Morgan Harrington Murder: FBI, Metallica and Virginia State Police Ask You To Help Them Find Her Killer
Morgan Harrington disappeared from the John Paul Jones arena on October 17, 2009. Morgan’s remains were located and recovered the morning of January 26, 2010 on the Anchorage Farm in Charlottesville, VA.
Reported exclusively on www.blinkoncrime.com, Morgan’s alleged attacker was tied via DNA to a sexual assault in Fairfax, VA in September 2005.
With the help of a multi media campaign, the FBI, Virginia State Police and Fairfax Police are asking for the publics help to catch her killer.
Revised Sketch of Harrington Suspect
Metallica offered this public service announcement:
Metallica Statement On Harrington Case
FBI Press Release:
Authorities Launch Multimedia Campaign in Morgan Harrington Murder Case
Murder Suspect Linked by DNA to Sexual Assault in Fairfax City, Virginia
| FBI Washington June 13, 2012 |
Today, federal, state, and local law enforcement launched a multimedia campaign that includes two enhanced composite sketches of a suspect in the 2009 murder of Virginia Tech student Morgan Harrington. The unknown murder suspect is also connected by DNA to a 2005 sexual assault in Fairfax City, Virginia.
Authorities recently enhanced the composite sketch created in 2005 from a description by the sexual assault victim. One of the composites shows the suspect with facial hair, as the suspect was described at the time of the attack. The second composite sketch features him without facial hair.
The two attacks were connected through DNA after a forensic profile was submitted by the Virginia Department of Forensic Science to the FBI’s national DNA database. The search found that the suspect in the Harrington murder investigation matched the DNA profile of the attacker in Fairfax City.
The multimedia campaign includes a public service announcement by Metallica lead guitarist James Hetfield appealing to the public to come forward with information concerning the Morgan Harrington investigation. The composite sketches of the suspect are being featured on bus shelters in Washington, D.C., as well as on digital billboards in Richmond, Virginia; Roanoke, Virginia; Washington, D.C.; and in 23 other states along the East Coast. Social media outreach and alerts via Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, along with a website dedicated to the Harrington case were also launched Wednesday. Podcasts are now available on iTunes, and radio spots are airing to further raise awareness of the ongoing investigation. The multi-pronged effort is designed to develop new leads and renew the public’s attention in the attacks. The campaign implements techniques similar to those that have led to the arrests of the East Coast Rapist as well as Ten Most Wanted fugitive James “Whitey” Bulger.
The Jefferson Area Crime Stoppers is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Morgan Harrington’s murder. In addition, the band Metallica is adding $50,000 to the reward, for a total of $150,000.
Morgan Harrington Murder
On the evening of Saturday, October 17, 2009, Harrington attended a Metallica concert at John Paul Jones Arena on the University of Virginia (UVA) campus in Charlottesville, Va. At approximately 8:30 p.m., she left the arena and was unable to re-enter the facility. She was last seen hitchhiking for a ride from passing traffic.
Harrington was dressed that night in a black T-shirt with the word “Pantera” spelled out in tan letters and was wearing a distinctive Swarovski crystal necklace made of large crystal chain links, which investigators have yet to recover. Harrington’s “Pantera” T-shirt was found on November 11, 2009, in front of a row of apartments along 15th Street, NW near Grady Avenue in Charlottesville. Harrington’s skeletal remains were later discovered on January 26, 2010, in a remote field on an Albemarle County, Virginia farm along Route 29. A camera that Harrington had in her possession that night has never been recovered.
Sexual Assault in Fairfax City, Virginia
On the evening of Saturday, September 24, 2005, a 26-year-old victim was walking home from the Giant Food Store located on the 3700 block of Jermantown Road in Fairfax City, Virginia. The suspect grabbed the victim from behind as she walked down Rock Garden Drive toward her residence. He then carried the victim to a grassy area behind a maintenance shed, where he sexually assaulted her. The suspect was last seen running from the area.
The suspect is described as an African-American male with black hair and facial hair at the time of the attack. He is approximately 6’0” tall and was believed to be between the ages of 25 and 35 years old at the time of the attack.
The public is asked to review this information and consider whether they know someone who generally fits this description, who lived or had ties to the area around the times of the assaults, or who may have been known to spend considerable amounts of time in those areas.
People who know the suspect may not believe that he is capable of committing these crimes. He may not necessarily have a violent criminal history. Because investigators are in possession of DNA evidence that can either positively link the suspect to his crimes or exclude innocent parties, citizens should not hesitate to provide information, even if it is just the name of a potential suspect.
The following agencies are cooperating in the investigation of these crimes: the Virginia State Police, City of Fairfax Police, University of Virginia Police, Charlottesville Police, Albemarle County Police, Albemarle County Commonwealth’s Attorney, Virginia Tech Police Department, George Mason Police Department, and the FBI.
Law enforcement agencies are asking anyone with information to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or the Virginia State Police Tip line at 434-352-3467.
Press Contacts:
Virginia State Police
(804) 263-5547
City of Fairfax Police Department
(703) 273-2889
FBI Richmond Field Office
(804) 261-1044
FBI Washington Field Office
(202) 278-3519
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Help Save The Next Girl … Wednesday at 2pm …. Gathering at the Copley St Bridge … All are invited … 3rd Anniversary of Morgan’s death and abduction. (On my FB news feed.)
We really do not know anything about Morgan other than she came from a good home and family. She was not living at home, but in a dormitory at school. Home was not that far away so she could easily interact with family.
I have often thought that Morgan had an problem with her blood sugar and that after leaving home for school her diet was not sufficiently balanced to prevent low blood sugar. The result of that would be a propensity for alcohol or sweets to make her feel better.
People with hypoglycemia have times when their behavior is downright ugly. I have experience with this and I am not talking about myself. Did Morgan have such a problem and is it possible that she became a closet alcoholic because of it? Is this why the friends had problems with her?
This is just playing what if. There is nothing that I can find to indicate this as a fact. LE would have to determine this from interviews of her friends and schoolmates. This condition would also cause her to be less careful of her surroundings and the behavior of others.
