New Leads Brings New Life To Cold Case: The Murder of Virginia Tech Students Heidi Childs and David Metzler
“WE HAVE DNA EVIDENCE. WE ARE ACTIVELY AND AGGRESSIVELY PURSUING YOU, WE WILL
NOT REST UNTIL YOU ARE APPREHENDED.“
On August 26, 2009, High School sweethearts turned co-ed romantics and Virginia Tech freshmen Heidi Childs and David Metzler were brutally murdered in Montgomery County Virginia between the hours of 8:25 and 10 PM at Caldwell Fields in Jefferson National Forest.
Heidi Childs is the daughter of retired Virginia State Police veteran helicopter pilot Don Childs.
Investigators have not revealed how they have determined this window of time, but sources inside the investigation have confirmed to www.blinkoncrime.com that it is based on cell phone records which have not been released.
David was shot through the driver side window and Heidi was gunned down as she immediately fled the vehicle. For the most part, that is about as much information released to date.
Further information regarding the assault to Ms. Childs is being withheld for investigative purposes.
Until today, investigators from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office have been tight-lipped as to any evidence collected from the scene, or any possible motive. Sheriff Tommy Whitt was all business this afternoon, and took no question from the media.
Sheriff Whitt addressed the media with an update and newly released information he hopes will have the tip lines ringing off the hook. The complete information can be read here.
Courtesy of Roanoke.com
The Gun That Won The West- And Killed Innocent Kids
Sheriff Whitt also revealed that the weapon used to murder Heidi Childs and David Metzler was a .30/30 RIFLE.
Being somewhat of a firearm enthusiast, when I first read the handout, I missed the “rifle” designation. My mind was spinning about the fact that their is a 30/30 Winchester pistol that is 30 caliber and all sort of ammo possibilities are in play-
However, establishing that the weapon used to kill both victims was a 30/30 rifle sends it’s own set of messages.
In general, a 30/30 is a lever action rifle which is the most common deer cartridge in the US for hunters.
It is not a sniper- type weapon, with an under 200 yard range and equipped with a magazine or not, it is unlikely a target someone is not going to notice one carrying it and aiming it directly.
Alternative ammo and casings were not included in the press conference.
There is upwards of a $70,000 dollar reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a person or persons responsible for the crime.
Check back to www.blinkoncrime.com for updates
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I so wish I knew more about guns and alternative ammo. What kind of ammo is best for deer hunting?
I wonder if Heidi knows anyone or has connections to anyone who might have attempted to become a police officer but failed the background check or some other facet of the process? I dunno for some reason I’m picturing the person who did this (and i believe acted alone) sitting in a dark room alone, and listening to his police scanner at all hours of the day/night.
Well I don’t know if she knew someone like that, but I absolutely agree he is a scanner surf.
HAMM operator, the like.
B
Sorry if this has been asked / mentioned before, but did the police tell how long they are in possession of the dna evidence? I mean, did they get it shortly after the crime and kept quiet about it or is it new evidence? When I read about the new developments my hope was getting higher…I SO hope the monster/s who did this will be caught..
deetee, thx for that good explication on the guns.
I agree that this was an execution. The theft from the car seem to be a way to slow down the identification of Heidi Childs, or a trophy easily obtained (to get David’s wallet would be time-consuming and messy). As ATG said, it wouldn’t be impossible if one practiced quite a bit to hit a running person, yet I am thinking we might have been told that she was ‘shot once in the back’ or something of the sort.
The gutless coward likely caught up to Heidi, threw her to the ground and then fired, probably at her head. I only surmise that from the words “brutal murders” that the cops thought this was particularly heinous in appearance.
It stands to reason that if David was still in his seatbelt, Heidi probably was too. They doubtfully would be playing their guitars strapped into their seatbelts, so I really believe they were getting ready to leave, maybe creeped out by someone who pulled into the parking lot. When the shooter walked up to the driver’s side, and I think he did just that, walked right up to the car, I think David’s gut reaction would be to turn himself in such a way that he was protecting Heidi in any way he could…obviously no way he could be successful in such an attempt given what you guys say about the weapon (I am clueless about guns). He may have, however, given her time to at least get out of the vehicle and run, but unfortunately no one could have outrun this lowlife and his rifle.
