Two Years Cold-Morgan Harrington Murder: Two Women, Two Locations, Too Long
Girl In The Hayfield
Morgan Dana Harrington was the ingenue of artist and adjunct professor at Virginia Tech, Jane Lillian Vance.
She was scheduled to travel with her to Nepal in the Spring of 2010 while continuing to pursue her Education degree in her third year as a Hokie.
Morgan would not make that trip, and Vance would complete her latest work in her former students honor, last week.
With her Mother Gil’s help, albeit posthumously, Morgan is indeed educating children; the underprivileged children of Zambia. In April, 2010, Gil Harrington carried some of her beloved daughter’s ashes during the Orphan Medical Network International (OMNI) pilgrimage to Zambia. After raising donations for the Morgan Harrington Educational Wing, Morgan’s ashes were mixed with the concrete foundation of the school bearing her name.
At 5’6” , with breck-girl locks and eyes like briolette faceted tourmaline’s, Morgan was a stunning beauty.
Behind her neon smile was the burgeoning sophistication of a girl beyond her years and peers.
This gilded lily stood out.
On the grounds of the John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, Virginia while attending a Metallica concert with her friends, unfortunately, she also caught the eye of a dangerous predator. The cost of admission to the events that followed, would be her life.
Devoid of her ticket to return inside the presumed safety of the venue and old friends, Morgan scored the unwilling and unalterable ticket to the cross-hairs of a Medium Build, 6’ African American sexual sadist who has likely spent the last four years honing his skills.
“Sketch” was interrupted by a passerby during a vicious beating and sexual assault in Fairfax on September 24, 2005. His DNA is linked to both victims.
Lights, Cameras, 400 Blue Phones
According to JPJ and UVA security guidelines, all hired security must be law enforcement.
In addition to the regularly scheduled patrol assignments of UVA PD, events such as the Metallica concert required additional security posts which were hired via a security request when the date was booked. Although additional UVA officers were working the night of October 17, there has never been a statement regarding any observations from that evening on their behalf by Melissa Fielding, Investigative Lieutenant.
However, in a private meeting that included UVA PD staff, shortly after Morgan’s disappearance, an attendee speaking to www.blinkoncrime.com on the condition of anonymity, told me he heard Fielding tell someone openly that Harrington’s car never left Harrisonburg, or JMU, and that it was a different friends car that was driven to the arena and hers had been accounted for.
In response to another UVA PD staffer loudly offering that he heard that Morgan was behaving “obnoxiously” during the trip to JPJ, which resulted in a tiff between the friends and the reason she ultimately left the concert, Fielding snapped “That was still no reason to leave her.”
When pressed as to why she thought they still believed Morgan’s car was not a factor when Lt Rader of the Virginia State Police (VSP) and Dr. Harrington, Morgan’s Father, both confirmed her car was the vehicle the foursome traveled in, she repeated that information was incorrect with no further explanation. While VSP was leading the investigation at this point, it certainly still begs the question as to why the original agency tasked with her disappearance, and still assisting, would have such important misinformation circulating in an active investigation and ongoing search.
According to the Office of the Executive Vice President of UVA, UVAPD security personnel are also responsible for surveillance on grounds. The central monitoring area, which is linked to the security cameras in several lots and public areas, is located in the central parking garage. There is no information available on the storage medium of recorded footage from the cameras, and requests for information were deferred to VSP.
The University of Virginia uses technology to improve security on Grounds. University Police install video cameras in several parking lots and public areas. Additional cameras may be installed in the future. Security cameras will be connected to a central control room operated by the Police Department in the new Central Grounds Parking Garage. The purpose for using the cameras is to reduce incidents of crime while limiting the need to expand the Police Department.
VSP is not discussing the specificity of what they have or do not have regarding footage supplied by JPJ/UVA.
With the exception of course that out of everything that has “been supplied to them”, there are no images of Morgan whatsoever.
Stationed inside the arena, is UVA PD security, non-police event security run by RMC Events, security staff employed directly by Metallica, UVA facilities management personnel, and contracted vendors to both JPJ and UVA. Firemarshall, zoning, and University guidelines also require EMT attendance.
Invisible As The Web In a Spiders Belly- Marge Piercy
Morgan asked her friend and roommate Amy Melvin to accompany her to the restroom at approximately 8:20PM.
Because of an earlier spat and lingering tension, Amy declined and Morgan left her seat alone.
Earlier, Morgan attempted to diffuse the matter upon entrance to John Paul Jones Arena in a conciliatory gesture, by purchasing a Metallica T-shirt for Amy. Amy reciprocated.
When Morgan climbed between the seats to make her way to the restroom, it was the last time Amy Melvin, Sarah Snead and Dan Cassagne would see their friend alive.
Morgan’s friends treating her like a vexatious afterthought did not aid the situation in the least.
A fellow Metallica fan sitting in the general area of Morgan and her friends, whose name is being intentionally withheld as a potential witness in this case, both observed and interacted with her until she left her seat; he assumed, for a drink.
He said during the Lamb of God set, Morgan changed her seat in the middle, and characterized her as very friendly, but “erratic” and repeatedly asked he and his companions for a sip of their non-alcoholic beverages.
