Alexis Murphy Missing: Suspect Randy Allen Taylor Arrested For Abduction Under Investigation For Possible Serial Abduction and Murder With Ties Also To Samantha Clarke and Alicia Showalter Reynolds
Nelson County, VA-
Randolph Taylor
Announced this morning by Virginia Commonwealth Attorney an arrest has been made in the abduction of missing Lovington woman Alexis Murphy.
Randolph Allen Taylor, is being held in Albemarle County Jail on a kidnapping charge.
Murphy’s vehicle was found over the weekend in a Charlottesville Carmike parking lot near her job at a consignment boutique, Murphy has not been located and was last seen at a gas station approximately 39 miles away.
Taylor was the recent recipient of vacated charges when Green County, VA Major Randy Snead authorized the placement of a GPS, without a warrant, under Taylor’s 1993 Gran Marquis while investigating his association to another missing woman- Samantha Clarke.
Snead was exonerated in any wrongdoing after he chased a 19 year old man who had stolen a deputies vehicle out of his jurisdiction and was part of over twenty officer’s responsible for shooting the suspect, Colby Eppard.
The FBI is also looking for a GMC Suburban which is also associated with Randy Taylor.
During today’s press conference, Richmond FBI Chief announced that law enforcement will not be commenting on reports of Taylor’s suspect status in other possibly related unsolved cases, however, www.blinkoncrime has learned that at the top of the possible case list is the unsolved abduction and murder of Alicia Showalter Reynolds. Taylor bears a strikingly similar resemblance to the sketch generated in Reynolds disappearance and murder.
1996 Showalter Suspect
Two unsolved murders in 1996 Shenandoah National Park, Julianne Williams and Lollie Winans which resulted in a 2002 indictment against Darrell Rice ended in the withdrawal of same in 2004 due to a DNA profile found that did not match Rice. It is not known if police are investigating any potential involvement by Taylor in that case.
Although Virginia State Police and the FBI have a DNA match to whom they believe is responsible for the assault and murder of Morgan Harrington after she was denied re-entry into a Metallica concert at John Paul Jones arena- which matches a composite sketch of an African American man also wanted for a sexual assault in 2005 in Fairfax, sources inside Harrington’s unsolved murder case have confirmed that they have been asked to look into any similarities.
This is a developing story, please check back to blinkoncrime.com as more details become available.
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Been away for a while but glad to be back. Happy to see justice for Holly. Hope its soon in coming for Morgan.,
This guy is likely too young to be Sketch, but I would imagine that Sketch, like this guy, became more comfortable and brazen in his actions after testing the waters before taking it to the level that he had with the two incidents in which he is linked.
http://www.wset.com/story/25040632/man-arrested-for-impersonating-an-officer-in-charlotte-county
According to the linked article by CentVa Native Away, it took three stops for LE to arrest this guy. None asked for proper identification nor does the article indicate that the stop was called in to the LE center for verification regarding the perps claims.
As long as LE patrols do not check carefully when stopping someone with such claims, these characters will continue to operate. This is IMO a lack of training for patrol officers.
Look at what happened in Charlottsville with the undercover officers from the Alcohol inspection unit regarding the gang assault of the two young women in the store parking lot. This young woman and her friend were assaulted by LE and then had to spend the night in jail because the officers all lied about the activity. This is LE out of control and they all should be punished for such behavior.
At this point I would advise women to ignore a stop by a patrol car or group and drive if possible to police headquarters with their emergency lights activated. If police headquarters is too far, drive to the front entrance to the largest grocery store and call police on your cell phone.
I’d press the ‘LIKE’ button if this was Facebook, A Texas Grandfather. My wife works overnight shifts in the DC Metro area; I’ve told her essentially the same thing.
I can’t tell you how many weirdos that I see driving former LE motor pool vehicles all over the country. I would guess that at least a small percentage of them are carrying false credentials, too.
Yet another one:
http://www.wset.com/story/25108431/radford-police-searching-for-man-considered-armed-and-dangerous
Well said Texas Grandfather and CentVA Native Away. Keep ‘em coming!!
I wrote a whole long post about advising females not to stop for a police car marked or unmarked on the freeway or in a quiet unpopulated area, and to put on their hazard lights , call 911 say they are afraid and drive slowly to a police station or to the front doors a very public supermarket . I tell this to my daughter and her friends a lot. The post somehow crashed and disappeared and I was too tired to re write it. Then voila!! ATG posted the very same advice. I thought o myself. We are collectively on track here at BOC. This really is a learning blog!! Thanks dear Blink, you too ATG and CentVA.
Like I said keep ‘em coming!!
Chink chink xoxoox
Hummingbird
To update on the Charlottsville story with the young ladies. There were actually three in the car.
The parents of the young lady driving have filed a 40 million dollar lawsuit in Richmond against the agency and the individuals making up the thug raiding team. If they are successful, the damage portion could be three times the basic suit. The team should be charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon as they did not properly identify themselves even though they lied to the Charlottsville PD to make the case (another felony) for locking the girls up.