I’m not familiar with that area, so I was following Craig Creek Road via google maps, but I got lost (sheesh, who does that?) so i’m not sure if the following road closures are near Caldwell Fields or not. Found this on the USDA website using their archives to see what may have been going on around there in the summer of 2009.In Craig County, Patterson Rd was closed in the spring due to extensive damages from illegal off-road vehicle use. If they were repairing roads, there would be work crews up there familiar with the area.
http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/gwj/news-events/?cid=FSBDEV3_000679
Also, and this is so weird, dated Aug 28, 2009, an area of Jefferson National Forest known as The Glades, near Wise, Va, was closed due to feral hogs. Apparently someone released them into the forest and they were causing quite a ruckus.
It is very interesting Georgie- the pigs were actually released in June in Craig county though.
B
No Blink, I have never used an M1 carbine load in the 30-30.
However, I have shot an M1 carbine and M1 Garrand. The carbine was designed by a team that included Renauld Schilke the first trumpet player for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at the time. He was also a gunsmith and olympic shooter on the American team during the thirties.
We considered the M1 carbine to be an inferior weapon for accuracy beyond 50 yards. The Garrand was accurate to 300 yards, but the most accurate was the “03″ bolt action Springfield. I could ,at one time, field strip each of those weapons with my eyes closed.
After thinking about the bullet penetrating the window of the vehicle and still penetrating the skull, I believe it was a jacketed bullet. I also think it could have been a shot of 75 yards or less.
Yes, Word Girl many hunters are able to hit a deer running at 100 yards so a person could be hit as well. We have no description of the wounds to Heidi. She may have been shot from behind in the torso and left to die where she fell.
I really think these murders occured because of drug activity. I believe they drove up on a drug buy and were killed because they saw who the people were. This is definately tied to VT students or employees or both IMO.
I don’t know the reason Blink is mentioning a HAMM radio operator as a possible suspect. If that was a suspicion, then all the area HAMM operators should have been questioned. They have to be licensed and will need a tower to operate. The two meter band is the most active frequency. Those towers are easy to spot.
If LE were able to conclusively determine a lever action 30-30 was the weapon, this tells me they have the brass. Every weapon has an extractor mechanism except a revolver. This mechanism puts a unique mark on the brass.
Feral hogs are everywhere. We have thousands if not hundreds of thousands in Texas. They are a nusance to farmers and ranchers. They are dangerous to humans as well. A big feral hog boor can weigh as much as 450 lbs. It takes a good sized bullet to kill one that big.
The wikipedia article on Caliber explains the historical background on ammunition terms. It also has a good table of ammunition sizes and its variants for anyone that is interested. There are also books with historical information about the various rifles, pistols and shotguns and the ammunition they use.
I mentioned the possibility as I believe this individual is in a constant environment of “air traffic”, meaning scanners and radio, CB- he may not participate, he may just listen, dunno, but if he is le or impersonating le is some capacity- that is his gig.
B
Mom3.0- I havent caught up on all the most recent comments, so Jane may have already posted this link. If not, I googled that exact phrase and this link came up.
http://articles.wdbj7.com/2011-08-25/david-metzler_29929442
Blink- I know this is a long shot- but if they have the time window narrowed down to two hours…if this area isnt THAT populated- could they not get a record of all cell phones that pinged that tower during that time?
Or maybe even within a certain time frame before & after either David or Heidi’s last cell phone pings?
I can’t imagine that not being possible. It may not be a legal option, but I’d suspect anyone who says its not possible…is lying! AJMO
Very rural area, and no, you cannot subpoena all cell activity from a tower that may or may not be useful in a criminal investigation. Cell providers regulations for working with LE via subpoena are very stringent. So much so, that even though we have those requirements and procedures, I cannot publish them publicly.
B
All three of the lever action rifles shown in the article are made by Marlin. The top rife is a camouflaged 336C (.30-30 or .35 cal.)with a six shot tublar magazine. The center rifle is a model 1985GS in stainless steel (45-70 caliber) with a four shot magazine. The bottom rifle is a model 1894SS in stainless steel (44magnum) with a ten shot tublar magazine.
My deer rifle is a 336C (the top rifle) with walnut stock.
Most of the early designs of lever action rifles were made to fire black powder. The Henry used during the civil war used brass and copper for the firing chamber and other parts. This was strong enough for black powder. With the development of of smokeless powder and the higher pressures developed, mild steel was used. With todays higher powered ammunition, high carbon and stainless steel are used.
