied re entry). Motivation: refusal of his advances inside arena. all speculation based on trying to make sense of it all.
Is there a clear suspect? It might be a matter of time before his fate is sealed a final piece of evidence. There must be a reason for the silence.
Mom your on to something, the trail of evidence in so close a space and time before her going HH is suspect. That Morgan was seeing dropping her bag or stumbling does not explain that. The RV lot, fence, wooded area, Cage lot. Are treated as simply a route to disaster but its more than that. What happened there except just a chat with the BBP?
I’m sorry George, but I have to disagree with your above post. I do not believe, if any such footage exists, that releasing it would have helped Morgan in any way. I believe Morgan was deceased long before Dr. and Mrs. Harrington ever learned that she was missing mid-day on Sunday. I think Morgan was taken sometime shortly after 9:30 and probably did not live even until midnight. Part of these thoughts probably is the hope that her suffering was brief and not extended. If Sketch was in any way involved in her disappearance, then I believe he is the killer. I think the woman in Fairfax was in serious danger of being killed and would have been if the attack had not been interrupted by a passerby. When there is an arrest, I will not be surprised to learn that the killer had seen Morgan prior to her abduction and waited until she was alone. I also will not be surprised to learn that he found a young woman, perhaps not quite herself, standing on the side of Copeley Road who willingly got in his car. I don’t buy into the idea that one person could not have overpowered her, killed her and then carried her to the spot at Anchorage Farm. I don’t know the statistics, but I would guess that most kidnappings are the work of a lone individual.
As for Dr. and Mrs. Harrington and any civil action they could pursue. Dr. and Mrs. Harrington, while living with pain most of us cannot and hopefully will never comprehend, are not incapacitated by that grief. It’s my guess that they are well aware of their rights as the family of a victim. They probably know, from living it each day, just how many months, days and even hours have passed since Morgan disappeared. If they feel there is a case for civil action in order to get some degree of justice for Morgan, they will not let the time to file expire. I don’t think they need she said, she read that someone said something happened the night of Morgan’s disappearance to make their decision. I believe they are people who are able to recognize full and well deception, or stonewalling if such has happened and will act as they think necessary, for Morgan and themselves.
Clipped from Mom3.0:I think Sketch is hiding in plain sight– and after reading Blinks comments as of late, I think LE believes they have a better shot of arresting and prosecuting him for the FF rape and assault, then for Morgans disappearance and homicide.
I dont like it, but I have thought long and hard about Blinks comment to me IRT- getting him off the streets and justice not always being swift, and fair.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Mom, as always, your comments are greatly appreciated.
I just wanted to mention that I put a slightly different spin on Blink’s comments about the FF case. And maybe it was wishful thinking on my part!
But the way I interpreted her comment was that it may be there is more evidence in the FF case, not to mention the existence of eyewitnesses to Sketch’s appearance. If the FF investigators have more to go on, it might be more realistic that they will be the ones to find Sketch. However, IMO, after Sketch is found, the ability to tie him to the atrocities at AF will increase substantially. So , in my mind at least, if he is nailed by FF LE, he will eventually be nailed for whatever his involvement was in Morgan’s death. Once we KNOW who Sketch is, the rest will fall into place. This has happened in multiple previous cases.
JMHO, as always.
I agree that Morgan’s parents are aware of their options in the justice system and when the optimist side of my brain is working I believe the fact that they have not to this point initiated any such action to our knowledge, given their declarations of doing whatever it takes to make sure this perpetrator is brought to justice, means that they have some information we are not privy to that prevents them from doing so. Optimism also tells me that the silence of the friends and basketball players is due to the fact they are important witnesses as alluded to by the article cited by Dr. Papper above. Also due to the article (BTW thanks Dr. Pepper) I believe some of the *facts* of the case as presented by LE are intentionally false for investigative purposes only and not as any part of a coverup. Now I’m thinking that the BBP or even Sarah during the 8:48 phone call perhaps *overheard* someone offer Morgan a ride.
I still want to study Sketch. I’m linking some interesting statistics about rapists. I was a rape counselor at one time and I thought I remembered our trainers telling us that the belief that rapists are usually strangers who jump out of the bushes is a myth. There is no doubt in my mind that Sketch is someone Morgan spoke to that night, perhaps only in passing. In my own rape, the rapist was a stranger yes, but we walked together a couple of miles, even stopping to sit down and smoke a cigarette at one point, before he turned violent.
http://www.rainn.org/statistics
mary that is so frightening i am so glad you survived.the east coast rapist said why havent you picked me up sooner? http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/07/AR2011030704901.html?wprss=rss_metro/va/fairfax i have to wonder if le thought maybe he was sketch ,or if morgans and ff victims cases added extra energy to his apprehension, his was caught via a tip from someone who knew him. and fairfax ,just might be the agengy to solve this http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/12/AR2007021201362.html.
MsL says:
June 18, 2011 at 7:16 am
“I’m sorry George, but I have to disagree with your above post. I do not believe, if any such footage exists, that releasing it would have helped Morgan in any way. I believe Morgan was deceased long before Dr. and Mrs. Harrington ever learned that she was missing mid-day on Sunday. I think Morgan was taken sometime shortly after 9:30 and probably did not live even until midnight.”
While I also pray that Morgan did not suffer any length of time there is no reason I can see to assume that she was killed the night of the concert. Why were hundreds of ordinary citizens looking everywhere for Morgan for days afterward if the assumption was she had already been killed? As for releasing the video it might have sparked memories in concert-goers or revealed someone else of interest in the footage. Why would the VSP NOT release the video? Why do they continue to play these stupid word games?
As for the Harringtons knowing their legal rights I think they still are in denial and shock as well as grief. Civil action is a path I hope they will choose; I, for one, would be glad to contribute to any legal fund set up to help the Harringtons.
Mary, thank you. This is hopeful and another perspective that is really pertinent and probable. Thanks for helping to pull me out of my negative mindset and see another perspective.
I am horribly sorry that you were raped and subjected to such random violence. You are in my prayers. The link is very helpful.
Hi Blink,
I just noticed my post from 7:36 this am(6.18) is still awaiting moderation? I hope everything is ok.
Your up, was away for the weekend for family wedding and droid is limited for purposes of moderation.
Thanks again all for your patience.
B
Mary, I apologize for saying: “I am ‘horribly’ sorry…..”. This is not what I meant. I am horrified this happened to you, and so very very sorry. When I wrote that I was mixing it all up-upset that this had occurred and hoping so much you are getting all the love and support you need. It is a horrible, despicable thing. Please forgive me if this offended you.
For this Father’s Day I just want to let Mr. Harrington know that he is in my thoughts and prayers. Also we will never give up on finding justice for Morgan. 2-4-1
Thanks you guys. It was a looooong time ago, circumstances similar to Morgan. I survived it. Unfortunately Morgan did not.