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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Let me see if I have this straight now. Kenny and Rader are friends and Kenny asked Rader to help somehow…so Rader wrote the letter…then gave it to Kenny…who then arranged an interview for a local news station with Rader regarding the letter….the Harringtons were not aware but were okay with it…VSP was not aware but were definitely not okay with it…to the point of making a public statement that Rader had never investigated the Harrington case? Is this right?
Where are you getting this information?
B
I’m not sure Blink to be honest…I guess that’s why I’m asking here…I thought i read it on the findmorgan facebook page? or help save the next girl FB page? I’ve had some personal things going on and I’m just trying to get back up to speed.
I understand Tango but I cant comment on a sourceless rumor- I know you understand that. You could probably just ask on the FB.
B
Sorry Olivia, Blink, and all the Blinksters …. Frustration on my part, not cool. I ain’t quittin!
I appreciate the post, and the frustration. This young lady and this freaks other victims deserve his apprehension. Other women deserve protection from him.
B
I don’t want to give up on Morgan. I don’t like that there is no new information on this. I don’t like it that we are at a standstill. What can we do? Blink, have you asked VSP, FBI lately, what is going on?…yes, very frustrating. He’s NOT going to get off scott free, no!
“Continuing investigation”.
B
Hey, Rose7, I figured that you were having a bout of frustration over this case, as we all do. I am trying to fight feeling that way right now…about this case, about all the senseless murders, about violence by mentally deranged men against women and children…
I looked over on FB and they don’t want to talk about the letter so I won’t bring it up again…I think I’m up to speed on that lol.
I choose to believe there’s a method in the madness…
Waa?
B
Tango, LOL, You may choose to believe but I do not…..
(sheesh)
If this was some sort of contrived endeavor, J.me is 100% right, and I will have plenty to say about it.
One thing I know without reservation. The Harrington’s are beyond reproach and are never going to sanction anything toward.
B
Oh no J.me! Sorry to hear that lol!
I agree with you about the Harringtons Blink.
Tango, For sure the Harringtons and the lieutenant are beyond reproach and beyond the madness of which you speak (to which I see no method…ha)
J.me you are adorable. Thanks for taking the time to give me your take on the matter. Hugely appreciated.
Tango, LOL….I have recently recieved the opinion, from a woman I respected, that my last comment (due to mentioning only the Harringtons and the lieutenant) implied that someone else close to the case might not be beyond reproach. This was NOT my intent at all. All efforts to get someone to do the right thing and get that letter out there were well intended, by ALL.
Frankly, my attention span was only dealing with the inference of your/Tango’s last post about FB and the silence there. To that I see no method and only to that was I referring. I feel sure you understood that but there were others, who are not as ADD as I, who did not.
May there be peace on earth, at BOC and HFMDH…may we all love one another and do no harm. May we not assume that anyone means to harm another …other than the ONE who did this to Morgan. (Have I covered this well enough? Haha) Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to ALL! J.me
To clarify, that was not from me. I will state for the record when I used the term beyond reproach I am strictly referring to the Harrington’s.
B
I would like to see what this suspect looks like – story out of DC a few days ago. I know uber is not a limo service exactly but close enough. BTW, the driver was not arrested by merely questioned.
http://www.wtop.com/109/3167669/Uber-driver-arrested-for-rape-in-NW
Agreed
B
Merry Christmas to you too J.me, to the Harringtons, Blink and all, to Kenny and all the FindMorgan team, VSP, FBI, people of Charlottesville and all those who follow Morgan’s case praying for justice. Onward.
May evil one day be eradicated.
Hugs to Gil, Dan and Alex Harrington.
Merry Christmas to BOC.
Peace on Earth
Merry Christmas Dr.and Mrs. Harrington and Alex. May your hearts find happiness and your souls peace.
Merry Christmas to you Blink! God bless you and yours for all you do and have done.
Merry Christmas to you and yours, and God Bless us everyone
B
Jamil Tucker, one of the bbplayers that left in 2009 is back in the area volunteer coaching albemarle girls team. kind of looks alot like sketch. I will provide the link. there is even a video of him being interviewed. This is very interesting.check this photo from 2009
http://www.dailyprogress.com/sports/article_3cf3577a-8265-5f68-a0de-eebe589e7079.html coaching article from 12/24/12 with video-
http://www.nbc29.com/story/20418432/former-uva-basketball-player-helps-propel-albemarle-womens-basketball-program
~ Very sad- I am sure Morgan was awaiting her…
Today the entire Help Save The Next Girl family joins in grieving the loss of Annalee Marshall. As founding member of the VT Help Save The Next Girl chapter, Annalee spent countless hours in support of our mission and appears in the National PSA. Our hearts are broken.