The problem with tublar magazines is that pointed bullets cannot be used unless they are the soft tiped Hornaday rounds. Regular pointed ammunition can be loaded two cartridges only, with one immediately moved to the firing chamber leaving only one in the magazine. Center fire cartridges with a hard point will be subject to firing in the magazine due to the recoil of firing the first round driving the pointed round into the primer of the shell ahead.
Any indication what the couple was doing at the park?
Interesting that David was shot through the window, meaning the gunman likely did not have verbal interaction with the couple while they were in the car. If they had a negative interaction prior, say trying to esacpe this person(s), would David attach his seatbelt and let his girlfriend drive? More than likely not IMO, which makes me lean towards a surprise attack. He was shot first, she tried to escape and was then shot.
But why? I can’t see petty theft as a viable motive for double murder, so with current info., there doesn’t seem to be one. Perhaps they were simply at the wrong place at the wrong time, truly unfortunate.
Notice they mention the items, but never mention cash, a wallet, bank cards or dorm passkey.
No missing jewlery, no missing guitars, no attempt to steal the vehicle or anything else.
You know, things a petty thief would want who would be drugged out so much he would brutally murder 2 kids who were unlikely to resist in the first place- one in a seatbelt, and we don’t really know how or under what auspice Heidi leaves the vehicle.
Is it possible some random murdering opportunist happens upon 2 kids in a parking lot (clearing) shortly after some campfire sing along? With the information we know, it cannot be ruled out I suppose.
The reality is, the majority of petty thieves or robberies are due to drugs or money for drugs and this two have absolutely nothing in their victimology to suggest they had drugs or ever took them.
I have considered the possibility that David’s Father is a physician, and if the vehicle was registered to his Dad that someone could think he might be driving around with a script, but one would need to run his plate and/or VIN for that to be random.
I mean, if your looking for drugs or stealing a purse, are you going to shoot through a window in the dark?
The only thing about this atrocity that seems random to me is the fact that someone wants us to.
I cannot believe local media is not digging into this case the 10 immediate ways that come to mind that would be easy publicly available data that might shed some light on who LE is looking for.
I applaud Tommy Whitt and his team for releasing some info, but it is lite if the goal is to progress leads.
B
Ahh, David was driving, disregard what I said above.
Blink says: “The phraseology of the missing purse contents and purse is odd to me.”
They are very good at saying exactly what they mean when they state that they have DNA – so this purse/contents statement is confusing.
Maybe this purse and items phrasing is simply Montgomery Cty’s attempt to separate those items in the purse out thinking these would be the items someone who knows or lives with the perpetrator might notice? The camera, the phone, the lanyard.
“A thought: I wonder if it has been ruled out that her purse was stolen previously, and the suspect made contact with her to return it in the shape of a LEO.”
Very simply: WOW. That could definitely explain it.
Thanks for straightening me out on my previous line of thinking Blink.
I had to ask.
B quoting from Girl with the Dragon Tattoo: “But you know, we’re not that different, you and I. Both have urges. Satisfying mine requires more towels.”
Needless to say B, I ordered that book from my local library, where they also have a DVD of the Swedish film. I have to note that the original Swedish book title was _Men Who Hate Women.
diana h.
The profile of the villain (intentionally vague) in all 3 I felt was an incredible transition to delivering it in story format. We all understand and cannot relate to a physical specimen of course, but in terms of analysis in understanding such an offender I have to say the dialogue of the American screenplay was masterful.
That is as close to exact as someone with that illness and manifestations would act like, speak like, and “behave” like in reality, as one can get without actually being ‘him”.
B
Blink, do you know if this was the first time Heidi and David went to Caldwell Fields together, or if this was a regular hangout for them? Sorry if asked and answered.
I was told it was not a regular hang out for them anyone was aware of, but that is as specific as I got.
B
Blink Says:
I mean, if your looking for drugs or stealing a purse, are you going to shoot through a window in the dark?
——————–
Exactly, the only apparent motivation (the stolen items and purse) in connection to the murders doesn’t make any sense or add up. Either LE has possibly established a motive based on some withheld evidence, or this was truly an arbitrary event. I am 50/50 at this point.
For LE, however, to specifically state that DNA evidence has been developed in relation to this case means that it HAS to specifically tie to an incriminating piece of evidence in the investigation, meaning, it was not an incidental hair found in the vehicle that could have belonged to anyone. I don’t believe LE would make that leap, and would definitely not make that information public, unless the DNA tied directly to the criminal events that took place IMO.