Even though the slow drive to a police station or grocery store is a good procedure, there is always the possibility that a person impersonating a officer or a officer out of control will attempt to cut them off. Then the proper thing to do is to try and drive around the cut-off and lean on the horn to attract attention.
I hit the submit button too soon.
Citizens need to pay attention to all activities of LE. I try to do so when I see them.
Just this evening, a young lady drove into the parking lot of the local McDonalds with her emergency lights going and a local police car behind her. I got up and walked outside to observe the behavior of all concerned and let the officer know I was watching. It was good stop and the officer did his job in a polite manner. He even saluted me on the way out of the lot.
I am so tired of the military tactics being used by LE agencies today. They are going to get themselves in big trouble with the citizens if they don’t stop this type of behavior.
Informative piece for any reader, particularly young women:
http://m.collegiatetimes.com/lifestyle/article_c0545122-bea1-11e3-b120-001a4bcf6878.html?mode=jqm
http://www.wset.com/story/25332756/update-investigators-jamisha-gilbert-died-of-hypothermia-no-charges-will-be-filed
Honestly, nobody has any business releasing this finding without releasing the autopsy protocol in support. Which, to my recollection, is not a publicly disclosed file.
B
Praying that some answers come for Alexis’ family and by some far off chance, Morgan’s too.
http://www.nbc29.com/story/25401873/alexis-murphy-murder-trial-begins
Alexis’ family members appeared in court Thursday. Gil Harrington, Morgan Harrington’s mother, is also in the courtroom.
Is the gag order thing a VA Commonwealth “standard”? It is odd that media does not contest those unless it strictly involves Attorneys.
B
Just thinking out loud bu could they want to ensure he gets a fair trial so he doesn’t “get away”? Maybe there is information that would be sensational (so to speak) that would impede him from getting his fair trial. I guess since there is no body, they want to tread carefully.
http://www.newsplex.com/home/headlines/UVa-Named-in-Federal-Investigation-into-Sexual-Violence-257541761.html?device=phone
Can someone please remind me to, or link to my piece to include UVA McLeary Act questions? Thanks for posting this CVNA. I am saddened at the need, but thrilled at the oversight.
B
Here are some updates on the trial. Hope they get him, but it is going to be tough with no eye witnesses or body.
C-VILLE News Desk @cvillenews_desk 14m
After #AlexisMurphy car left at Carmike, Randy Allen Taylor seen at nearby Applebee’s restaurant, then took cab to Nelson.
Expand
C-VILLE News Desk @cvillenews_desk 15m
Surveillance video captured #AlexisMurphy car arriving at Carmike parking lot on night of her disappearance, but driver couldn’t be seen.
Expand
C-VILLE News Desk @cvillenews_desk 17m
Prosecutor: Bloody shirt, finger or toenail and diamond earring among evidence in Randy Taylor trial. #AlexisMurphy
Sigh, agreed redly.
B
Hey all. Good and bad to reconnect, but I think justice will be served for Alexis. Informative article below about what was found.
I am concerned why he would have kept the items in his house/trailer.
This is a guy that figured out he has a GPS tracking on his vehicle, and he leaves a bloody shirt under his couch, and has hair extentions and eyelash in a bag?
B
http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/state-regional/dna-evidence-shows-alexis-murphy-was-at-defendant-s-trailer/article_0ce64b0c-d21c-11e3-b129-0017a43b2370.html
Finally this case goes to trial. Maybe they have enough evidence to find what likely happened and the jury gets enough for a conviction.
The Title IX investigations are going on at 55 colleges and universities around the country. The piece about UVA indicated they were working on this as early as 2011. A process and procedure in place that is not followed is useless.
As an old fashioned guy, I believe that university housing should be non-coed and there should be a reasonable curfew of 10:00 or 10:30 P.M. on school nights and midnight on the weekends. No males past the reception area in a women’s residence. A secure door with an alarm should be installed to secure the hallways and stairwells.
Universities should know that their parking lots and public areas are at risk for unwanted behaviors and take steps to make them secure.
Thanks for the updates Redly and Belsma
I understand yr worries Blink and redly I share them especially since I did not follow the jury selection in AM case- and as we all know a case can be won and lost with just the pick of the “right” member
We can already tell that poor Alexis is going to be on trial – that is so sad and seems to always happen in such cases… no matter what the victim was like in life it always gets painted as something far different than what it should be
Blink- was the hair extensions and false eyelashes in a bag? I had read they were wrapped in the bloody shirt RT had worn that day…?
Here are my thoughts for what they are worth- subject to change
a jagged-broken finger nail was found imbedded in the carpet of RT camper- this was found in the first search- along with a strand of Alexis hair- and the diamond stud- it is not known whether or not this stud was from an earring or nose-
IIRC her iphone was also found smashed on his property during the first search-
During the second search the FBI found the shirt RT had been wearing that day under the couch balled up- inside was Alexis blood, some hair extensions and false eyelashes
- – The couch was lifted in the first search- and the shirt was not found then- I agree that could pose a problem if a juror feels that is enough of a reason to discredit the find-
But seeing as how Taylors story is that she went there after having introduced Taylor to the weed guy then following them both up his scruffy camper…”‘I know a guy.” Hallahan alleged the teen then accompanied his client to another location in Lovingston, where they met up with a black man in his mid- to late-20s sporting cornrows and driving a 20-year-old burgundy-colored Chevrolet Caprice with 22-inch after-market rims.