~https://www.facebook.com/SaveTheNextGirl
~ http://www.wtop.com/46/3174138/Adamstown-woman-dies-from-injuries-in-Christmas-crash
where might Jamil Tucker have been in 2005?
caralot, I honestly think he is too young. I think “Sketch” is older….mid 30′s to mid 40′s. I could be wrong though, but looking back , especially at taxi/car service owners (one in particular), I think he is older than BBP.
Mike – Apparently being recruited by UVA
http://rivals.yahoo.com/basketballrecruiting/basketball/recruiting/player-Jamil-Tucker-28908
We did look at alot of people in our search to find the evil that took Morgan. There seemed to be a conscience effort not to discuss the BBPs. They were the last ones to interact with Morgan. She was already having a bad night. Do any of the BBP know what happened to her after 9:30? Which one has a friend or family member with ties to Fairfax and Charlottesville and Anchorage Farms? North Garden?
May 2013 be the year of discovery.
God Bless the Harringtons and all of you.
Tucker does not remind me much of Sketch, he’s so youthful and slim in the face, plus I think the FF victim would have mentioned the unusual height of her attacker–Tucker is 6’9″.
I wonder if DNA has been tested of the C’ville mall abductor? (Late November.) How long do results take?
And did anyone notice this report of another abduction in Charlottesville December 15th by a man from Orange County? That’s where Samantha Clarke disappeared. Orange is just north of C’ville/Albemarle. He’s middle aged and white.
http://www.nbc29.com/story/20354240/barboursville-man-arrested-on-abduction-charge
Here’s the latest on James Kevin Key, the mall abductor, aged 47. Key was not granted bail and must remain with a family member at all times until his hearing Jan. 7th. I believe that he lives in Fluvanna County, which is south-east of C’ville/Albemarle.
From Nov. 30th Hook:
More than half a dozen of Key’s family members gathered outside the jail after the November 30 hearing. While none would speak to a reporter on the record, one spoke earlier on condition of anonymity.
“Abduction is a very strong word,” said the relative. “For those that know Kevin, they know this is out of character.”
The family member says that Key has worked as a housekeeping supervisor at UVA since 1986 and has coached and refereed youth softball and basketball for Fluvanna Parks and Recreation for at least 10 years.
A preliminary hearing is set for January 7.
Here’s the photo of Key plus the full article:
http://www.readthehook.com/108843/bail-denied-alleged-abductor-had-booked-hotel-room
I just can’t have that kind of profiling on here. It is tantamount to an accusation and it would be irresponsible of me .
B
Oppps sorry all, it’s not the same man.
Deleted, lol.
B
civil trial updates? updates of any kind? is anyone still examining this case? word(s) on the street? gossip girls? rumor mill? 3 yrs down …
Good question cosmo.
The civil case was transferred by the Roanoke Court to the City of Charlottesville court. it was filed in Charlottesville on November 9, 2012. No Answer or motion to dismiss (demurrer in Virginia) has been filed yet. The civil case may result in some nuisance settlement for Morgan’s estate, but it will not have any impact on solving the criminal case.
thank you J,me and Redly … just trying to keep this going. frustrating that someone can get away with this. especially in Virginia.
AOL has a front page article about Morgan up.
http://www.noisecreep.com/2013/01/03/morgan-harrington-metallica-interview/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl24%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D252645
Very comprehensive interview and link to the Harringtons and Mettallicas continued support of her case.
Morgan Harrington: Parents of Murdered Metallica Fan Continue to Get Support From Band (EXCLUSIVE IN
http://www.noisecreep.com
Sorry everyone the link did not work corectly. I read this on AOL News. It is reported by Noiseworksif anyone else can access it better. J4M
I am very sorry about seeming to accuse anyone–that was not my intention at all. I am curious and that is all about whether police are investigating this man. We have discussed Sketch as likely a UVA employee, someone who is local, someone African-American, someone middle-aged, someone who would not be seen as potentially violent by his family, and so on. Again, apologies for stepping over the line.
try this link for the noisecreep article. Several great links on this too . The best interview & collection of links . Link to here ::::
http://www.noisecreep.com/2013/01/03/morgan-harrington-metallica-interview/
where is everybody?
Here! (Raises hand) Sure wish there was something to talk about.
alexandra says:
January 9, 2013 at 11:37 pm
where is everybody?
always here……..for Morgan.