Alcohol and sweets ( refined sugar) are mostly digested in the mouth before getting to the stomach. This will cause a quick response that puts sugar in the bloodstream and makes the person immediately feel good. The problem with these simple sugars is that the are quickly used by the body and then there is a big dip in glucose levels even below the previous level. This will make one wobbly on their feet and they can pass out. This is similar to a diabetic that has an insulin overflow. A person in that condition is easy prey for anyone who wants to take advantage.
Morgan’s contemporaries at school would not be knowledgeable about this unless they had someone in their family with a similar condition. The friends were haveing a problem with Morgan on the trip. There was some sort of altercation via words on the telephone call and maybe before.
Mom3, my feelings and opinions to which I am entitled are thus. I do not believe Morgan propositioned the BBP or anyone else. You need to accept that. Thanks.
Honestly I don’t see how nitpicking and bickering is productive or healthy and most importantly, I don’t think it contributes to what we all want that visit this page– Justice for Morgan. Everyone has their own opinion on what they think happened to Morgan or who may be responsible and this is a public forum. Might I suggest if you don’t like what another poster has written or don’t agree with it, maybe ignoring it would be better. Blink moderates her page and obviously has and will contnue to keep facts in check and removee posts if need be. It just saddens me to think of the Harringtons seeing the arguing on here. I don’t think it’s what they would want.
Just my opinion.
http://www.wdbj7.com/news/wdbj7-next-week-marks-three-years-since-morgan-harringtons-disappearance-20121012,0,4550980.story …….. WATCH THIS …… MOTGAN’S MOM.
Sorry, that’s MORGAN’S MOM …….
http://www.facebook.com/DIPHMD/posts/496804163678279 ………. Dan Harrington!
Sydneyfrog. I agree completely!
bp3 says:
October 14, 2012 at 10:28 pm
Fair enough. I did read both comments but my wires were crossed on who posted the comment.
I do owe you an apology for my misdirected post. I hope you accept
Reply to Blink’s comment that Morgan had money that night:
Hmmm, have all cab drivers and limo drivers been thoroughly questioned?? I believe that’s old territory that has not been fully explored. Because IF such a driver made himself available to her, and she had money to ask for or accept a ride from him, why wouldn’t she have done it?
Because she was abducted from the lot. To clarify, she had her card to access cash or to be used as credit, it is believed she had limited cash on her person.
B
Shame on you Mom3! Your continued dissection and judging of every single poster’s comments- line by line, and your opposing spin on it, really hits me the wrong way-including posting a song for Alexandra & “those of us” that will not buy into your desire to smooth over what these selfish,uncaring & insensitive girls did to MORGAN!
Frankly, your attempt to play switzerland with your”hypotheticals” of Morgan’s moral character are highly offensive to me also! Knowing that
Dr. H reads here is really in poor taste.
Then I sign in tonight, and see another one of your loooonnnggg winded condescending remarks to John, & a reprimand for us not to canonize Morgan! WOW!I doubt that will sit too well with Dr. H. either…and not just because he is Catholic! Please stop this! Besides, we are all entitled to our own opinions and point of view.
Hang on gifter- that is your interpretation, and I would appreciate it if we would all be respectful of each other in agreement or dissent. We are going to need to scroll and roll for a while, I believe , due to the frustration that 3 years later, we are literally sitting here with almost no answers for Morgan and her family. We are all united in our efforts to advocate, and educate to save the next girl.
As far as not cannonizing Morgan, I have to agree, and I will ‘splain. There is a very real perception that the Harrington’s are well aware of, that officials and interested parties would like them to shrivel up and blow away- as the attention to the area, school, locals, etc, is unwelcome in it’s attachment and now litigation involving Morgan’s murder. One of the ways I have personally witnessed some trying to combat that is to lash out at Morgan’s character, or her parents affluence, education, etc.
The facts as we know them in her case are facts the Harrington’s are well aware of, and from my conversations with them I can tell you that they adored their precious shiny girl just the way she was.
On many occasions, Dr. Harrington has told me that Morgan was no angel, but she was an original.
I find such love and devotion in that characterization of his beloved- now deceased baby girl.
The Harrington’s also believe that Morgan’s friends have suffered her loss greatly, and know their was never any intent on their part for harm to come to her. They do regret the choice the friends made not to alert LE, or them- however, as evidenced by their suit- they also believe they have been lied to and/or facts have been omitted as to what really happened to Morgan during her time at JPJ that evening.
I am addressing this because these are conversations I have had directly, and do not betray any confidences, which I would never do. I hope this can help in aiding positive and constructive dialogue.
The reality of the day is that 3 years ago today, Morgan Harrington was brutally raped and murdered.
Her killer or “sketch” is connected to at least one other brutal attack in 2005.
He is out there. There will be another victim if there has not been one already if he is not apprehended.
Let’s unite our resolves.
B
SydneyFrog,
Hi. I appreciate you taking the time to voice your opinion but Sydneyfrog IMO you are way off base
I am not nitpicking nor am I bickering. I am simply sharing my differing thoughts and opinions in an effort to help Morgan and The Harringtons to get justice and to Help Save The Next Girl.
This is a Discussion board SydneyFrog – contained here in are discussions- complete with agreements and disagreements- all of which promote learning through further dialog, which inturn promotes further advocacy.
So therefore most importantly- all of it DOES contribute to the reason we are all visiting here
I have been here for a long while SydneyFrog – and in being here for so long I have agreed and disagreed with just about everyone- including Blink-
I have learned from and appreciated each and every differing opinion…
I hope others have learned something from my posts too.
In our choosing to voice our disagreements in a respectful manner and in choosing to NOT scroll and roll we learn much more and we become better advocates …
So much more than we ever could by always agreeing or remaining silent- we challenge one another – we dont let misconceptions perpetuate- we work through misinformation and questionable “facts” or details.
More often then not, we all come together in the end.. we agree to disagree-or through the sharing of our ideas we come to the other
“side” of the debate -at the very least we all walk away with a better respect for one another –
Sydneyfrog, yes we all do have differing opinions and theories- and each of us has a right to share them.