The tale has the three then returning to Taylor’s property where the Taylor purchased $60 of marijuana from the unidentified man. The man and Murphy, who had not smoked anything or consumed any alcohol, then left Taylor’s property, Hallahan said, and Taylor hasn’t seen her since.
end snip
How does that work? you drive clear out of yr way and then follow them to the camper…
he said she didnt party with them yet she stayed until they were finished.. yet didnt use her phone….
and she left “unharmed” with the other guy— that could pose a problem for him- as how did her blood, hair- fingernail- stud- smashed cell phone- extensions and fake eyelashes find their way into his camper if she left- “unharmed”
He said “everything was fine” when she left- it was fine? A seventeen year old girl without her diamond stud, with a broken finger nail, bleeding, with her hair falling out- new extensions missing eyelashes gone is fine? a young lady who shared the last text of “I actually look cute right now”- would see all that as “fine” and wouldnt immediately lament online about a lost stud- a broken fingernail, & so on?
IIRC her last text was at 6:30 her cell stopped being active at7:30 pm but according to LE Taylor said she had left his property with the friend at 9pm…
the whole story does not seem plausible- but neither does it seem plausible that Alexis would talk to him and seemingly follow him anywhere- for any reason…
Still As hard is its gonna be for the prosecution I would think RT previous words will work against him- … if they are allowed in….
http://www.readthehook.com/110003/alibi-redux-taylor-points-finger-again-harrington-investigator-doubts-coincidences
http://m.newsadvance.com/news/local/attorney-witnesses-detail-alexis-murphy-s-encounter-with-suspect-at/article_89aa27da-d212-11e3-97d1-001a4bcf6878.html?mode=jqm
-
Its gonna be a rough trial-
waiting till the end of the trial to weigh all evidence
Hoping the whole truth will be revealed and justice will prevail
AJMO peace
If I read that wrong, I appreciate the correction, but I thought it said that the hair/eyelashes were in a bag. For me, I am going to want to know the complete log of the search and the intake before I make an assessment. It does not seem this case is being covered to that level of detail so far.
Missing a blood soaked shirt of a victim in or under the couch on a search of a very, very small trailer does concern me. However, I would offer we don’t know if it is a simple issue of timing- as in, a second day was necessary in an unreleased crime-scene, or the early findings necessitated a second warrant, etc. As long as the chain of custody is in place as per protocol, it can be a very sound evidentiary admission.
B
Based on the testimony today, it looks as if LE spotted the shirt on the first search. The warrant for that search was issued to look for the cell phone. After the shirt was spotted during that search, LE went to get a second search warrant that included the shirt. So,it appears that every early on, the goal was a successful prosecution with all i’s dotted and t’s crossed. Defense counsel’s attempt to paint the multiple searches as incompetence or something more nefarious might just result in a backfire with the jury given this very reasonable explanation.
‘xactly to protocol, thanks for confirming my feedback from yesterday dda.
B
I am concerned why he would have kept the items in his house/trailer.
This is a guy that figured out he has a GPS tracking on his vehicle, and he leaves a bloody shirt under his couch, and has hair extentions and eyelash in a bag?
B
B, not sure why he would keep this stuff other than for “trophy” items, and from what I understand the FBI found his shirt under the couch with the hair, eyelash and her blood after local LE had already made a sweep of his place. Maybe he’s that narcissistic or just plain stupid. As for the DNA in the car that was male and not a match, well, I believe that was her fathers car. Shoot, they would probably find 20 samples of different DNA in my car from driving kids, co-workers and friends places, so who knows. In my heart I think he had something to do with this at some point. I think we all do.
This is a decent play-by-play of what was going on in the trial Monday with a clear effort by the prosecution to show that Taylor had something to hide from investigators early on. A lot of damning evidence, but I read in another article regarding today’s testimony, which was primarily from FBI forensic specialists, that there was an inconclusive match to Taylor on one item found in his trailer that had did have a match of Alexis’ DNA on it. Sadly, that one piece of evidence could tilt the whole case in mitigating the charges against him; I hope that I am wrong:
http://www.wset.com/story/25429486/randy-taylor-murder-trial-continues-in-nelson-county
http://www.nbc29.com/story/25440516/randy-taylor-abduction-and-murder-trial-day-4
This information about the scrapbook is quite interesting.
Defense rested after only an hour. Only 11 witnesses so very quick. Hope to get it to the jury end of today, first thing tomorrow.