In his opinion, Morgan exhibited signs of being under some sort of influence, was definitely overheated and parched.
A few minutes later, another witness claimed to be online with Morgan at the concession stand where she purchased a soda.
Shortly after this exchange, Morgan is seen dabbing a wound on her chin in the ladies room. Witnesses in a different area of seating believe they saw a woman matching Morgan’s description fall on the steps to the immediate right of their seats, and was not carrying a drink at the time.
After Amy and Sarah left their seats to look for Morgan when she failed to return, Sarah phoned Morgan on her cell at 8:48PM .
Morgan was clearly upset as she told Sarah she was refused any option of re-entry by security, but did not reveal why she went outside the arena in the first place.
This account conflicts with that provided by lead investigator, Agent Dino Cappuzzo, of the Virginia State Police, who commented during last years walk through on Anchorage Farm that a ticket-taker informed Morgan she would need to repurchase a ticket in order to return to the concert after she indicated that her ticket was “in pieces at the bottom of her purse.”
Morgan had the means to purchase another ticket. What she did not have, was her red digital Kodak camera she was digging for when she first exited the arena, and not a shred of her Metallica ticket has ever been found.
Concession Confessions- The Deadly Kind
Think a concession connection is far-fetched? Tell that to Inna Budnytska.
Michael Lee Jones, former concession employee for Centerplate and then Ovations, used his position as a traveling contract food service employee to prey on his victims. Mr. Jones worked at a ball field in Norfolk, VA for 12 years.
While it is assumed any other reported assaults with a DNA sample he was involved with would come to light, 84% of stranger rapes go unreported statistically speaking, there are likely unreported assaults.
Jones has no known direct connection to Morgan’s case, but the parallel of access to grounds in some of his crimes and therefore victims at the venue he was working, is investigative 101.
Without the tenacity of retired Long Island cop turned- investigator Ken Brennan, and the equal ability to be open to civilian assistance by Miami Detective Allen Foote, Jones would be free right now.
Mike Jones would not have been caught in this case, or the other cases, and would likely have raped and assaulted other victims.
Unlike Inna’s case, without the benefit of video in Morgan Harrington’s disappearance, witness accounts of her time and movement throughout the JPJ arena and subsequent grounds make witness interviews invaluable.
It is abundantly clear that VSP, profiling experts and analysis of the topography of the700 acre Anchorage Farm indicate whoever is responsible for placing Morgan there, was intimately familiar with the property.
In fact, Lt. Joseph Rader, believes her recovery location as chosen by her killer, is the “most important aspect of this investigation… People of North Garden, this will mean something to you.” ”
People in the Anchorage Farm area, you know what goes on there, you know the history,” said Rader. “You know who comes in and out of the vicinity and you might not realize it but you probably have some information for us that you don’t even think is important.”
In an earlier article, published shortly after Harrington’s remains were found, we reported the most recent activity of the land and it’s owners David and Nancy Bass. During the time of Morgan’s disappearance, the farm house, or the home on the Va historical register occupied at the time by the Bass’s daughter Jenny, was undergoing renovations to its hvac.
A carpenter working for Mr. Bass during the Summer of 2009 recalled stopping a black male driving a black jeep on the back of the Bass property and was told he was David Bass’s brother.
While the farm’s renovations, rezoning and subsequent withdrawal from a previous taxation commitment was compelling reading, it did not produce any leads and The Bass family did not recognize the image of sketch when shown in July 2010. Perhaps the historic property needed more history.
Time For Loud- Not Enshroud
If Anchorage Farm holds the key to revealing Morgan’s killer or killers, what other secrets does it hold?
Plenty, and they lead right back to a time in Virginia history that rips the scab off of a fairly fresh wound for many generations, and back to The University of Virginia.
In the 1740’s, Albemarle county, which was formed from Goochland and Louisa counties, was a vast frontier largely owned by Peter Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson’s father, and Col. Charles Lewis, brother of Robert, grandfather of Meriwether Lewis.
Courtesy of Legends Of Lewis
The men opened two plantations near each other, and produced three generations of one or more first cousin marriages between the two families.
Both families amassed great wealth over the years through slaves and land, but as the eighteenth century drew to a close, through a series of farming failures and poor plantation oversight, the Lewis family fell on extremely hard times.
Charles Lewis sold everything he had with the exception of the North Garden property which he gave to sons Randolph, Lilburne and Isham.
The Lewis plantation later named Anchorage Farm by the White family, would remain with Lewis family members through 1846.
In 1808, with looming debt, resentful neighbors and and little cash to parleigh into prospects, Lilburne and Randolph decided to immigrate to Kentucky, the popular new destination for those in crisis, leaving Isham, and a few aunts to toil what is now known as Anchorage Farm.
With remaining slaves in tow, the Lewis family traveled by barge to their new home “ Rocky Hill”.
Three family members would die in the first eighteen months, and the worst was yet to come.
In the Fall of 1808, Isham Lewis traveled to Rocky Hill to pay his respects to his recently deceased older brother Randolf, announcing his plans for an indefinite stay.