I was not calling John out for sharing his opinions- I was calling John out for stating his opinions as fact- there is a difference perhaps you scrolled and rolled by my posts- and missed that part, I wouldnt blame you- as they are quite long
Youre so right this is a public forum and Blink is the moderator and guess what? She in her infinite wisdom has allowed my posts to go through- The agreements and the disagreements, the theories and the facts- the research and the links-
Its not about being right or wrong- its about learning from one another
I am and have always been outspoken- to the point where I have written novels… to most peoples chagrin – LOL
Still through it all -I always try to do so not with bickering or nitpicking but with kindness and respect.
I have always been steadfast in my advocacy for Morgan-and for you to question whether or not my contributions have value to Morgans quest for justice or whether or not they are valued by the Harringtons is just plain wrong-
I would never claim to know what The Harringtons feel but I would hope if they read my posts they know whatever I write comes from the heart and is in an effort to help not harm.
If I found out they felt differently I would sit silent all the while still praying for justice for Morgan and safety for The Next Girl
AJMO
Peace
i didnt see or record the amw episode ,as i thopught ,repeats would be plenty ,it says 8 days after airdate it will be available , ive checked youtube,nothin yet.was there anything new?er, the proposition,that;s really interesting,but it still doesnt answer the question,where ,what direction,was she asking to go? what she wanted to getdown right there in the parking lot(kidding),she wanna go back to blacksburg,or did she ask if they had a crib? i dont know what was said ,but it sounds like it could easily be a misinterpretation,got a light was once a come on ,and isnt one of the two bbp ,a foreigner,i mean that, as in foreign native language.and people were already cryin “dukelacrosse” OH!NO! not the bbp? sounds like best defense is a good offence. interesting , if he exaggerated thinking he was protecting a uva team realted unknown mate . re-interview
They must catch this killer. Thinking of the harrington family.
I wish you strenght.
Blink, great post!
What a sad day it is. It surely was 3 years ago and it still is today. Here’s to praying the Harrington’s receive a warm turnout today at the memorial and continued tips to find the monster responsible for Morgan’s murder.
I would also like to state, the tension that is building on these here pages is palpable. I have always thought all the posts fit to print were understandably opinion posts unless otherwise accompanied by credits or sources to prove fact. Example- Mary Smith worked at JPJ on such & such date- with documentation to prove. How we have come to the point where one can’t write their opinion post and have to prove they are not stating fact Mom3? I think you must realize that John, Alexandra Sydneyfrog etc were all doing just that. There is certainly less confrontational ways to make your opposing view known with a more of a gentle touch- we all aren’t novel worthy.
I would think the last thing the Harrington’s would wish for is that one of the last active blog pages dedicated to their daughter is ripping into one another on her anniversary date.
Not to mention, we all come from a different place and we don’t know who each of us truly are, so for any of us to assume one doesn’t ‘know’ Morgan may in fact be an unfair statement as well. I think it would be safest to assume anyone may be reading, friend or foe, and that discussing every irrelevant tidbit likely will not assist LE in arresting and prosecuting this pos. I personally don’t see how discussing this aspect assists LE and may or does likely hurt those that loved Morgan. Just my 2 cents on that-
Whether one is new to this blog or a long time reader/poster- wouldn’t it be nice to celebrate this day in remembrance of the beautiful girl that was taken too soon regardless of what she may or may not have been, what she said or did not say and grieve what she did not grow to be?
Well said, Eloise!
Dear ATG,
I fully understand your idea of sugar problems. As I have stated before I am the mother of 2 type 1 diabetics, and I have always had bouts with low blood sugar. I get disoriented very quickly, heart palpitations, anxiety,etc. but I test often like my kids do. I know there are many kids and adults with these issues they may not realize their basic problem. Unfortunately, my husband of 23 years told me and my boys on July 1st at 10:00 p.m. that he did not like himself and wanted a separation and divorce and we would all good friends by December. The 3 of us are hanging tough and will survive but it blows my mind. So I agree on possible glucose levels
-mood swings, can get combative, etc. This condition needs to be addressed- long overdue by the powers that be. Bless you!
My prayers and thoughts to the Morgan’s family.
Blink- you are right- United we stand and divided we fall.
Hello Blink and All
I haven’t posted for a good while, but would like to say that I still read here nearly every day. It’s so nice to see that so many are still keeping Morgan’s story alive and trying to find out what’s been missed in this case. I follow right along with all of you and anything else that comes out in news updates, which news is sadly lacking.
I would like to take this opportunity on the three year mark of Morgan’s abduction and murder, to tell Dan, Gil and Alex, that I am still with them. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think of them. A lot of time with admiration and others with the deepest of sympathy. I think all they’ve done to ‘Help Save the Next Girl’ is wonderful beyond words. So, I would have loved to have been with them in Charlottesville today. Although I wasn’t able, I have been with them in thought and heart. Many strengthening blessings to all of you as you continue on with your conquest and as you wait for answers. I and many, many others are by your side as you await justice for your precious daughter and sister.
Thank you Blink for your continuing compassion for Morgan and her family. When I think of you, I see a great big heart. I know you’ll be right here until justice is served for Morgan.
3 years have gone by. Already. Tonight is a sad, sad night…
Dan,Gil and Alex, My prayers are with you and your beloved Morgan today as they are every day. I hope and pray that justice for Morgan and for you comes very, very soon. Again..I am deeply sorry for your loss. I know she was your everything.
Prayers and peace to Dan,Gil and Alex today of all days.
Sending love to dear shiny Morgan may she get the justice she deserves .
Thank you Blink for all you do and for helping keep Morgans case in the spotlight .
Love to one and all at BOC
Proud of the Harringtons for advocating for their beloved daughter and helping to save the next girl.
J4M
Living on central time I know I am a little late, but I just wanted to say that I have been thinking about the Harringtons today and I am still praying for justice for Morgan. I can’t believe it has been three years, time really does past by us so quickly. That said, I still feel like it could have easily been myself or one of my close friends that was taken that night and I just want to reiterate the importance of saving the next girl. I can’t help but feel like many don’t understand what a common situation Morgan found herself in that night. I, personally, have found myself in similar situations so many times– in both Morgans role and her friends who let her go.