He may have hung himself by lying to police about being in the area near where the car was found. He apparently initially said he was not in the area on that Sunday, but they nailed him on the Applebees and cab ride stuff. He may not really be much of a criminal mastermind. The police in the Samantha Clarke case may have just been incompetent and/or the judge made a questionable ruling.
I think it will result in a conviction in this jurisdiction, but I was not there personally nor have I read transcripts. I think the Clark case is compromised by this one, but I would NOT eliminate the possibility that the Commonwealth needed this conviction to try the other. Not as a matter of law of course, but as a strategy.
No tin hat here, but my spidey senses tell me there is more to this creep. The evidence placement/discarding, very crude clean up in contrast with a lovely and pristine scrapbook kept in the house, is that of a young white female ( yes, I know who she is). We shall see.
B
B
Seems so obvious he did it from the stuff that has come out at trial, but it is still a tough case.
Blink- I dont know if the hair extension/ fake eyelash were in a bag or wrapped in the shirt- it seems there are differing reports.
I was inquiring if you knew? since you often do know more than we do…for instance yr latest thoughts on the scrapbook young lady.
I dont know what to think about this case- it seems obvious he had something to do with Alicias disappearance but I do not know if the evidence as presented answered the question of if he killed her or not.
It seems if he did it he cleaned up rather quickly.. to dispose of almost all evidence- to seem uninjured himself… to pick up everything- drive and drop off the car leaving it in almost pristine condition…no DNA traces back to him…how did he accomplish all of that in such a little amount of time all alone?
….IDk if I were a conspiracy theorist I might wonder if someone had hurt Alicia and went back to his place to frame him with the evidence we are aware of… knowing he was with her earlier in the day…… the shirt he was known to have worn that day- some blood mostly on the back of it- the hair extensions the finger nail and the eyelashes under the couch and the smashed phone…all planted… Id also wonder if he helped someoneelse clean up the crime then to ensure that persons safety decided to plant the evidence himself pointing the finger away from the actual culprit and back to himself… or is it that his accomplice is getting away scott free IDK
I know I know K.I.S.S- but it all seems a little too simple and why work so hard to clean up the scene get rid of the car dispose of the poor girl that leaves no clues to where she was left… and then keep such damning evidence laying about?
Its all creepy and does bring to mind some maybe similarities to Morgans case the bloody shirt.. left elsewhere the phone smashed battery gone missing …the thoughts of a helper and a doer a cleaner and the messy one……the dark SUV …the mention of his using a taxi …
too far fetched — probably so- as there seems to be no DNA connections to Morgans case…but still its All been running thru my mind on how similar some of it seems to be.
Thanks for yr responses Blink I always learn alot-
AJMO peace
Or… he was not alone. Although I suspect if he was not he would be fingering someone else.
On the findings, I agree I have seen it reported differently and I do not have any inside sources developed on this case.
In my view, this is very dissimilar to Morgan’s case for a few reasons, specifically, he is a suspect in another disappearance ( likely homicide) and neither body has been located to date. There was no attempt by the offender in Morgan’s murder to obscure or “hide” her remains. If he is less organized than one thought, the good news about that may be that if either Alexis or Samantha is located the other will be located in the same or general location.
He will never give up where he placed Alexis, imo.
B
He did not drop off the car at the Carmike until the next night so he spent 24 hours or more cleaning up his crime scene. I think it is telling that the car was much more “clean” than the trailer. He did not think they would make the connection to him so quickly, if at all. So I think he focused on the car being free of evidence and didn’t get around to finishing the trailer before they landed on his doorstep.
Found guilty!!!!
http://wtvr.com/2014/05/08/randy-taylor-murder-trial-goes-to-jury-weeks-ahead-of-schedule/
Watching this from afar and grateful to the good people of Virginia for deliberating and announcing a fair and just verdict. This has to be a relief and victory for the Harrington family in their loving support of the Murphy family.
This is how you “Save the Next Girl” by properly prosecuting and convicting a very cunning and dangerous predator. Good work and kudos to all the good people who have worked tirelessly to keep others safe by finding and convicting Alexis’ murderer. Thank you for the great coverage Blink. Still praying that Alexis is found so that the Murphy’s have all the answers they have prayed for. My heart goes out to all of beautiful Alexis’ loved ones on this day of their bittersweet victory.
Congrats to the prosecution in this case. That is how you try a case effectively—get in, land your punches, and get out. Other jurisdictions could learn from tiny Nelson County:) Also congrats to one of my high school friends who was one of the FBI agents that investigated this case. So sad for the Murphy family but so pleased that justice was done today.
dda- not sure I would agree that this prosecutorial effort is a template of sorts- I think there is something to be said about the case in chief and the defendant, but kudos to your colleague and at the very least, thrilled that this freak who has run amuck and likely taken the life of at least 2 women is where he belongs.
B
For the family’s sake, I am glad the jury convicted him. Maybe the DA can prevail on him to give up the information about what really happened.
Of course the defense may be looking for an opportunity for appeal since they didn’t put on much of a case and he may decide to keep silent.