Isham was widely known for his less than gentlemanly status and his reunion with brother Lilburne, who by this time had spiraled into a deep depression treated with ardent spirits.
Thomas Jefferson’s nephews Isham and Lilburne forged the unholy alliance that would eliminate the possibility of a Lewis dynasty in Kentucky, forever.
The fuse igniting the transformation of Rocky Hill to Rocky Horror was lit.
A teenage slave named George, who traveled with the Lewis family from Albemarle three years earlier, ran off for a few days in December allegedly due to Lilburne’s treatment of him.
Fueling the alcoholism and depression, Lilburne’s new wife Letitia Griffin Lewis was pregnant with James Griffin Lewis, the couple’s first child together.
On December 15, 1811 George was asked by Lilburne to fetch a pitcher of water believed to belong to his beloved Mother Lucy. He broke it and returned to the plantation, met by the homicidal rage of the Lewis brothers while all the slaves were made to bear witness, lest they had any ideas such behaviors would be tolerated.
Lilburne and Isham drug young George to the main house, gathered all the slaves to watch, and Lilburne buried an axe in George’s neck to the horror of all.
He ordered another slave to dismember him and threatened all that If anyone had any similar notions to his, they would receive a duplicate fate.
Fate, in fact, would make an appearance shortly in the form of an earthquake, which made George’s remains accessible to the family dog, ultimately discovered by a neighbor and reported to police.
Isham and Lilburne were indicted and freed on bond. The brothers formed a suicide pact and headed for the Rocky Hill cemetery where Lilburne ended up shooting himself in the chest while showing Isham how to release the flint lock.
Isham fled only to be captured a few days later and jailed for assisting in his brothers suicide.
Letitia, now a widow, fled Kentucky in fear with her newborn son.
Mysteriously, Isham garnered his freedom anyway, through an assisted jail-break.
He disappeared, was believed to live under an alias, marry and was allegedly killed in the battle of New Orleans in 1815.
His remains were never positively identified.
Brother to Dragons, indeed.
In his eventual biography of Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson eluded to the explorer and Governor of Louisiana’s familial afflictions with mental illness following his suicide. A memoir of an escaped slave, written by Francis Frederick, is believed to depict the treatment of the slaves owned by Thomas Jefferson Randolph, with whom Thomas Jefferson and family resided and attended the adjacent school as a child.
In this period, Virginia was the largest destination for slaves from the Bight of Biafra on the West side of the African coast, and the natives spoke patois.
The extended Lewis family owned plantations on Buck Island, Red Hill Depot, and Monteagle, which is believed to be the former name of the Lewis Plantation.
Committed at a time and place where it was illegal to murder a slave, George’s story is definitely an anomaly due to the horrific murder becoming known publicly.
Thomas Jefferson is believed to have owned about 200 slaves; a combination of in inheritance from his Father Peter, his wife’s very prominent family the Rudolphs, and through sale.
His father Peter and he were also very close to the William Cabell family of Tuckahoe, one of the largest slave owners in Albemarle, and relatives of Samuel Cabell, murdered for “taking up” with a former slave and living openly with her and their children.
Could the current Albemarle descendants from either side of the family tree shed any light on family legends that might lead sketch to dump Morgan Harrington’s remains on the former Lewis plantation? Have they even been asked?
There is no shortage of information today about slave masters and plantation owners producing offspring of mixed race.
In the case of Morgan Harrington’s murder, there is a forensic DNA link to an African American male, also linked to a brutal rape and assault years earlier, who by VSP’s own confirmation, possesses the navigational prowess of an individual who was comfortable traversing an area of the farm unreachable by vehicle as much as 1000 feet away, in the dark. He is local, period.
Is the paradox of Morgan’s recovery in the hollows of a historic slave plantation while her legacy enriches the lives of African children that will gain educational opportunities previously not possible, in her honor, be enough to stimulate the concscious of someone who has the answers?
To be continued: Morgan Harrington Murder Part II: Two Years Cold- Two Women, Two Locations, Too Long.
*Investigative Analysis of Morgan’s last known activity in the lot of JPJ and Copely Bridge
*Independent investigation of adherence to UVA/JPJ background policy for employees and contractors
*Investigative Analysis of new evidence
Contributing Editors: Jason Mateos, Jacqueline Beaufort, Madeline Tanner, Klaasend
Image Credits: Harrington Family, As Credited.
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Blink, in reading between the lines, is the horrific murder of Morgan in your new piece above?
not following.
B
” Rose7 says:
October 20, 2011 at 9:27 pm
Blink, in reading between the lines, is the horrific murder of Morgan in your new piece above?”
Oh, Rose7, I don’t think so. Horrific as it was, I don’t think there was any evidence of that. Praying not.
Glad Blink wasn’t following. Reassures me a little.
I think lizzy may have nudged me, and while I will not discuss case sensitive information regarding Morgan’s remains, there is no evidence of a parallel as to George and Morgan’s cause of death.
B
Lizzy
Your story of being transported around D.C. for hours and hours by the limo/taxie driver is a prime example of the difference in how people viewed others in that generation. Men generally were respectfull of women and children and did all they could to see to their safety and wellbeing. After all, many had spent some hellish times defending our country.