I do not know the Harringtons, and all Morgan and I shared were a couple mutual friends and our age group. However, I just want to share that just last year I while I was in Charlottesville with three of my best friends I had a case of deja vu. One of my friends decided she wasn’t having a good time while the rest of us were having the time of our lives. She wanted to leave the bar we were at on The Corner and go home. We had all been drinking and she told us over and over again she could make it back to the hotel by herself and not to worry about her. I wanted to stay but then I remembered Morgan. I ended up calling a cab and riding back with my friend to our hotel. My good time wasn’t worth her safety. Period. I know what can happen.
Similarly, not long before that incident I was visiting my friend in New York and had had way too much to drink at a charity event. I found myself wandering the streets of midtown manhattan alone, drunk, in a cocktail dress, in the middle of a freezing january night with no cell phone and no wallet. I was crying and scared when 3 young gay men found me. They reminded me how much danger I was in. They gave me a jacket and let me use their cell phone to call my mother. They told her what was going on and gave her their names and phone numbers. With her permission they got me into a cab and to a local hotel where they checked me in and made sure I was safe. I woke up the next day with a note in my hand that had all of their names and contact information saying ” call any one of us if you need to tomorrow”. While I find it absolutely disgraceful that I got myself into that situation in the first place, I realize just how blessed I was to have those young men recognize what was going on and help me. Imagine the ways in which that situation could have gone wrong. I don’t like to. I made a terrible mistake, but those guys realized the importance of saving the next girl and they could have very well saved my life. We need more people like this.
While I use my personal stories as reference, I just want to say that I am not an unusual case. Almost every young woman I know has had something similar happen to them. It’s not something anyone is proud of it is just a fact. These situations happen all the time.
I guess my point in sharing this is to just say to the Harringtons: While it may have been three years and there is still no true justice for Morgan, her story– and by her story I mean her whole testimony, not just all we’ve learned about that terrible night– has already worked to save the next girl by changing both the attitudes and actions of young women like myself. How many times now have I seen a young girl wandering around the French Quarter lost and alone, clearly separated from her friends and made my husband change our route home just to make sure she is okay. Morgan and her journey will always be in my life and she is certainly making a difference.
From the bottom of my heart I am so sorry for your loss. I pray so hard for justice. However, justice or not the message is clear: we must save the next girl, and I’ll be damned if I ever walk by another lost, lonely young woman without stopping to lend her a helping hand.
Thank you Morgan.
i’d like to defend mom3.0,you can dissect and challenge my opinions,anytime,it just helps clarify,and you have a great heart.i wish i couldve been at the anniversary at the bridge,best blessings to the harringtons.i think about- fish- sometimes,i hope she’s doing ok! morgan has touched alot of people’s hearts,and memories.
Great post ALWD. Well said.
Morgan and her parents have positively impacted me as well.
My daughter is now 17 and has started driving.
Yesterday I bought her pepper spray and taught her how to use it.
I preach to her frequently about the buddy system etc and have Morgans picture on my fridge door in the kitchen.
Often I find myself talking to complete strangers, other mothers with young daughters cautioning them to accompany their children into the public bathroom at restaurants and parks etc.
I live near a university and my husband and daughter now know that if I see a young woman drunk and walking alone I offer her a ride, take her home and caution her about how vulnerable she is.
Thank you Dan and Gil. Thank you Morgan.
Hello-
First I would like to thank Blink, susanm and John
Blink, thank you for your wise response to Gifters post
John, thank you for not giving that post but Blinks response your two thumbs up It speaks to your character that even though we disagree you would not take that disagreement and embrace a post that is hurtful. You clearly do take after your father who “Never did an unkind word escape his lips.” most appreciated
susanm, from the bottom of my heart- thank you for not only continuing to have the courage to speak on the topic in your
October 17, 2012 at 9:24 am post but for also taking it upon yourself to say something so kind and humorous in my defense. -
I have learned alot from our past debates and it means so much to me that you would take this opportunity to share your appreciation for our challenging discussions. Thank you
To Ragdoll as always my friend thanks for being you
To Biene Olivia TGF Connie Josie Hummingbird ALWD Marie and joerose-
Thank you for continuing on to keep the conversation moving-
ALWD thank you for sharing that story with us there was nothing disgraceful about your circumstances ALWD what is disgraceful is that we all live in a society that thinks a person who finds themselves alone in unfamiliar surroundings who is underdressed- scared and who was drinking should feel disgraceful because they some how are just asking/waiting to be a target of a rapist and or a murderer I am so happy you are alright.
Thanks guys
AJMO peace
Cont part 2
Re Eloise says:
October 17, 2012 at 12:14 pm
Hello Eliose I appreciate you taking the time to share your opinions with us
you wrote in part:
I would also like to state, the tension that is building on these here pages is palpable.
–
It is understandable that you can sense the tension. We are essentially discussing blaming the victim and how to best combat it. Do we defend the victim by denying she was not an angel or do we try to paint her as one?
IMO we combat it the same way the Harringtons are trying to -we embrace Morgan for who she was a young woman a unique person who just like the rest of us was guilty of being a mere human being and all that encompasses-
We ask for the truth the whole truth we dont decide whats true and whats a lie- we back the Harringtons in their search to get answers to find that truth.
But we dont paint their daughter as a saint because that just invites others to knock her down which aids those who want this all just to go away it helps to prevent the Harringtons from getting to the truth
You wrote:
I have always thought all the posts fit to print were understandably opinion posts unless otherwise accompanied by credits or sources to prove fact. Example- Mary Smith worked at JPJ on such & such date- with documentation to prove.
—
Eloise you are oversimplifying-
What you are describing are posts that contain tangible facts-
time place names etc
That is clearly different from stating an opinion or a feeling as an absolute.
I KNOW
DEFINITELY
ALWAYS
You wrote:
How we have come to the point where one can’t write their opinion post and have to prove they are not stating fact Mom3?
— Ofcourse not Eloise but if we are going to state mere opinions as absolutes than that kindof defeats the purpose of finding the truth does it not?
And since they are merely opinions should we be offended when someone shares a different view? Since when has it become a matter of only agreeing or never challenging one another or never wanting to discuss things further?
Shouldnt we be open minded enough to allow for a different opinion- shouldnt others thoughts and new info help us to shape our opinions shouldnt we be open minded enough to even allow for that possibility? Shouldnt we allow for real facts to change these opinions?
Do we only post here to get agreement or do we post here to learn from one another by bouncing ideas of one another?