Depending on how much blood was found on the T-shirt, it could have been from a nose bleed or less serious injury. Investigators must have some additional evidence (not revealed) that convinces them that Alexis is deceased.
I am so glad he is behind bars! I just wept with relief. I feel for her family and the bittersweet situation.
Also for the Harringtons who have helped save the next girl , but still no justice for Morgan.
I don’t know, something about the case bothers me. The placement of the evidence and the pristine and creepy scrap book. I cannot help wondering if another person was involved. That Randy indeed kidnapped her but is also covering for some one else. His son went to school with Alexis at one stage I think. Correct me if I am wrong. I hate to think there may be an accomplice of Randy Taylors still on the streets looking for his next victim. Sorry to be this cynical at this time. What do you think Blink and all?
His son did not go to school with her from what I read. IMO if he had anyone close to an accomplice, he would have ratted him out in a plea. He also wouldn’t have needed to take a cab home from dumping the car, which is a main reason he got convicted.
http://www.newsplex.com/home/headlines/UVa-Police-Investigating-Report-of-Attempted-Abduction-259072291.html?device=phone
This seems strange that UVA Police would be investigating this. It seems like it would be C’ville PD’s jurisdiction unless if I misread it or am disoriented.
CentVA Native Away
It is on the property of UVA. Farrish Circle is just West of the Arena from which Morgan Harrington disappeared. If you look on Google earth, the street and housing is obscured by dense foliage. The photo in the newsplex article shows what could be a multi-family building. There was plenty of cover for the alleged perp to use during a get-away.
Reading the comments…and Blink’s post about Morgan’s killer not hiding her body has got my mind reeling…just a little.
Why would he feel so confident to place her where she COULD be found? The owner of the land found her only because he was checking his fields, as he did every spring. He must have known someone would come across it (if he know this area intimately, as suggested in previous posts), but not for sometime. I also wonder if this isn’t some kind of act of mercy, for the family (I know that sounds too sentimental for someone like Morgan’s killer). He must have known from experience…placing a body in THAT field (or before snow fall), which would be covered in snow, AND to melt come spring, would likely remove most evidence. It seems thoughtful but not the perfect murder by any means. I hope this makes sense.
This one baffles me. This is almost like he wants to get caught. Some serial killers are known to leave the body; pose them or leave their ‘trademark’ behind. Cocky and over confident, game playing type of killer. It’s an act to challenge LE to find him. It’s a game. What Morgan’s killer/s did was somewhat risky, but was there some kind of conscience at play for the sake of Morgan’s family?
Ragdoll
I don’t think Morgan’s killer was playing games with LE regarding the burial. The game was the use of the T-shirt to misdirect the search effort.
Anchorage Farms is located in an area where granite or shale or both underlies the thin soil cover. The only place on the farm where a body could be fully buried, is in the low Hardware river area. Digging in that environment would require a lot of time or some power equipment to break the rock.
It was a lot easier to just dump the body near the fence line and let the snow cover it. The cold would also slow the decomposition of the body and prevent odor. Anchorage Farms is about 785 acres and is based on the very early surveys for a section of land. The original surveys were probably done prior to the Revolutionary War. The owner of the property was in his early eighties and was not an active farmer in the sense he personally worked the land. He did have a contractor that did the hay farming and he also leased or allowed certain people to hunt the land for deer and other game.
The perp(s) had knowledge of how much activity was going on at the farm and he or they knew precisely where to place the body to make it a long time being found. Remember Blink wrote a piece where LE was hoping that some of the remote game cameras would have picked up something useful. We don’t know if they did or didn’t, since LE was playing the case close and released little information to the public.
my post here and the last few probably belong in morgan’s thread, but i just wanted to say that i don’t think Morgan’s killer(s) could count on snow for sure and that since she was dumped quickly, it suggests to me that they were looking for a quick, easy, safe solution to their problem.
since the hunters have come up again, i think LE needs to look at the hunters and there extended circle of friends. its not unusual for someone with permission to hunt to bring a guest onto a property to hunt with them. or perhaps the friend of someone that used to hunt there called on their friend to help in a time of need.
@ A Texas Grandfather says:
May 28, 2014 at 11:34 pm
Thank you for your response. That makes sense. I do remember the ‘cameras’, but nothing more has been mentioned about them or if they caught anything. I just figured it was a dead end, in that respect.
Here in Canada, cases are tight. Very little info gets out, so not hearing from LE is something I’m used to, when following a case. You’ll never see a tv in a court room. They’re might be a press conference regarding an arrest or a something to that effect, but evidence is usually never made public. Not hearing from LE doesn’t mean they’re not on top of things. For all we know, they’re onto someone but need to connect him before going to a grand jury.
Who knows. Just throwing some thoughts around.
Good to hear from you ATG!
)
sorry…they’re should be there. I don’t know why I do that.
RE Ragdoll says:
May 28, 2014 at 4:06 pm
Reading the comments…and Blink’s post about Morgan’s killer not hiding her body has got my mind reeling…just a little.
___
Hi Ragdoll Ive been thinking too.