Always here off & on . The flu , a dental emergency over Christmas (abscess & surgery) & a death in the family have kept me very busy .
Always here for Morgan .
Also here…waiting….and Olivia, we all sometimes grasp at straws in desperation for answers (especially when we know others may be in danger)so its understood from this end
Also here I check in almost everyday.
I will never stop until there is justice for dear Morgan and some closure for her family.
Meanwhile her brave, hardworking parents work to save the next girl.
J4M
Hummingbird says:
January 11, 2013 at 11:02 pm
Also here I check in almost everyday.
I will never stop until there is justice for dear Morgan and some closure for her family.
Meanwhile her brave, hardworking parents work to save the next girl.
J4M
I check every day too. I will be checking and waiting for justice for Morgan. I wish to believe that LE is working on this case. PLEASE find this monster.
And of course I’m here. I check in every few days. One can only hope that sooner or later we will hear that an arrest has been made, before another girl is killed.
I am still here as well. Waiting for justice for Morgan and her family.
Going back to the highlighted conclusions VSP and various outside agency sources made it got me thinking….
“The streams, fences and rugged landscape of Anchorage Farm, where the 20-year-old Roanoke County woman’s body was found last week, would have deterred anyone who did not know the farm or surrounding land, said state police Lt. Joe Rader”"We don’t believe those are challenges someone unfamiliar with the area would confront”
“Investigators believe the person may have traveled, worked, recreated, visited or periodically passed through the farm or nearby area,” “You could not have just walked in there without having to be able to negotiate things. You had to be familiar with the layout” On Thursday, Rader said criminal profilers, both in and outside Virginia, have helped investigators come to six conclusions:
■The person responsible for Harrington’s death was familiar with the farm or the immediately surrounding area.
■”Past experience” at the farm may have “inclined” the person to come there with Harrington during what was likely a time of great stress.
■Residents of the area “through no fault of their own” know the person, or know someone who passed through at a crucial time.
■The person has “specific knowledge” of the area and is comfortable there.
■The person chose the farm site instead of other areas considered less risky, such as the side of a road.
■”This particular location would have been a high-risk location unless you’re familiar with that area,” Rader said.
I came across the following link;
http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1864-Anchorage-Farm-Charlottesville-VA-22903/79028897_zpid/
-which got me thinking about the close proximity of the schools to Anchorage Farm…Red Hill Elementary 2.1 miles, Leslie H. Walton Middle 5.4 miles, Monticello High 7.6 miles, Virginia L. Murray Elementary 4.5 miles, The Covenant 5.8 miles, Miller School of Albermarle 5.9 miles, Meriweather Lewis Elementary 6.0 miles. I have to wonder if over the year’s class fieldtrips took place at Anchorage Farms and if teachers and other school faculty members attended. I know in some school districts school employees are allowed to have their children enrolled at the schools they work at so parents who may not be teachers but merely employees -custodians, -lunchroom workers/managers etc. may have also attended a fieldtrip there as chaperones. I also have to wonder if Miss Bass sent out any mass invitations for survival training/education/classes to the local schools and even if someone did not attend, may have just seen such an invitation which may have described the area in detail. Lots of possibilities just got me thinking about everything again. Myself, or someone else may have posted something similar like this in the past. I wish the creep was behind bars already.
-With that said, the delivery company drivers who deliver frozen and perishable food items to the schools that stick to a specific route etc. included. No stone left unturned…
crimewriter, thanks for posting those key points.
i would just offer the theory that sketch may not have been that familiar with navigating anchorage farm, otherwise it seems likely that he would have been identified already.
rather, it is possible that he had an accomplice, possibly after Morgan was already murdered that helped place morgan where she was found.
i don’t believe she was carried there by foot, but rather driven to within yards. someone knew that this was going to be safe, otherwise they would have chosen a less risky location. for someone to know just how safe it was suggests to me that they not only knew the navigation, but the bass’s habits, routine and schedule well enough to give them the confidence to take this risk.
i think the bass’s would recognize the sketch if this was the case.
dt
Thanks, J,me, for your understanding words. However, I don’t believe I was merely “grasping at straws,” as I tried to point out in post 36. In the search for Morgan’s murderer we at BOC have posited from the little evidence available to us (including the sketch) that he is likely:
a local, currently or previously a rural resident, an African-American man between 35 and 55, approximately 6 feet tall with a full face and close-clipped hair, a hairline receding slightly at the temples, holding a driver’s license and having access to a vehicle, quite likely a UVA employee, enjoying the support of family, able to come across as normal and likeable, a risk taker, and an abductor.