You wrote:
I think you must realize that John, Alexandra Sydneyfrog etc were all doing just that.
Yes ofcourse I do realize everyone is sharing their opinions Eloise- and I did nothing wrong by sharing my differing opinions –I have never once asked anyone not to post their opinions infact as you are well aware I go out of my way to acknowledge as many posts and posters as I can and I always try to encourage new thoughts and ideas
As for my post to Alexandra
Frankly Eloise I do not understand why you are taking offense to my very thoughtful post to Alexandra-I acknowledged her feelings. I shared the fact that I too have felt much the same as she- and I tried to share with her how it is that I could get to the otherside of my disappointment and anger towards Morgans friends-
So Eloise I didnt share it to confront Alexandra or tear down her thoughts
I shared It because I wanted to acknowledge her feelings and share what helped me to heed Gil and Dans plea not to blame her friends, and I wanted to try and help Morgans friends too-perhaps they can take comfort in hearing the song/seeing the video
IRT Sydneyfrogs post
I thanked S Frog for her thoughts – and I went on to respectfully disagree with her .
How can it be said on one hand we are all justified in sharing our opinions but in the same breath ask me to stop the sharing of my opinions?
It seems to me that perhaps some are not all welcoming of every opinion just those that you agree with?
You wrote:
There is certainly less confrontational ways to make your opposing view known with a more of a gentle touch- we all aren’t novel worthy.
Eloise I always try to be as non-confrontational as possible.- I am not ripping any one-
I find it rather strange why you would take the time to chastise me to use a gentler touch and to be less confrontational but you seem to be quite alright with Gifters post.. so I am not sure why you feel the need to say I need a gentler touch- as I voiced my perspectives in a respectful and kind way- my posts become novelistic because I do try so hard to acknowledge the posters words and feelings….
Where others see dissection line by line I see the courtesy to those reading and to the writer to not put words in their mouth
No one ever claimed a posters style was or was not worthy of a novel…
It is a curse not a gift to lack in self editing skills.
We all DO come from a different place Eloise and we all DONT know who each of us truly are, but saying that we dont know eachother but then go on to question my statement of not knowing Morgan as unfair- is baffling
I do agree with your thoughts IRT it being safest to assume anyone may be reading, friend or foe, but I do not agree that information you feel is irrelevant isnt worthy of discussion
Because again none of us know what is relevant.
especially IRT the timeline or possible witneses tips-
The Harringtons, They are aware of what was said – they are suing RMC to get answers to figure out the truth = exactly what happened who knew what and when and who did what and when- they want to know what happened that night- they want answers and details
Depos will be taken – they will hear witness statements
– as they said this may be the only trial they have, they will hear things that may hurt but certainly getting to the truth and figuring out the timeline and all the rest inorder to help Morgan get justice & to try and save the Next Girl is what is important to them they have said as much
So sorry but I do not buy into some belief that brushing it all under the rug will somehow spare their feelings.
As always AJMO Peace
Hello Mom3- so glad you responded.
- I have never stated that I thought Morgan was an angel or that she was not.
- It was my opinion you were suggesting John & etal’s posts were facts. I don’t believe they are/were.
-
- I never said I was offended- it appeared to me others were and I was hoping not to offend the Harrington’s.
- I never said I believed the info was new to me- whether true or untrue- I said I don’t believe it will help LE find the murderer.
- My opinion was that I felt it was obvious your views differed from some, I never said you shouldn’t share your views. Pls don’t put words into my words.
- Sharing my view is chastising? Can’t the same be said for your views then? Confused on that one.
- Gifter posted one remark- it was the cumulative effect-
- I believe you mentioned you write novels- not everybody does.
-I didn’t question if you knew Morgan- I made a generalized statement that none of us are supposed to know who knows who.
-It is apparent you find it relevant to discuss the rumors that may have Morgan sexually propositioning the BBP’s- you made that clear- and I said an opposing view which you have repeatedly stated is what should happen here- have at it- my thoughts only-
I shared my views- they differ from yours- that is supposed to be ok, right? Then there is no issue. I come from a different perspective- sometimes when one doesn’t have nice things to say- they shouldn’t talk- I try to keep that motto. Lastly- I really only directed that one comment regarding facts vs opinions posts to you and some how I got the semi- novel. No response to gifter’s post?
there has been quite a bit of back and forth lately about what, if anything, Morgan may have said to the bb players. Apparently, whatever it was was not too significant because it has never helped LE solve this crime or it would have been solved by now. So, maybe let it go for a while – nothing seems to have been gained ‘cept acrimony amongst us amature sleuths.
True Dat Mike, I mean, voice of reason.
Y’all need to trust me on this. We are all reading the same book, perhaps on different chapters as we discuss, but I know without question we are all projecting the same ending.
I think I just repeated Mr. Mike’s sentiment differently, so let’s give him credit.
B
I have never felt offended by anything said here on Blink.
I know that everyone here, is here for one reason.
3 years of searching for the answer. Very emotional. Very frustrating.
I can’t wait for the day when he is caught. I pray it is not at the expense of the next girl.
Hang in there Gil and Dan. We’re here waiting with you.
We all have read the hurtful comments elsewhere regarding Morgans supposed lack of character and how The Harringtons need only to look to their daughter to find out who to blame
I like the rest of you wanted to figure out a way to help the Harringtons with this.
Perhaps I did not convey this appropriately but my discussions were meant to highlight the overall mindset of those who blame the victim- vs those who try to combat this by “building up” the victim
I was trying to discuss the larger issue of a rape culture the blaming the victim and how to best combat it.
Let me try to explain
Morgan Harrington was wearing a mini skirt- high heeled boots short sleeves – sparkly jewelry make-up
How do we answer those who say “she was asking for it”
Our natural response is to say wait she was not dressed THAT way
When we do this we are inadvertently buying into the blame the victim mindset-
It does not matter that she was wearing a short skirt “long legs high boots legs out-” and so on
She was not asking for it she did not contribute to her rape and murder IN ANY way
Defenses use this mindset right? Well its bogus
It is a FACT Most convicted rapists do not remember what their victims were wearing.