@cat
Absolutely spot on. Excellent distillation of facts.
Dna transferrance is not causing that announcement or warning if you will. It is unequivocally tied to this crime, of these individuals , period.
To that end, it makes sense that sample is tied to Heidi.
Blink says: it makes sense that sample is tied to Heidi
I’m absolutely thinking the DNA was tied to Heidi as well.
@ATG says:
I really think these murders occured because of drug activity. I believe they drove up on a drug buy and were killed because they saw who the people were. This is definately tied to VT students or employees or both IMO.
========
I’ve been thinking the same thing about being at the wrong place at the wrong time and witnessing something they shouldn’t have. I’m curious as to why you feel it’s tied to VT students or employees or both…is it because you feel they could have identified this person or persons?
It is essentially a clearing in the park, (pseudo parking lot). Vacant enough and desolate enough for this to occur without any knowing about it until the next morning.
No evidence I am aware of it is more than one person.
B
Blink – is there any known evidence that can be shared that would indicate more than one person was involved? My gut tells me the killer acted alone, but wondering if there are things known that would indicate otherwise.
Just some thoughts about what could have occured. I’m thinking DNA would be under her nails…seems like if a sexual assault would have occured, it would not have occured right then and there. Just feel like this was still too public a place to risk being caught??? Am I wrong to assume that? I could believe there may have been an attempt to take her and if she fought back hard enough, scratching would have produced the evidence they have and maybe this person gave up and killed her instead of taking her.
SoutherMom
Yes, I think they were killed because they might identify the people.
I also think that there was a person hiding in the woods with a rifle to provide protection to some of the drug people. After the deal was concluded, they gave the word to remove the witnesses or potential witnesses.
We don’t have any information about the source of the DNA. It could be from under the fingernails of Heidi.
I don’t know how much info one can get from them, but a person could consider the perp/s tuning into scanners via online. You can virtually tune in any city or community from the net.
Do they divulge as much activity as authentic police or radio scanners?
I used to tune into them online years back. You’d have to listen in for long periods of time if you were going to hear something interesting. JMHO
Some random things that have been bothering me, some thoughts paint a very bad picture, but I feel that we need to think about them to try to put some basic things together.
When I saw the pictures that Blink posted above of the purse, etc, my first thought was, Heidi must have had her purse in the trunk of the vehilce if it wasn’t too bloody for whoever did this to want to take with them. And had it been inside the small car when David was shot, blood spatter would have gone everywhere. I can’t even imagine being in Heidi’s position at that point, she must have been frantic, horrified, frightened beyond all belief.
I don’t think that they were all that close to the vehicle while they sat and played music on their guitars. And probably like anyone would do that were going to build a campfire and sit around, they probably locked their other possessions inside the trunk, other than their keys.
I’m seeing a little of what might have happened, after picking up all their things, David gets into the drivers seat while Heidi puts things into the trunk, closes it and goes to get into the car. She is probably going to hand David the keys to start the car, and bang. But still, whoever shot them would need the keys to get into the trunk.
I can understand taking the camera, but the purse, one credit card, and the VT lanyard? Then my thoughts go to, what Heidi possibly attached to that lanyard that might have been useful to someone.
Southern mom, I am in agreement that a sexual assault would seem awfully risky if this was a place open to the public. I am stumped on motive. Everything I read seems to anticipate a male with hunting experience. Are we sure that the shooter is a man? Any chance the shooter was a woman? Someone jealous of Heidi or obsessed with David?
I hate to say this- but this really reminds me of the Zodiac. It has ever since I first read about it. The Zodiac’s MO makes it completely plausible to me that ti’s could just be a random person out to kill.
It also seems like it could have possibly been a copycat of sorts of the Colonial Parkway, Rt 29 guy.
Could possibly be someone obsessed with mystery & angry with it not being solved. A stretch. I’ve seen way too many episodes of Criminal Minds. I also need to cool it on investigation discovery.
I also get the feeling this guy didn’t intent to leave his DNA.
—
Side note- B- do you know if Vanessa Pham’s murderer left any DNA?
Not a peep on Vanessa’s case from LE whatsoever.
B
-
Jane- no worries believe it or not I had to get my teens to walk me through it too- so I dont blame you for waiting for your grandkids to play SA as they say on Saturday Night Lives computer guy sketch “Move”
Dr Pepper thanks for the help- most appreciated.