This is what I referred to a few days back about the difference in the generations. We need to get back to that attitude.
Thanks for your story.
She was brutially murdered. George was as well. Just too hard to speak about (and probally silly). Anything in common between the two (as a clue)?
ATG. Roanoke Cty imo is more regressed than Albermarle. All good ol boy land there, just like northern va for that matter, but with more charm & better accents. With bar & judiciary intertwined, county boundaries down there are irrelevant to bar relationships. What firm is Harrington attorney with?
@ Mom3.0 says:
October 20, 2011 at 8:27 pm
You are the sweetest friendy. I’m grateful to see we are focusing on the right things at BOC. The cword is dead, imo. I feel inspired to see you (a given) and everyone else taking it to a new level. As long as there’s motion and participation, Morgan’s killer will be caught.
Mom, thank you for being you. God bless you all you do, sister friend!
@ lizzy
Thank GOD you’re here with us. Thank you for sharing and opening up to us about a potentially dangerous situation. It is very relevant to Morgan’s cause and keeping another girl alive!
Much love, sweet friendy XO
@ B….anyone…
Was Morgan possibly a victim of theft regarding the camera. She was in a vulnerable state. The various explanations are cover up or speaking up on an issue they know nothing about.
I KNOW for a fact, after working 10 years in a building that facilitated NHL hockey, concerts, rodeos, monster trucks, you name it…there is ALWAYS volunteer first aid on site. It was policy to make sure someone injured in the building or on the premises was to be treated on the spot or sent to the hospital. I can also assure y’all that no lady in Morgan’s state would have been forced out of the venue because of her behaviour, state, or not having her ticket. At the very least, security would have been involved (we also have volunter Police Officers work all events, too), determine whether she was fit to leave on her own, needed assistance or phone someone to pick her up. I’m sure Metallica would want to know about these policies to protect themselves from law suits themselves.
Protocol should have been in place and followed! All venues capable of holding a decent sized crowd for concert events would have a system in place to protect their patrons within the facility and on the premises. I feel the camera was ‘confiscated’ (loosely translated….cameras were not allowed inside the concert. I think the camera ended up stolen. They can’t account for it). Metallica would not pleased. No cameras, recording devices, etc. A contract would have been signed between Metallica and the venue about how to handle the nature of recording devices.
I’m bothered by her ticket being in pieces. What caused her to shred her only means of re-entry. Was this done for her by venue staff?
This suit is sooooo stinking warranted in my opinion. The fact that Morgan was injured inside the building and not treated is huge.
JMHO and always, 2 4 1, ok! all around <3
Ragdoll- we do not know if she was a victim of theft at this point- in terms of her possessions, that I can confirm were with her going into the venue, her necklace and her camera are still missing.
There is no reasonable explanation I can fathom to claim that her ticket was ripped up in her purse, for it never to be found, and for LE timeline to make sense. It does not.
Obviously the Harrington’s saw through this as well, thus the suit.
I am feeling the best chances of catching this freak are in front of us these days my friendLY.
B
Just for information sake, I still know ex colleagues and some high up people (who happen to be friends and family) that would know how this very thing would have gone down if Morgan attented a concert there, exact same scenario. I know the first thing they’d say is we have a policy, legal terms would be printed on back of tickets, contracts signed for security, recording devices, entry and re entry, treating injured or inebriated fans…etc.
Would this benefit Morgan’s search for the killer? If so, through questions at me. I’ll take it up!
Can anyone tell me the person/s who wouldn’t allow re-entry were salaried employees or possible volunteers?
Otherwise, I’ll shut my mouth and sweet potato pie!
aaah….throw questions at me. Since I’m not ectoplasm, through me would be challenging.
Sigh so happy to see the entire BOC family kicking into action ….OMG!! What a read . I have been so busy and could not read much the past 3 days, just a little here and there and just dying to sit down and drink it all in …..especially after what feels like the long and parched journey the danged DROUGHT !! We have all been dealing with, especially the Harringtons and Blink.
Amazing post Mom3.0 my misty mountain friend I share your opinion. Wordgirl SO good to see you and you too Ragdoll….TGF as well Osu and Oh heavens I can’t write all of your names down but I love you all and welcome to the newcomers and the locals who have been reading but not commenting.So good to hear your seasoned opinions. I got so sad around the anniversary of Morgans death. I cried out to her to help me, help us find justice….I felt a bit silly crying out to a dead girl I never met. I feel close to Morgan somehow, I used to be able to feel her energy at times. but it has been a long time since I have.
Well the very next day and the day after that I was driving along and on both days a van pulled up alongside me with “MORGAN” cleaning supplies or something like that written on it …and I just broke out into this big smile. I have had these Morgan van sightings before. I did not know Morgan but I know she had a wicked sense of humor and a great love of music, two things I like to think we share.
Oh shiny girl, help show us the way to your killer and save the next girl, you are truly loved Morgan, Godspeed.
*snark alert*
Supportive as always……….
~snip~
University Police Lt. Melissa Fielding said RMC Events Inc. hired its own security for the concert that took place at the arena.