It has been said that Morgan Harrington was so drunk she was wobbily- leaning on cars for support dropping her purse- her cell- being erratic going into an empty parking lot alone with a group of men to seemingly “party”
Our natural response to those who say she was asking for it- is to say wait I dont believe she was drunk or overly flirtatious or combative or HH etc
As if to say if true then we agree she was partly to blame
In essence again buying into the logic that if true she bares some responsibility in her rape and murder …she was just asking for it-
NOOO- This is the mindset I believe her Dad was warning against in his very first post here on BOC on January 15, 2010 at 10:51 pm
“It has been reported that Morgan may have been in a vulnerable state the evening she disappeared. What she was vulnerable to was a predator who was in the University and Chalottesville community on October 17 a well as in November. The Chalottesville community should not turn a blind eye to what occured as it is likely this type of abomination could occur again. A predator took our daughter and we want her and the predator found!”
It is that mindset that her Mom spoke of in her thoughts on
- January 23, 2010
“I am concerned about the complacency in Charlottesville. I am feeling a tendency to downplay Morgan’s abduction, to protect the idyllic reputation of the city. I bought into that idyllic image until my daughter was stolen there. I understand the reluctance to be associated with this crime. I myself would prefer not to be known as the Mom of a missing girl. Charlottesville would prefer not to be recognized as the location of abduction. But there is no going back. These roles have been thrust upon us. I don’t think it is correct to downplay Morgan’s abduction to the community. To explain that this abduction occurred because Morgan made herself vulnerable – so not to worry – Vulnerable to what? To the PREDATOR who was there on October 17, 2009 and was still there in November. A bad event happened in Charlottesville – be known as the place where this act was NOT tolerated, not dismissed, be relentless, be clever, be resourceful, and find Morgan. Protect people rather than reputations, they are infinitely more precious.”
—
That idea that Morgan must have allowed her self to become “vulnerable” so she therefore became partly responsible for becoming the target of a brutal rapist which led to her murder is what the Harringtons were lamenting
No one no matter what is asking to be raped and murdered-
No one no matter how the defense or media or misinformed masses paint the story a victim is not to blame
No matter how they are dressed or how drunk or stoned they are nomatter how flirty they might have been or how alone they find themselves they were NOT just asking for it
When we as advocates rush to combat the media and the misinformed “blamers” by trying to build up the victim to unreachable heights to deny before we really know any facts of that night we inadvertently perpetuate the rape culture -the culture of blame
Rape isn’t about clothing or make up it isn’t about flirting “teasing” it isn’t about not following rules: dont drink dont smoke dont flirt..
it isnt about sex-
It is about power and control
Making a victim feel as if they share in the blame It works for the the rapist and the murderer it works for the defense it works against the victim making them feel as if they are better off not to seek justice and it helps to shape how society perceives victims and the perpatrators
and when we try to help stop the character assassinations by building up the persons character to lofty heights we are dangerously close to contributing to culture of blame in essence saying good girls are in no way to blame for their own rapes/murders but bad girls might share in some of the responsibility
See here:
Amnesty International in a national survey
34% believe women who flirt can be blamed if they are raped and 26%
say if a woman is in sexy clothing she is partly to blame
WOMEN who flirt, get drunk or wear sexy clothes are asking to be
raped, according to a shocking new survey.
More than a third of people – mainly males – believe girls trying to
chat up men are partially or totally responsible for being attacked.
A quarter reckon a woman wearing a provocative outfit is at least
partly to blame – especially if she has been drinking.
One in 12 thinks she is a natural target if she has had a number of
sexual partners.
And a third believe she is responsible to some degree if she has
clearly failed to say No
The disturbing attitudes towards rape and rape victims were uncovered
by Amnesty International in a national survey to promote its Stop
Violence Against Women campaign.
http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview/id/776945.html
Morgan did make some choices that night
There are common sense consequences to every choice but none of the expected outcomes/consequences should ever be rape and murder
If you choose to wear a short skirt- the possible common sense outcomes are- you may get cold- may be unable to sit with legs uncrossed – may be unable to bend over demurely
If you choose to wear high heeled boots the possible common sense outcomes are sore feet- possible tripping twisting of ankle- harder to walk in dirt mud grass…heel may break- may be taller than guy you like…“vulnerability” to a rape and murder is not and should never be am accepted possible consequence of the choice of shoe wear or for wearing shorts a bathing suit a bikini or cheerleading outfit etc
If you drink to the point of being tipsy buzzed or drunk the possible common sense outcomes are…. embarrassing speeches- many trips to the bathroom, throwing up, hangovers- perhaps hospitalization for blood alcohol poisoning etc “vulnerability” to a rape and murder is not and should never be a common sense outcome of drinking
If you flirt the natural consequence is that you may be rejected or you may get together..- people may make baised judgments upon your morals and reputation but a possible common sense outcome is not and should never be that you are setting yourself up to be raped and murdered
Another study done by researchers in Israel found that people blame rape victims in order to maintain a sense of control over their own lives.
snipped
In general, the results show that subjects attribute blame to the rape victim. Attribution of blame helps to reinforce the casual observer’s belief that the world is a safe, protected place, and that occurrences such as rape can be controlled…Blame reflects the way in which people organize data regarding events and behaviors that have actual or potential adverse consequences. It is possible that, given the perception that women are vulnerable, exposed, and more aware of their vulnerability, they are expected to act with extra caution to avoid rape, and are therefore judged more harshly when actually victimized.
These results can explain victim blaming more as a self-defense mechanism than a callous act of judgment or misogyny. When you believe that victims are to blame for their assaults, you can ensure you won’t make the same mistakes
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/07/08/882464/-Blaming-the-victim-of-rape-is-wrong-Don-t-do-it-Make-sure-others-don-t-do-it
—
I hope I better explained my thought processes and my intent for trying to discuss this very emotionally charged issue.
I end this by offering my prayers to The Harrington family- may you get the answers and the justice that you seek, may the culture of blame end and May your continued efforts succeed in keeping The Next Girl safe
AJMO
Peace
Thank you over and out
moving on… Blink, I can’t find it now, but I will keep looking…a LONG time ago (maybe on the thread where we were discussing the hunting cameras?)I think I recall you referencing topo studies that your team was working on and you were hoping to share. Did we ever get to see them? Anyone have that link?