You wrote:
Why would he feel so confident to place her where she COULD be found? The owner of the land found her only because he was checking his fields, as he did every spring. He must have known someone would come across it (if he know this area intimately, as suggested in previous posts), but not for sometime.
— I have been doing some reading and I finally understand why Blink often refers to Sars-
It seems Morgans placement location may have been somewhat typical- as most recoveries happen accidentally and also involve just such an environment-
this is not to say that the perp didnt think he was being clever- or that he did or did not want Morgan found- but despite his best effort it turns out that Morgans placement seems to follow a very simple basic “map” as it were-
which makes me think all the more that Blink was correct when she talked about the heat seeking search early on – and extending the search within ten miles in all directions of JPJ-
as it turns out most Clandestine graves can be uncovered if one knows what to look for
Link –warning graphic–
http://www.sarti.us/sarti/files/SearchForHumanRemains.pdf
snipped:
Human remains are often not found through organized search efforts. Rather, they are
more frequently discovered accidentally…. When found accidentally, it is by individuals who are often hunting, hiking,
or wandering through the area.
The Search for Human Remains in the SAR Environment:
Disposal sites for bodies are deliberately
selected (49%), chosen at random (37%),
or forced by circumstances. The disposals
themselves involved concealment to pr
event discovery (52%), placed without
consideration to being found (39%), or placed in a manner to insure discovery (9%).
Most often the body is recovered within 200
feet of the murder site (72%).
Recovery sites are largely rural (51%).
The geographical profile for the recovery sites
includes:
1. Remote areas with vehicle/road access
2. Near or in water
3. Within ½ mile of an intersection
4. Dirt roads are favored over paved roads
5. Body often within 150 feet of access road
6. Body located to downhill side
if sloped ground is present
The link is down right spooky when using hindsight to go back and review Morgans case
“We must stress that the search for human re
mains is ultimately an exercise in clue
awareness.”
Further snipped:
A clandestine grave is, by its very
nature, not meant to be found.
As such, consideration should
be given to the following:
1. The murder may not have been intended
and the body disposal not well planned.
2. The body may simply have been placed in
a depression and covered with leaves,
left under a log, etc.
3. Soil conditions and the local environment may
cause the grave to be very shallow.
4. The grave site may have been hastily chosen,
with access a primary consideration.
5. The grave will likely be dug at a time,
manner, and location that will decrease the
possibility that the grave will be observed
(secluded).
Consider that the burial may have occurred at night, thereby limiting the field of vision of the grave digger
to a very small area.
It is critical that an updated map of the area be reviewed for statistically high areas of probability.
The combination of topographic
maps and aerial photographs should be used
in order to give search planners a better
sense of landscape, terrain, and vegetation that
may or may not facilitate the burying of a body.
Consideration should also be given to
areas that prevent burial due to obstacles,
or may enhance burial by providing secrecy.
Many searches have involved the use of maps
that do not designate or identify recent
development and roads (unpaved, in particular).
It may be important to send out teams
with map and GPS to specifically note open areas, road or trails not included on search maps.
With respect to open areas, particular attention
should be paid to those near or adjacent to
unused structures, waste dumps,
or other areas that would not
normally be frequented by individuals.
Road access has proven a significant variable in
the disposal of murder victims. This
cannot be stressed enough.
Some Statistical Profiles
Citing FBI statistics,
Vass indicates that clandestine graves
are typically no deeper than 2.5 feet, are “close” to water or “near” a poorly traveled road, are 10 feet away from the
nearest large tree, and contain a clothed or
wrapped corpse which will be face down.
end snip
–Much more info can be found at link-
But just let that info sink in…
All i can think is wow and No Sh-t-
Blink was right long ago – The Harringtons were right to call in CLUE and they most certainly would have been well on their way to locating Morgan
No wonder the perp or the helper whoever planted the shirt did so in the opposite direction-
As with hindsight all the clues fit a known pattern and can be reviewed as pointing to that relatively unused road unused structure nearby- water source nearby… that lonely corner of the property …the topography… the culvert the leaf litter- the hard to reach field- the trees
I often think if the perp has been reading along with The Harringtons writings the articles written BOC FB T Hook-etc- at times he might have been nervous anxious scared at how close it seemed some of the opinions/thoughts were to figuring out just where Morgan may have been..
A misty mountain… a known party place along a dark road… near a creek.. down Route 29…
You wrote:
I also wonder if this isn’t some kind of act of mercy, for the family (I know that sounds too sentimental for someone like Morgan’s killer).
–
I have thought along these lines too because of Gils writings Blinks piece asking for them to come forward… others speaking out on FB etc her parents begging to have her back for the holidays …
then I think for that to be- wouldnt he have had to have not placed her there initially…
it seems he did place her there soon after her demise that night or the next days long before The Harrington Pleas and Blinks piece and ours and many others thoughts were given -
but then I wonder about the shirt and everyones thoughts…
did he keep it initially for a keepsake but then thought diversionary clue …or did girlfriend find it place it…or a helper… or?