Blink you wrote:
It is essentially a clearing in the park, (pseudo parking lot). Vacant enough and desolate enough for this to occur without any knowing about it until the next morning.
–
Heres the thing though Blinky- this park needed for patrons to have an overnight pass inorder to stay the night…which means that rangers Should have been paroling nightly to ensure all overnight patrons bought an overnight pass-
Why wasnt this area PATROLLED FROM 8PM ON??- as the likely time of death is between 8 and 10 correct?- and the guy walking his dog did not stumble upon the scene until 8 am- When was the call made? regardless, thats a long time for no park ranger to make his/her rounds….
AJMO
That’s an excellent point Mom 3.o, and now I have to go back and review myself, but I want to say this is before the park entrance to the actual camp ground. It is technically public and not Federal property.
However, I do agree with you that knowing the ranger postings ( I believe that the van on the logging trail may have been spotted by a ranger) would be critical based on the ability to hear gunshots alone.
Unfortunately, funding for Federal Parks is weak at best in this economy, so I would not be hopeful.
B
According to the latest there were alot of people in and around the area that night we have several vehicles unaccounted for in the vicinity
http://www2.newsvirginian.com/news/wnv-news/2012/mar/29/11/virginia-tech-students-murder-task-force-reveals-m-ar-1804167/
We know LE are still looking to find and talk with the owners of these vehicles:
#1 – Green sedan (possibly a Ford Taurus or Dodge Intrepid): Seen in front of homes on Craig Creek Road around 6:00 p.m. on the day of the murders
#2 – Dark blue Dodge Caravan (minivan): Seen parked at the Montgomery County – Craig County line, near a logging site around 8:30 p.m.
#3 – Dark colored older model van or minivan: Parked at Caldwell Fields after dark on the night of the murders
#4 – Dark colored Ford Crown Victoria or Chevrolet Caprice sedan: Seen driving on Craig Creek Road around 10:00 p.m. on night of the murders
#5 – Red or red & white Dodge pick-up truck, with dual-exhaust and oversized tires: Last seen driving on Lee Road around 11:00 p.m. Lee Road is directly across from Caldwell Fields
#6 – Gray or cream colored Pontiac Bonneville, early 2000s model: Seen parked at Caldwell Fields around midnight on night of murders
According to several news reports the roads were not desolate due to a prayer meeting going on that very night-
see here:
http://www.wjla.com/articles/2012/03/david-metzler-heidi-childs-murder-has-new-leads-74363.html
snipped:
“Thursday, Whitt said it happened on a Wednesday night when a lot of folks in the area were going to prayer meeting at church.”
–
This bit of info could help top explain why police were protecting and questioning those 13 people that showed up….
AJMO
It seems David may have been shot through a closed pane of glass
although this has not been confirmed
see here:
http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/217043
snipped-
By the afternoon, neighbors had tied a bouquet of chrysanthemums and alstroemeria lilies to a post on the short wooden fence at the back of the lot, just a few feet from a pile of shattered vehicle glass and a patch of bloodstained grass.
–
and according to a poster on ws post # 27.. because of this pile of glass rumors were flying that David was indeed shot thru the drivers side closed window-
http://websleuths.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4149239
Dr. Pepper it seems as though you are not the only one who had the zodiac killers MO spring to mind FWIW…
AJMO
Mom3.0
Your concerns about the park rangers not being alert is a valid point. All State and Federal parks are not treated alike. Some have much more security than others.
In November of 2010 my wife and I visited the Grand Canyon Park. We last visited there in the summer of 1976. The 1976 visit was much less secure than in 2010. We just presented our drivers license at the gate in 1976.
In 2010 we had to purchase a pass that included information about the vehicle and our drivers license. Video cameras were present to record every car entering or leaving the park. We saw no rangers in 1976. In 2010 they were very visible.
What was in this killers mind? What caused this awful thing to happen to these two innocent young people? What sort of human garbage would live among us in communities around the world that want to cause only pain to others? If they are in so much pain then I say, “hurt yourself”, take that anger out on your self, don’t take it out on people who have purpose, who have love in their hearts, people that only wish to help others. I am so discouraged with the hate filled human garbage that walks, or slithers among us. God help whoever did this. God help whoever hurt David and Heidi and Morgan and Cassandra and all the people’s lives they took on route 29 and every other innocent person out there just attempting to live their life. Dear powers that be hear me and hear all that ask for help.