We weren’t going anywhere in those damn parking lots, so let’s go back to AF.
I can’t get past the fact that she engaged the BBP in the parking lot, they left her there, drove off, and then she was gone. Someone got her in the parking lot. When the BBP drove off, they had to cross the bridge. They had to see her. Who were the people WITH the BBP? The ones that weren’t going to “the event” after practice. Either he was hiding behind the bushes and jumped out at Morgan once everyone left, or he was with the BBP and heard everything, or he just so happend to be driving by and snatched her off the bridge. I hope LE looked at the ones WITH the BBP.
Mom3.0 @ 32
Well said Mom excellent post. Good to see you my misty mountain friend.
Blaming the victim is a very pervasive thing, many layered, very tricky to pin down.
You managed to clearly explain it. No woman is ever asking for it. Thanks for taking the time to deeply articulate that to us.
Rape , abduction and violence towards women exists in full force in the USA, and in the world.
It is an undeniable evil and the freedom of women and children to move around freely on their own ,
no matter what time of day or what they are wearing has been tragically and fatally encroached upon.
Look at Whitney Heichel , 21 years old who left for work early in the morning, a two minute drive and never made it.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/20/missing-woman-whitney-heichel-jonathan-holt_n_1992218.html
Also poor little Jessica Ridgeway who set off to meet a friend on her way to school.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/19/jessica-ridgeway-case-woo_n_1989811.html
Both of these violent attacks probably had a sexual component. It was broad daylight, they were innocently going about their business. Sadly women and children are no longer “free” to do that safely in our society. These two beautiful young females have been violently snatched from their loved ones from this world, from the promise of their lives.
There is a war going on and the victims are women and children.
Amen to everything ALWD said above. I have gotten myself into some very stupid situations, alone, even lost, in a big city at night (NYC, London), young, with no address or telephone number of friends. All just due to thoughtless absorption in whatever I was doing, gazing at pictures in an art gallery comes to mind, until it got very late. Then I had to figure out what to do. And I was one of the more cautious in my circle of friends. None of us is an angel and whatever Morgan said to the basketball players is no reflection of her basic character. I believe that she was cold and wet and unhappy and probably drunk–which may have led to her saying things she wouldn’t have said otherwise. I also believe that her friends were just behaving in a normal way for young, drunk 20 somethings at a concert, and they now must have enormous regret and possibly guilt. And of course 20 somethings need to be better educated about how to take care of each other in situations such as the one they were in 3 years ago.
Thank you for clarifying, Blink, Morgan’s money situation that night. I am led to wonder again whether she ever made it to the bank machine at the end of the bridge. I don’t feel like the public would be told if there was film footage of her there. That parking lot at the bank at night is a dark, shadowy place–perfect for Sketch to hide in. But one way or another her things ended up in the overflow lot. Most likely she was attacked there.
With regard to Gil’s remarks, I too have the feeling that my comments about Morgan around Charlottesville are not welcome–mainly out of fear and denial. People would like to believe that it was a fluke occurrence, that Sketch was merely passing through but possibly had some knowledge of AF and North Garden, and he’s long gone. Case closed for C’ville. Some other unfortunate young women in some other states will be his victims but that won’t affect Charlottesville. And of course, UVA has a separate agenda.
Peace
Dan Harrington Remarks delivered on the 3rd Anniversary of Morgan Harrington’s Murder
by Help Save The Next Girl on Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 8:14pm ·
~ snip~
October 17, 2012 — Charlottesville, VA
Three years, it seems like yesterday that I received a call from the UVA Police that Morgan’s purse was found here at Lannagan field. That call was the beginning of a nightmare that continues today. Our lives changed in an instant and will never be the same.
https://www.facebook.com/notes/help-save-the-next-girl/dan-harrington-remarks-delivered-on-the-3rd-anniversary-of-morgan-harringtons-mu/493364340688431
Thank you for Dan’s remarks. It is SO important for us to take care of the next girls, locally and everywhere.
My reading about violent sociopaths and pedophiles (who perpetrate long-term emotional and mental violence–”soul assault”–on children, regardless of whether physical violence takes place) has suggested strongly that they cannot be cured or rehabilitated. They need to be pursued, caught, and removed from society forever, placed in prison and never let out, period. I’m not a great believer in “an eye for an eye” or capital punishment, but life imprisonment without parole for the sake of society is absolutely necessary.
First time Hi- Yes I remember Blink mentioning the geographical topo maps and no we never got to see them- but if I remember correctly a very helpful person from the findMorgan site did share his maps.
Alexandra thanks for taking the time to say you werent offended. i agree everyone is here for a reason
I also agree that it would seem someone in the lots needed to see her on the bridge- but if the BBP were gone and then curtsy duo entered I am not sure if the BBP would have had to see her on the bridge and we dont know if MV was part of the F/d observers or if she is separate- It was stated that Morgan was seen on both sides of the bridge so was she seen by only those coming toward JPJ or by those leaving…
I took note of Dr Harringtons words from Eloises link-
“Today, as we have for the past two years meet on the bridge where Morgan’s was believed to have been last seen.”
Like many of us are the Harringtons still unsure of everything?
I do so hope the RMC suit helps to clarify what happened in and around JPJ that night.
Olivia IIRC LE did not immediately check the footage of the banks cameras nor the surrounding businesses does anyone know how long Bank footage is kept?
Hummingbird you made my day thank you for understanding what I was trying to say and for mirroring it all back so succinctly. I am glad to have you as my Misty mountain friend.
Lee Lee are you out there? you have been so quiet- I hope you are doing okay- I miss you. I wanted to let you know that in going back thru this thread to brush up-I had a chance to read your post concerning your loved ones murder. I better understand what you meant by not wanting to be a hypocrite- I am sorry I had not read that post before our discussion- I understand where you are coming from- I am sorry if it seemed like I didnt care- I do and I offer you my condolences now.
Rose7 and everyone I missed– my apologies if I overlooked your posts in thanking everyone it was an oversight not a slight.
SydneyFrog and John and Eloise- I want you guys to know that I was not trying to push my opinions on you nor was I trying to disregard your thoughts and feelings-
Eloise I have no reply to Gifters post- I think Blink did it for me, so no need.