You wrote:
He must have known from experience…placing a body in THAT field (or before snow fall), which would be covered in snow, AND to melt come spring, would likely remove most evidence. It seems thoughtful but not the perfect murder by any means. I hope this makes sense.
It does make sense Ragdoll and you could be right-
I think that he was hoping that the animals and the weather would take care of most of the evidence- I think he thought he was more clever than he actually is..
In reading the link – I think the perp need not be intimately familiar with the property- as not to PP “return in times of great stress” but more as a way of being familiar ENOUGH with the road the property etc that he felt he was being clever in body placement-
while in reality he simply was following a pattern to which trained persons with proper equipment ample man power and additional time/hours spent could have followed the clues to find Morgan long before 100+ days passed.
With this link- I understand Blinks thoughts more clearly
And for me it makes me entertain the
thought that LE focusing on a perp that knows the land and has emotional ties to it- or on LE asking for the history of the property itself may not be the way to figure out the who or the why…
The placement may actually be just a perp following a play book that he didnt even know existed…
You wrote:
This one baffles me. This is almost like he wants to get caught. Some serial killers are known to leave the body; pose them or leave their ‘trademark’ behind. Cocky and over confident, game playing type of killer. It’s an act to challenge LE to find him. It’s a game. What Morgan’s killer/s did was somewhat risky, but was there some kind of conscience at play for the sake of Morgan’s family?
– Im baffled too
Again Ragdoll you could be right as I do think it is strange that the perp or the helper seemed to be listening to The Harringtons pleas and Raders statements … he did seem to be talking directly to him and sometimes oddly it seemed that the perp was answering them in a way…
AJMO Peace
I recall from memory that Blink did not say that there were in fact game cameras in the body’s location, but, merely, that there may be. I don’t think there ever were any.
I think that the grass was so high when the body was dropped there that the perps found it convenient to be out of sight due to the hills and that the body would be well hidden as least until somebody cut the grass. I don’t think they gave a thought to snow or were prescient enough to know that it would snow so heavily that winter.
I guess there is also the possibility that the body wound up where it ultimately did due to animals dragging it.
The basic premise remains: that the perp or perps knew something about this farm and its hilliness. I don’t think that a thorough investigation was ever done on the several nearby houses esp. those under construction to ascertain whether Morgan was killed there or brought there afterwards. My guess is that she was killed nearby, hence the dumping of her body nearby at the farm. Under the kiss rule, that seems to be the most likely scenario.
It is heartening to see at least a renewed interest in this case. I no longer travel to c’ville, so I too have lost some interest (but not hope).
Mom3.0 says:
May 30, 2014 at 1:13 am
Hello my dear, sweet friendy!
Again, another fascinating and informative post, Mom! I’m short term memory challenged, so a lot of Blink’s hard work has not been retained in my brain. I realize I may be asking questions that have already been asked. I try not to post too often for that reason.
What you posted certainly enlightened me about a not so systematic approach from the killer/s. Maybe it’s more instinctive behaviour or the killer/s…and that shirt. I think that was a hasty decision, which obviously didn’t work if he was trying to create diversions. Great details, especially about the lack of success regarding organized search efforts. It’s disheartening, isn’t it?
At the end of the day, it comes down to what was going on in the mind of a killer/s. We may never know, but your post lends credible insight as to the where and why he/they chose to put Morgan where she was found. When I posted my comment, I was actually trying to form a connection of some kind, to the killer/s (psychologically and spiritually). Strange…I know. I tried to put myself in his/their shoes and determine if this is someone who is capable of remorse or not. I see this picture in my head of him/they laying her down. For some reason, I saw 2 people. I’m NO psychic but when I imagined the scenario, it was 2 people carrying her (one at her head; the other at her feet).
I really appreciate all your work and research, Mom. It’s invaluable and detrimental to Morgan’s justice! JMHO
Much love~~
Friendly,
Its always good to see you ever so kind Ragdoll. Your posts always provoke thoughts and emotions. You have a gift for always bringing the human side to the discussion…its true, sometimes my research posts lose sight of the fact we are discussing real people.
You should post more often- look how much discussion resulted from you taking the time to share yr thoughts? It got TGF, Mike and others to weigh in.
- I appreciate yr appreciation of my posts w/ shared info or research Ragdoll.
It gives me hope that Alexis will be found and so many others were are still unrecovered.
I agree it does come down to whats in the mind of the killers.
Its not strange that you were trying to find a connection Ragdoll- everything you wrote could be the why of his choices. I surely would like to hope he has a spiritual side or a side that can be human and “reached” Rader seemed to think so with his letter – and it does seem plausible that more than one person is involved or knows. So yr insight there could be spot on as well- perhaps Rader was speaking to more than one with his letter…
AJMO Peace
Thanks for the link Mom3.0
The link is not very graphic IMO and should not disturb those that actually read the report.