“We are here for law enforcement purposes and safety is a part of that,” Fielding said. “[But] the police department was not notified that Morgan was in need of assistance [Saturday night] … by any citizen or any member of the security group.”
Online court records for Roanoke County Circuit Court list the claim as a “catch-all” complaint. Law Prof. George Rutherglen said this label denotes “miscellaneous civil action.”
http://www.cavalierdaily.com/2011/10/19/harrington-sues-security-firm/
What Lt. Fielding is referring to, is that there is supposed to be an escalation process from RMC to request assistance from UVAPD. What is astounding to me is how these people keep side-stepping fact based public information. IE: The policy she is describing was reported as new:
http://www.nbc29.com/story/12265678/jpj-reinforces-security-policy?clienttype=printable
The problem RMC is going to have, is they had their own staff blogging about Morgan by the 18th, and those posts included an employee ( I did not ever release his name) who stated he came into contact with Morgan and that he wished he had “helped her.”
Also, what are the boundaries of RMC security at the venue? They stop once she hits the lot, the lot she was observed by many, interacted with many, and where UVAPD was stationed, as they made other arrests in the lots that evening, and is part of public record.
“We don’t have any comment on pending litigation” is a statement that should be flying through in-bin’s.
Lastly, to clarify, Gil did not “announce” the suit, and never had any intention of doing so, she received calls the day the press released it and refused to discuss it, as I presume she will continue to do.
Thanks for posting E, I stopped reading there after the whole plagirism allegations.
B
mom3.0
quote:
“power” and/or a uniform sometimes corrupts even the nicest of people…
so true..
OT — nice article on Yeardley Love’s family.
http://espn.go.com/espnw/college-sports/7119122/in-step-every-yard-yeardley
Very.
Thanks for posting Redly.
B
-snipped-
There is no reasonable explanation I can fathom to claim that her ticket was ripped up in her purse, for it never to be found, and for LE timeline to make sense. It does not.
Again, you said it way better than I could. I was attempting to ‘go there’. Why would she self sabotage her only way back into the venue?
And please forgive me….this has probably been covered but I’m daring to ask….were tickets actually taken from the patrons upon entry and given a ‘stamp’ on the wrist (for re-entry)? Tickets are scanned and returned to patrons so they can’t recycle ticket to another friends. If no stamp, the patron keeps that ticket.
I’m trying to put myself in her shoes and all I idea that she was pretty, a little messed up…. She may have been told the ticket had to be left with ‘ticket taker’ until she comes back in…or confiscated without any kind of due process. That person, imo, knows why she couldn’t get back inside.
Gotta take Ragdoll Jr. to school. I’m sure he’ll love that reference.
Tickets are scanned and returned. Some patrons on the floor got orange bracelets.
B
Late: but thanks Lizzy and Blink … you saw where my mind was going. Thanks for the assurances … just looking for any clues.
When management of a venue becomes complacent in monitoring the activities of its employes in regards to general overall safety of the public they are serving, bad things happen.
The response of the part-time ticket taker who worked for one of the airlines regarding the lack of concern and safety training of personell working JPJA arena, is an indictment of liability for RMC. This woman needs to be a witness for the Harringtons suit.
The University is going to try to do everything in its power to downplay their involvement. This has been the pattern for over twenty years. It is time to put a stop to this behavior. A public institution that will not do the right thing needs to be exposed for all to see. Perhaps this will happen.
There have been some legal liability changes in the Virginia statutes in the past two years as a result of the activities of those involved with the unreported and brushed aside rapes of students during the Casteen administration. If I am correct, the legislature passed personal responsiblity for improper behavior of state employees. In other words, there will be no protection as a state employee if you do something against the law.
This case may be the thing that ultimately tests the new statutes.
I am glad to see that Gil will not discuss the case. She does not need any more grief than she already must bear.
Dear Mom 3.0- Thank you- In July, I returned home from taking my aunt to the hospital to find my “baby” 17yrs. old passed out on the kitchen floor- I called 911 immediately and checked his sugar which was low but not that low, anyway, when he passed out he hit his head and nose on the table and was bleeding around the nose/mouth area-freaked me out! After the E.R. visit, docs told me he was dehydrated and he told me he had not slept the night before. Just goes to show the myriad of things that can contribute to a situation. I almost gave our cat the glucagon shot! Hey I am usually calm but this freaked me out big time!
Lt. Felding’s comment is bizarre. Morgan was under the legal jurisdiction of the UVa police while inside the JPJ Arena or in the parking lots. RMH security personnel were also under the jurisdiction of the UVa police. Judging from several of the concert goer comments here the security people have come very close to assault on patrons in the past. If they grabbed Morgan and took her camera you can add battery as well. Where are the tapes?
I feel certain that Morgan’s ticket was not in shreds in her purse if the reports are that her ticket has not been recovered. Why would anyone remove a shredded up ticket from her purse after they abducted her? Doesn’t work for me…
@Tarheel
One thought is if the person that shredded it did not want to leave any trace evidence.