Sorry everyone, sometimes for me, it all just gets too much. Shaking my head here…….
is the seatbelt automatic? were they running for the car,david made it and heidi was grabbed? was there any nature of events of davids cell phone,where was it found,in his pocket,console?where were the guitars?i cant completly rule out robbery,but they would want david’s wallet too.maybe david and heidi foiled the plan.
is there evidence that heidi &david actually intended to enter the woods,with blanket ,campfire supplies,flashlights,what kind of shoes were they wearing? i havent read the details of sources that they intentional packed up to go spend a couple of hours ,in the woods playing guitar ,during the day,ok,8:00pm ,this is a bit of a stretch for me,if their friends do it ,or say ,yeah, its not odd,ok,then. but otherwise,is it sure , thats why, they were there?
Of all the “unaccounted for” vehicle descriptions posted by Mom3.0, ONE in particular stands out amongst the rest, for me:
“#4 – Dark colored Ford Crown Victoria or Chevrolet Caprice sedan: Seen driving on Craig Creek Road around 10:00 p.m. on night of the murders”
Just a hunch based on the feeling that this suspect is a habitual scanner-surfer, and possible LE wannabe of some kind.
A dark colored crown-vic, PARTICULARLY a decomissioned LE cruiser, still possessing certain LE attributes, such as enhanced rear-views, or headlight wigwags etc, would be RIGHT UP that sort of person’s alley.
The kind of car that, at NIGHT could easily be MISTAKEN FOR an active duty LE cruiser, by prospective victims, when your ruse is of the “fake car stop” variety.
JMO/MOO
Ford Crown Victorias are a favorite of LE. Those cars have larger engines,transmissions and heavier suspensions than a regular sedan. In the South they often have tops painted white to keep the interior temperature down.
Sometimes, an agency will order more cars than they can pay for at the time. The dealer may then sell the vehicle to a company or an individual if the paint has not been disturbed by decals.
In 1958 I had a Ford Crown Vic. police build that was acquired new from the dealer. The engine and transmission were so well matched that it could run for hours at 90 miles an hour.
Texas roads are good in most counties. Those counties South and West of San Antonio have little traffic so it is possible to drive for fifty miles or more without meeting or passing another vehicle.
Most of the time when a police cruiser is removed from service it is traded to a dealer for resale or taken to the junk yard depending on the condiition. A used police cruiser will make a very servicable putter around car or if someone is a good mechanic and desires to restore it, that can be accomplished.
From time to time, men will acquire a cruiser and try to impersonate an officer. That is why women ,when they are signaled by an officer via lights to pull over, should put their emergency blinkers on and drive to the nearist well lighted place of business and pull in front of it prior to stopping. They should keep the doors locked and the windows rolled up until the officer gets to their car. A window should not be lowered but an inch or little more to talk to the officer.
If the officer is not legit, they may decide to look for another victim and not follow to the place of business. At that point, 911 should be called and the incident reported. You may be saving your life or the life of another.
Were the surrounding woods searched well after the shootings. One possibility could be that the couple came across someones marijuana farm. Many times, people will grow marijuana on public lands in isolated areas – this way LE can not easily trace ownership of the farm. Looking at the list of stolen items, I noted that two of them were capable of taking photographs. It’s a long shot, though. Most likely in that case the “farmer” would likely have shot them in the woods, although it would be possible that he had to go get his gun. I doubt that they witnessed a drug deal in progress since a small deal would be unlikely in an isolated location and the kind of people doing large scale deals would most likely not be carrying hunting rifles.
I doubt an LE-wannabe, since a wannabe cop would probably own a “cop gun”, and wouldn’t use a hinting rifle.
Every time I try to envision the crime, I keep seeing the rednecks from “Deliverance” who raped the canoeists. I suspect the perp came upon them, saw something he wanted (Heidi), immediately killed David, sexually assault Heidi (or at least tried to) and then killed her. He may have taken the camera for souvenir photos, the name badge would be a good trophy. I suspect the couple saw this guy walking towards then and tried to discreetly drive away but don’t have time. I suspect the killer is a local, relatively young (20-30), lower education, lower income, resents college kids, and as a hunter does not follow hunting laws (likely a poacher).
It also seems that LE knows who he is, but doesn’t have enough evidence to make an arrest and force a DNA test.
@ATG thank your for reminding us all to be cautious in every circumstance, whether we are speeding or commiting a MV violation and/or especially if we are not.