I am going to take Blinks advice and unite in our resolve
Mike I am giving you credit- way to go-
Keep on Keeping on
AJMO
Peace
Connie
Thanks for your reply to my post about the possibility of low blood sugar being a reason for Morgans behavior. I was sorry to learn of your change in status. It takes a lot of love to handle two diabetics and one with hypoglycemia. Some can do it and others cannot.
Stand strong with determination to be the best you can be.
ALWD
Thanks for sharing your personal story regarding a bad night in New York city and the help you recieved from caring strangers. The important thing is that you learned a very valuable lesson that carries over to your activities of caring for anothers safety in your city.
Hummingbird
You too are administering love and caring when you find young women who cannot care for themselves by seeing that they are safely taken home and then teaching them about personal behavior and safety.
We should all be alert to opportunities such as these in our communities to help young people.
It really doesn’t have to be in your community. It can be anywhere that you find someone in need. This is the reason for the story of the “Good Samaritian”.
My wife and I were on a trip in the mid 1970s. We were going to drive most of the night and then find a roadside park that was safe and use our camper. At 2:30 in the morning we were on the North side of Oklahoma city about 20 blocks from downtown. We saw a young woman walking in a stumbling manner in front of a school. We pulled over and my wife got out to talk to her.
She was high on drugs and had been dumped out of her boyfriends car.
We asked her where she needed to go to be home and she said she didn’t know. Fortunately for her, we had passed a city police car with two female officers a few blocks back. I put on my emergency blinkers and stood in the street to flag them when they approached. I told the officers what we had found and they got out to talk with her. She was so blitzed that they could not make sense of where she lived either. They had little choice but to take her to jail. At least she was not on the street to become the victim of someone who wanted to do her harm.
I think this behavior is one of the things that must be a part of Morgan’s legacy of “saving the next girl”. When we do something like this, we can think of Morgan.
I’m sure Blink has a page for this missing girl. She reminds me so much of Morgan…also remembering the New Jersey connections in Morgan’s case…
http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news%2Flocal&id=8183567
J.me:
Absolutely- I thought the same thing!
Poor Autum. She resembles Morgan.
God give her parents strength.
I worry about this world of ours.
“The reality of the day is that 3 years ago today, Morgan Harrington was brutally raped and murdered.”
Blink, do we know this to be true? that Morgan was indeed killed on the day she disappeared?
Outside of a witness, we are forced to assume, but yes, that is the belief of LE
B
sounds like the murder of Autumn in NJ may be related to someone she knew/was texting. Hopefully, they will track that angle down as soon as possible to know for certain.
Sorry O.T. but it appears they have found little Autumns body. So utterly tragic.
Prayers to her poor mother and father. She does resemble Morgan .
I hope Morgan is somewhere shining brightly and that in some gentle way she is able to comfort this child.
Blink I don’t know how you do it.
Day after day advocating for victims and their family.
I heart you.
It is a sad day.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/23/autumn-pasquale-disappearance_n_2004233.html
As a female who is a few years older than Morgan but who will perpetually feel like she is 21 and who somehow remembers her college days very well…I am the first to admit that I did very, very,very, very, very, very stupid, I mean completely idiotic things in college.
None of which truly represent the person I really am. I say this because we simply do not know the mindset of Morgan, her friends, bystanders or the bb players on that evening. We have never been told by the police exactly what was said…that night to & about Morgan or what they told police when they were questioned.
We dont and will likely never know exactly what was going through Morgan’s mind that evening. As she will not have the opportunity to have an interview after her killer is found and brought to justice (and he WILL be). After he is found and prosecuted, her friends will have the ability to defend themselves…if they choose to.
I say this because, I know first hand, because I have seen the amount of information being withheld by police in the local case I have been working on.
We don’t know why her friends thought that it was okay to leave Cville without Morgan. Until I am told unequivocally otherwise, I refuse to believe that…without hindsight…these girls had any idea that Morgan was in the danger that she was. There reasoning may have been in very poor judgement…but having been that age before…I can think of circumstances in which they may have thought she would be okay.
The fact is, we dont know if there was someone else in Cville who the girls knew were driving back to Blacksburg that night who they assumed Morgan could have gotten a ride from. WE DONT KNOW.
My point is, I refuse to believe the worst about the girls without all of the facts. I would hope that others would allow me the same, without all facts being public.
I could be completely wrong. Hopefully we will know someday.
Regardless, no one NO ONE deserves what happened to Morgan.
I dont care if she was a perfect angel or a rebellious wild child.
There is one (or possibly two IMO) person(s) at fault for Morgan not being here.
We are all exhausted, frustrated and angry this person has not been caught yet. We are grasping at straws.
One good thing is that her case is finally getting the type of attention we have wanted for so long.
Better late than never…as much as that sucks…many, many, many victims never even get an article in the paper.
I am thrilled that AMW is finally covering the case and I believe that he will be caught.
—-
A couple of things still on my mind:
-The possibility of multiple perps
-The possibility (high likelihood IMO…someone within security or employment (contracted)that evening…in a role of someone who is supposed to be trusted…having involvement
-I am still not convinced that a student (not the basketball players) could be involved. I hope that Sketch has been compared to students…Sketch could be a student.
A high school student can look alot older than he is.
I wonder if there are any high schools close to the area where the FFX attack occurred. A high school student (possibly football player) could go to UVA for college. Far fetched I know, but everything is now.
J4M
3 yrs have passed … total system failure and break down … bring on the litigation and the civil suits … there is a reason why litigation is so prominent and prevalent in American society. This case is a PERFECT example. R.I.P. Morgan.
@Mom3.0
Don’t buy into the lies or the lack of self confidence your attacked seems to reveal. You are extremelly ‘gifted’, knowledgeable, a heck of a problem solver and you have this uncanny ability to remember minute details! Above all, your heart is gold. Jealousy makes people say cruel things.
I have you back. I wouldn’t want you to post any differently. It’s your schtick and quite frankly, your posts have enlightened me to high heaven.
Don’t EVER stop doing what you do or change who you are b/c someone’s snout is out of joint.
Mucho love rosita chickita juanita chihauhau (name that movie!)
Raggie xo xo xo
Be constructive please. I do believe it is out of everyone’s system so lets move on.
B