I agree totally with you-
I am sorry, I know that you must have been out of your mind with worry over your son- but your description of almost injecting the cat with glucose- LOL- I am gald that both he and the cat are well-
Ragdoll Ditto my friend- and keep up the excellent posts- I agree with much of your concerns…
edward, thanks for underscoring my thoughts, and thank you for adding so much to the conversation
Hummingbird my MMF, you again have shown your knack for writing with feeling- thank you for sharing your thoughts
Hello connie- you are welcome-
I agree totally with you-
I am sorry, I know that you must have been out of your mind with worry over your son- but your description of almost injecting the cat with glucose- LOL- I am glad that both he and the kitty are well-
I honestly think if just one security person would have taken their concerns of Morgan to worry over her personnel well being, things would have turned out differently-
The security person that wished he had helped… I remember reading his words, and my feeling was that it seemed that something prohibited him from doing more…perhaps by the time he encountered Morgan she had already been denied reentry… therefore his hands were tied?
IDK but I always felt that he was telling the truth, and that if given the chance, he would have done more…
AJMO
oops seems in posting.. my words got jumbled. I hope you can all make out what I was trying to say, and to whom…
Blink says:
October 21, 2011 at 12:54 pm
@Tarheel
One thought is if the person that shredded it did not want to leave any trace evidence.
Good point Blink. Hadn’t thought of that.
Mom 3.0- No problema!
Blink and fellow blinksters- This is how we roll! Keep up the great sleuthing. 2-4-1 !!!!
Snipped from Oct. 19, Blink said:
“throwing out my potential theory for consideration here:
Anyone think it possible that the Granny sighting was Morgan and a security person, going after her camera and then confiscating it?
B”
While it is certainly possible, if I recall correctly, the Granny sighting was in the parking lot which leads me to wonder why a security person would confiscate M.’s camera outside of the arena? If she was already outside of the arena, then ultimately security had no right to enforce rules that applied only inside the arena.
Perhaps her camera was confiscated inside by security and she was offered the “opportunity” to walk the camera to her car. Perhaps someone posing as security– or legitimately working inside the arena in another capacity thus acting as a “representative” of the arena and its rules– “confiscated” the camera and/or ejected her for “breaking” the rules.
I agree that potential exists, in fact, I still cannot rule out the 9:30PM stolen purse and contents call that ended up suspended.
B
In reference to October 18 post (in full below)
So the information is only 50% correct.
Does this mean that DNA was recovered from M.’s body which was different from that which was recovered from her shirt? Thus only being 50% accurate that the case is connected to the rape in Fairfax?
Or perhaps the DNA recovered on the shirt was the same as some recovered on her body, so the police weren’t in the dark for the 8 months it took for the shirt to show up. Is it possible that the police were only able to recover a partial DNA profile from M.’s body, which was “completed” when they discovered the shirt with DNA.
Is it possible that the DNA found on the shirt, which is said to link M.’s case with the rape in Fairfax, is similar but is not one and the same— familial DNA, so to speak?
I think it might be interesting to know the source of the DNA that was obtained from the shirt– blood versus hair versus semen, etc. For some reason I feel like the type– the DNA source– could either support or undermine the idea that perhaps the DNA was planted on the shirt…which itself was probably planted in a certain location.
_______
“As for the investigation, it appears to have hit a roadblock. DNA recovered from the black t-shirt Harrington was wearing the night of the concert has been linked to a years-earlier unsolved Fairfax rape, but authorities have been unable to find the suspect.”
http://www.readthehook.com/101502/it-war-harringtons-renew-quest-murders-two-year-anniversary
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Interesting, I was always under the impression that the DNA was recovered directly from the body, did it really take 8 months to identify the DNA on the shirt and make the link? If so, it would appear to be valuable time lost. 8 months is an awfully long time to jog memories if needed when perhaps the link “could have” been made sooner.
Cat, I held this all day because I consider that case sensitive information, and all of us covering Morgan’s case knew about that a year ago, and did not publish it for obvious reasons. I have been able to determine today that information is only 50% correct, so although it would not have met our standard here to release, it is now out of the bag, so to speak. Good catch on your part.
B
Could the 9:30pm call report of a stolen purse and contents have been the cause of LE asking if Morgan ask to borrow someone else’s phone?
The time-line would necessarily have to be off if true, wouldn’t it?
Well according to LE, UVA student with dad sees Morgan at 9:20 ish, and her key clocks at 9:23PM presumably correct time. Morgan’s phone does not power off until 9:30, so how they have planned for her to be in two places at once I have no idea.
B
And the shirt appeared to be “Placed There” from early reports.
Is that still considered to be true today ?
“Black Pearl says:
October 21, 2011 at 4:48 pm
In reference to October 18 post (in full below)
So the information is only 50% correct.
. . . . . . .
Or perhaps the DNA recovered on the shirt was the same as some recovered on her body, so the police weren’t in the dark for the 8 months it took for the shirt to show up.”
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Black Pearl, please allow me to clear one thing up for you. The shirt was found LONG before Morgan’s body, in the early days of the search. Just given minimal publicity and not confirmed as her shirt until much later.