I do believe the best/most effective way to get to a victim is for the perp to impersonate LE….and it does happen. Good advice there and it needs to be reminded often.
I’m still on board with your earlier theory though, they unfortunately happened upon a situation that was not intended to be scene and fell prey to the perp’s crazed need to silence/coverup what they witnessed.
Prayers this case is solved soon.
There were other vehicles known to be in the park. We don’t know how close to the murder scene any could have been. The report (sound) of a rifle shot (.30-30) in a forest area should be heard for more than a mile.
Whoever the shooter, felt safe enough that the sounds of shots would not be immediately investigated. Did they know that a ranger was not in their vacinity or in the park?
While researching today, I came across this info that was sent out from the Roanoke AT Club throught email right after the murders. Me thinks that Crown Victoria that they were looking for could possibly be one that had been in the news on some other occassions. I might be wrong, but wow. JMHO
Most of you are now probably aware that last week two Virginia Tech college students were shot and killed at Caldwell Fields, a USFS camping area off of Rt. 621. This site is in the vicinity of the A.T. While there are no implications for the A.T., I have just been briefed by the USFS Eastern Divide Ranger District LEO about investigative activities in the area. I want to share that information with volunteer leaders in the Southwest and Central Virginia Region. Please distribute this information to your club membership as needed.
The incident that occurred last week was a brutal, horrible crime, and local officials are concerned. There is a joint local and federal investigation with Montgomery County Sheriff as lead. USFS, FBI, ATF, State Police, VT police, adjacent counties, several cities, Game Commission – every agency is involved and assisting in the investigation.
USFS Law Enforcement Officers (LEO’s) are following up on leads, increasing patrols and surveillance, asking more officers to detail on the District, and are getting up-to-date information on the investigation. Given the fact that the investigation has lots of work yet to do, USFS LEO’s are taking precautions over the next week. They are asking that limited work take place in a few sections of the District, including the Poverty Creek area and the section of the Eastern Divide District between VA Rt. 460 and Rt. 311.
The A.T. crosses this area at Rt. 42 and Rt. 621. This request is being made to USFS staff and I am extending that information to A.T. volunteers and ATC and NPS staff. No USFS staff, other than law enforcement, are required to work in this area. Please re-schedule any volunteer work that you may have planned in this area for the next week. The A.T. remains open, and the entire area is under heavy surveillance.
Ways to assist – LEO’s are asking people to be extra vigilant in all actions and locations. Please be looking for an old police car, 4-door sedan like Crown Victoria or Chevy Capris, light color, with spot light on the driver side. This is a car of “interest”. Please report any other unusual or suspicious activity to me and I will share that information directly with Teddy Mullins, LEO on the Eastern Divide District.
This communication is not meant to cause alarm, but is intended to raise awareness about a difficult situation in an area that some of you may be conducting volunteer work. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any additional questions. I expect to have another briefing by USFS staff next Tuesday, September 8. I appreciate your assistance in sharing this communication with volunteers in your clubs who may have plans to be in the area of concern over the next week or so.
Laura Belleville
Director of Conservation
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
P.O. Box 174
110 Southpark Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24063
Direct line: (540) 953-3564
ATC Office: (540) 953-3571
GeorgiaDad
Your scene consisting of a patch of marijuana being grown on federal lands has some possibilities. Marijuana has to be harvested just like any other crop. If there were a group of people involved and the crop was being harvested, Heidi and David may have wandered into the area looking for a place to sit quietly and play their musical instruments.
LE has not revealed anything detailed about the area. This is just a blank as far as our knowledge is concerned.
People who do illegal activities in a wooded area are not about to go there unarmed. This would apply to growing marijuana or an illegal still operation.
GeorgiaDad
Your scene consisting of a patch of marijuana being grown on federal lands has some possibilities. Marijuana has to be harvested just like any other crop. If there were a group of people involved and the crop was being harvested, Heidi and David may have wandered into the area looking for a place to sit quietly and play their musical instruments.
LE has not revealed anything detailed about the area. This is just a blank as far as our knowledge is concerned.
People who do illegal activities in a wooded area are not about to go there unarmed. This would apply equally to growing marijuana or an illegal still operation.
Sorry about the double post. My browser is probably at fault.
Okay I have to go to bed in like 3 minutes but i have to write this before I forget.
here is a link to a map with hand written info beside locations in VA where victims were discovered.