Lizzy, O/T for you:
http://blinkoncrime.com/2011/10/21/disappearance-and-deception-turns-to-decomposition-dogs-smell-death-at-lisa-irwins-home/
Your correct, although point of contention, my sources say shirt was found Nov. 5th, LE says November 11.
B
Is the suit brought by just Gil? Or both parents? Just wondered if there any particular reason only Gil’s name is on the suit.
And if RMC has been less than forth coming from the beginning of Morgan’s disappearance — why do you think it took two years to file?
Do you think any video footage may still be around from that night?
Hi Mag, Hard to say if video is still around. If I had to guess, I would say, no. Just my opinion.
I believe there is a statute of limitation which was about to expire, hence the suit was filed before this happened on Oct 17, 2011.
It seems clear to me that Dr. Harrington supports the filing of the lawsuit, even though Mrs.H. Is the one who filed on behalf of Morgan. I believe she is the executor of Morgan’s estate.
mag603
The suit is filed in the name of Morgan’s estate. Gil is listed as the administrator of the estate. The on-line record of the filing lists the name of the attorney, but not the name of a law firm.
I doubt if any video footage can be found that is not already in the hands of LE. My whole take on the video is that nothing was working except perhaps the video system that projected the musicians on a large screen for those who had seats well back from the stage.
Then again “state of the art video system” may be a sham to be used in advertising the arena. We don’t have any confirmation that the system ever covered outside areas such as entrances and parking lots. Review the statement about video in the article.
IMO the late filing has to do with the fact that Morgan’s father actually works for the university system. A lawsuit would or could be like sueing your employer. The long wait is to hope the VSP could solve the case and a lawsuit would not be necessary. It finally had to be filed because the statue of limitations were going to be exceeded and no legal action could be taken if that occured.
Also read George’s comments above about jurisdiction.
Rose
Thanks for your quick view of the culture of Roanoke County. In regard to the accents. Is this where the pronuciation of out is oot?
In the late 1970′s, I spent several days with some engineers who worked for one of the large utility companies in Virginia. I had designed and built a very large Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system (SCADA) for pipelines. This system was used as a model by the US Department of Energy following a week of teaching a bunch of lawyers the basics of controls. The Virginia engineers learned about this system from DOE and were visiting so they could learn the principles needed to meet the guidelines. This is not uncommon in the untility business.
Oh this is one question I forgot to ask, B mentioning the timeline made me think of it
: There was a big todo about a special machine being bought by LE so they could figure out Morgan s movements and the timeline. Did that ever prove useful? There were newsarticles about it with Lt Rader showing it to the press etc. It seemed like it cost a lot and everyone had big expectations from it, is it still even used?
The tshirt find is so strange, being spread out on a bush it was impossible to miss and could not have be there all those weeks.
And now its confirmed to have contained DNA also. Which raises new questions. Like the condtion of the shirt and if it contained traces that shown it was taken post mortem etc.
All this important to determine if Morgan was in that area herself or just the tshirt and the killers. One thought: did they discard her shirt and kept the jewellery on their way home?
Again unlikely to have happened weeks later, its really another mystery (like the phone and purse and umbrella location)
Blink,
some time way back in this case someone posted a link
to photos (about 10-12) that someone had taken of
Anchorage Farm and the barn and house. Are those still
around? I looked through the archives but couldn’t find
the link. I know the pix were discussed here for a day
or so. Any help?? Thanks in advance !
Sherlock
Sherlock-
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.184580297175.157216.735702175&type=3
B
Lizzy, thanks and my apologies…. I’m a bit rusty on the details of this after all this time…followed intensely for months, then dropped off when I felt I had nothing to add… now I’m back, but perhaps still with nothing to add.
For what it’s worth, I work at a state university (not in VA) in a fine are gallery. We display work which can be very valuable, sometimes irreplaceable. We also have a system of security cameras in place.
A few years ago a student on campus “borrowed” some exhibition materials (not artwork!). I suspected that the item would be returned (which it was), but just in case, I reported the situation to campus police. Imagine my surprise– and for an art lover and professional, horror, even– when the officer handling the case told me that the light levels in the gallery are so low that it basically renders the entire camera system useless. Our cameras are always collecting footage, yes, but footage that is so dark and grainy that not much can be seen, especially not the identity of individuals coming in and out of the space.
JPJ Arena could have tons of state of the art cameras which record practically nothing outside of brightly lit areas such as the main entrance. They could have cameras which were never adjusted, or aimed properly, or technology (both hardware and software) which was not maintained properly.
Inside the arena, for viewing purposes, they have a multi-million dollar HD system, so I can assure the wiring and hardware are in place to interface with a necessary system. Point blank, they did not spend the cash on the security side of that. All great points though.
B
ATG,
Re: accents. Historically, Tidewater VA has more of an accent to which you refer, although families throughout VA- many with family from that area- have an almost Scottish accent. The rule/ joke is: there’s a mosse (mouse) in the hosse get it oat.
If course with more mobility and the proliferation of media, those accents are becoming extinct. I love to hear the variations in accent, particularly across the South.
I live in Albemarle County. The dialect used here is prevalent in rural areas but less so now than in the past. The pronunciation is actually more like Scandinavian versus Scottish. House sounds like howse, mouse sounds like mowse, cloud like clowd etc. It’s the use of the ou sound. It is a bit like the Canadian pronunciation of out and about but with a ow instead of the oa used above.
I actually caught a little grief for using the dialect as a youngster and in the Navy, however I gradually used the more common sounds, except in spite.
The installation of video equipment is not that difficult. The major problem is maintenance. Someone, not a contractor, has to represent the owner in making certain that all systems are operational as the specifications declared. This is where most systems fall apart. The owner does not have an in-house person to enforce proper maintenance.
Digital video today should be able to use low or available light to capture in detail anything passing in front of a lense.
Underfunding maintenance and inspection costs are usually the culprit for a poor system. This is the reason that so many systems do not operate properly.
There definately could be something connected to security and her camera. Who placed the missing purse call at 9:30 and who cancelled it?
I have always believed the granny sighting was Morgan in a struggle with someone in the parking lot.
@ Sara and ATG….thanks for the reply to my questions. Appreciate the info.
On another note….Whenever I look at tha AF pix I can’t help but look for a clue to Morgan’s case.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.184580297175.157216.735702175
Praying that something will allow all the pieces of the puzzle to finally fit together, and find justice for Morgan.
I was in Charlottesville earlier today (Saturday). A local radio station there was advertising a craft show at the JPJ Arena. They said if you bought a ticket you could come and go as much as you like today and that the ticket would be good for all day tomorrow (Sunday).
So much for the JPJ Arena’s no reentry policy? Hope the Harrington’s lawyer takes note.
Have to disagree with TG on the video. I think there were tons of in- focus, clear, HD video of the inside of the arena. I believe when they reviewed it LE (or the RMH’s lawyers reviewed it first) they may have seen numerous instances of RMH “security” personnel harrasing patrons and crossing the line into assault (threatening someone) and battery (grabbing, hitting, or shoving someone).
RMH Security personnel have no more authority over anyone than a total stranger would. Inside the arena or out. That they did not have real law enforcement on hand to legally handle any really disruptive concert-goers is beyond stupid on their part.
*warning speculation based on the opinions of diverse commenters*
Basically all they had to do is hook up the installed cameras to a storage medium so the footage could go somewhere to be stored instead of just viewed.
The huge storage space installed was connected exclusively to be sold to live broadcasts/tv stations for game footage etc (which makes money).
Surveillance storage space cannot be earned back.
This is how I understood the camera issues, harsh realities in commercial and judicial terms. But a technical person should go inside JPJ to inspect that.
AF-tshirt-Fairfax that would make a solid DNA link
The Deer on this article is very appropriate, the only acknowledged visitors by the owner s words were hunters. There were some arrests and assaults in the area.
I guess my trespasser theory doesnt work then maybe AF is hard to get to even for poachers/tourists/hikers etc
You are very welcome, Mag. Mrs. Harrington is one classy lady. Her determination to do “right” by her daughter (and other women) is inspiring. I love the fact that she won’t go away and she won’t be quiet. This is how change occurs. S L O W L Y. It is like turning a BIG boat around.
Yes, if only that land could talk–location, location, location=LOCAL.
I am wondering about the $150,000 reward. Do rewards increase the possibility of a criminal being brought to justice? Does a reward ever lessen the chance of justice?
I naively want to think that people do the right thing for the right reason without considering a pay off. I would hope that any accessory charges that me be brought in Morgan’s case are SEVERE.
-snipped-
Tickets are scanned and returned. Some patrons on the floor got orange bracelets.
B
Any idea if Morgan was seen wearing her orange band outside the venue….is it accounted for?
She was not on the floor Ragdoll, so she would not have had an orange band.
B
Mom3.0
Heart you BELLA FRIENDY!!!!!! Always and all ways <3 <3 <3
http://www.flickr.com/photos/moonchimes/4554700829/in/photostream/lightbox/
can someone tell me if this picture is real? If it is , isnt that just hateful? Or it point to serious mindless behavior. At a search for a friend who went missing HH and then pretending to HH? First I thought the friends only made a mistake at a drunken Halloween party but this is just intentional.
Just brings me back to the bullying theory in any case ‘ tough’ friends not at all gentle or contemplative. I dont understand, maybe its normal stressed behavior?
Also the 241 sign painted on the door, did the friends do that or was it already there? Was it painted later?
-snipped-
She was not on the floor Ragdoll, so she would not have had an orange band.
B
I recall a video being posted on BOC (morgan’s thread) that showed Morgan being near the stage. IIRC, Mom3.0 noticed someone who bore a strong resemblance to Morgan….and this girl was closed to the stage.
What am I getting wrong here?
She may have been, I agree, but the orange bracelets were given to patrons with floor seats in the front, Morgan did not have floor ticks.
B
Also, out of curiosity, did anyone every contact the Swarovski company and ask what line Morgan’s necklace belonged to (perhaps there were bracelets, earrings, rings, broches that were sold as a line in the Swarovski production). It’s typical for Swarovski to sell their jewelery like this.
http://www.swarovski.com