Please take a look and see what you can find.
I just started a new job, I have a friend that is going through something really bad right now and I am terrified for him. I ask my Blinker to PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PRAY FOR HIM, EVEN IF YOU DONT KNOW HIM.
we need to pin point the area on a map of where Metzler and Childs were killed
as well as all recent and old murders scene were discovered.
I hope someone has time to do this- but I dont and it breaks my heart
http://www.wtkr.com/news/wtkr-colonial-update,0,66658.story
Link above discusses how/why a woman is convinced she knows who this killer is. This news piece summarizes it.
Blink- please pay close attn to a comment written by a family member under the story.
After reading the article and the comment below.
I would REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR THOUGHTS ON ALL. hOW THEY MAY be related to Heidl and other unsolved murders.
Imo, they are unrelated.
B
Here is the comment is below. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF U THINK THE CLAIM MADE ABOUT THE POLITICIAN IS REMOTELY TRUE. PLEASE!
“
Dr. Pepper
We need a name for your friend even if it is not his real name.
Good luck on your new job.
After reading the article at wtkr.com, I don’t think there is enough specific information to conclude anything. I like you think that VSP have NOT found the Colonial Parkway killer. They have just given up as sad as that is. We would like for them to have 100% success, but it has not happened.
Where is the link to the handwritten map?
B it’s me
ummm—did I miss this? About to go to bed, I will post in her thread tomorrow.
There are alot of random things that have happened. You’ll be apaulled. I look forward to seeing your analysis.
Parents of slain Virginia Tech student believe murder is related to Colonial Parkway killings
link
http://www.wtkr.com/news/wtkr-morgan-harrington-cp-murders,0,6816155.story
I posted this link about a year or so ago in one of Morgan’s thread.
http://peacecommunities.org/lovepeaceandjoy/?tag=colonial-parkway-murders
Click on “colonial parkway murders” wait a sec then scroll down.
It lists many other cases with details of other cases.
It has a list of links to several maps
and
ATG- this is right up your ally of expertise.
Please examine and report back with analysis. (if you have time
—
Also- we can refer to my friend as “John” and I cannot thank you enough for your prayers. Lord knows- I dont think many are praying for him and it is heartbreaking. I can rarely think of anything else right now. Thank you soo much.
DP
Dr. Pepper
I have visited your referenced links. These are just regular road maps of the state of Virginia. I have saved all three of the high resolution version to my computer. This information needs to be transferred to Google imagery to get an idea of the topography. I will do that. It may take a little time. At this point, I am not certain the information will produce anything of value. However, it seems to be a worthwhile project.
@ATF I’ve noticed…or at least I think I have…noticed you don’t comment on Kyron Horman’s thread. You seem so smart and wise, would love to hear your thoughts on that case as well. Any insite?
Please don’t take this request as a judgement or insinuation that you “should” be commenting…I would just love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks for the ideas and wisdoms you share with us in all ways you feel most comfortable ATG!!!
SouthernMom
You are correct about the Horman thread. I read over there from time to time. That is a tough case. From the beginning I believed that the step-mother was involved. I also believe that this was not carried out alone.
The perps may have been successful in hiding the crime in such a manner that LE has few real leads and little they can use to solve the crime.
Dr. Pepper, many prayers, love and healing to “John”.
Thank you Pale Rider and ATG!!! Definitely feeling the prayers. Cant tell you how much we appreciate it. Wow. Thank you so much.
OT
Dr. Pepper-
I am sorry I did not see your post sooner-
I will add my thoughts and prayers to the others-for your friend, as well as my good wishes on your newest job.
–
I have been thinking of the Heidi and David lately,,, and although we all have seem to be at a standstill on this thread, I hope LE is not. I am hoping LE has received some more tips since the release of more info, and those tips will eventually lead to the BG and successful prosecution.
I am sad that it doesnt seem to work like it does on television-
New info leads to immediate arrest and prosecution of the perpetrator/s….
Still hoping while Keeping the families and community in my prayers.
AJMO
RIP Heidi and David
FWIW- My family used to own land in Craig County back in the 50′s and 60′s- we had a sawmill and cut timber. I met some of the nicest people over there. However, about five years ago I decided to take my kids for an afternoon drive and got lost-we went over many washboard roads and saw many “hunting” campers etc. and it is very rural. I think someone could hide out there very easily. Afer one particilar road I turned the van around and left quickly.