The material in the link is so very important for land owners to have access to and use for checking property. One of the things that LE should do in an area when someone is missing is to go on public media and ask property owners and occupiers to carefully walk or ride all fence lines, gravel or dirt roadways and creeks and ponds. A check list should be issued of what to look for and how to not compromise a burial or dump site if found. A ten or twenty mile radius of a circle could be quickly searched by this method.
It will not always work as some perps will travel more than twenty miles to dispose of a body.
Keeping society safe is everyone’s responsibility.
Mike I had forgotten about the construction.
Nice to hear from you.
Interesting thoughts-
*Warning* this post contains very graphic link and somewhat graphic content
No disrespect is intended
Mike you wrote:I guess there is also the possibility that the body wound up where it ultimately did due to animals dragging it.
–I agree animals could have moved Morgan
I recently read a research paper which was linked on websleuths for the Dylan Redwine thread-
http://etd.lsu.edu/docs/available/etd-06092011-103357/unrestricted/Jones_thesis.pdf
it seems even small animals can move a body which may not result in displacement or scattering of the remains…
such as opossums etc.
I think Blinks early thoughts on Morgans case were likely correct when she spoke of the lack of a decomposition smell wafting to the occupants of the farm.
She opined PP that the placement of Morgan in the field would have most likely attracted Avian scavengers-
Avian scavengers can work in the matter of hours or a few days long before a decompositional smell could have alerted anyone nearby
Another interesting thing I learned which may apply in this case is that it seems scavengers seem not to engage while it is raining or even a day after precipitation..
Still another fact I learned is herbivores such as deers and cattle have been known to play a part :
Sutcliffe (1973) found that herbivores
gnaw on carrion bones as a symptom
of phosphorous deficiency, thus producing
alteration on bone.
These herbivores included cattle, red deer, reindeer, muntajac deer, camel, giraffe, wildebeast, kudu, gemsbok and sable antelope.
end snip
Although graphic the link has a great deal of info that lends thoughts to Morgans case-
As we know Gil made mention that Morgans ribs were broke-
I surely do hope that the best investigators examined the remains – experts in all pertinent fields and they were able to definitively conclude that Morgans injuries occurred during her murder, before her death- and that they will be able to testify to this when the time comes-
because from reading the link I have no doubt that a defense would include an assertion that the damage occurred after death by animals.
Ubelaker (1997)
emphasizes the need to distinguish between animal gnawing and human alterations in a forensic context. He notes that
when differentiating between perimortem and
11
postmortem trauma, researchers often confuse spiral fractures created by animal scavengers with similar spiral fractures resulting from perimortem trauma.
Ubelaker
states that spiral fractures can be created by trampling and carnivore chewing as well as by “foul play associated trauma” (1997:82).
Trampling can cause extensive breakage to bones,
possibly obscuring perimortem trauma and other postmortem damage.
Andrews and
Cook (1985) found that in a farm environment,
a majority of bone movement and
dispersal resulted from kicking and trampling by livestock.
Also, Behrensmeyer et al.
(1986) note that trampling marks made by humans appear similar to cutmarks, even at the microscopic level. Bone markings inflicted by trampling may therefore be misidentified as markings inflicted by tools.
Animals affect corpses in a variety of ways
and identifying their presence as post-
depositional agents can influence interpretations
of both archaeological assemblages and forensic scenes.
end snip
–
Somebody hurt Morgon and placed her in that field noone has come forward to claim accident or other the more time that passes the more believable it becomes that Morgan was brutally killed and mercilessly dumped in that field-
Still hoping for justice for Morgan
AJMO Peace
Mom3.0 says:
May 31, 2014 at 12:12 pm
Mom! Please don’t say your posts lack the human emotion or compassion. If anything, I’ve come to recognize that your posts are purely spirited and from the heart. You are ALWAYS about promoting thought, ideas, justice…..and gifts I soooo wish I had…the ability to discern the justice systems, LE terms, forensics AND AND AND, your ability to remember extraordinary amounts of detail. COME ON WOMAN! I can’t have you dissing yourself when you are one of the biggest advocates on BOC. I’m always in awe of your comments. They are rich with facts, thoughts and thinking outside the box. I believe Blink would call this ‘critical thinking’! I swear, you’d make an amazing prosecutor OR defense lawyer, for that matter. I’m a heavily emotional person, so my ability to leave out the emotional factor, is almost paralyzed. I so appreciate your kindness and encouragement. You’ve always been soooo good for my ego…and an exceptional friend who keeps me accountable on BOC without antagonizing. Your gift amazes me.
I also thank ATG for keeping the old school alive and well @ BOC. His contributions are so valuable, via personal experience, knowledge on a wealth of subjects and ….being the consummate gentleman and advocate. I can’t thank you 2 enough for responding to my comments and sharing your thoughts. I’m so flattered you both take the time to consider what I have to say, which is often trivial but from the heart.
Please, don’t EVER apologize for a lack of anything. That’s a lie the enemy wants you to believe. You’re the full meal deal, my sweet friendies.
…and thanks to friendLY for always being patient with me and my questions. If you all knew my life, you’d understand why I feel so grateful for your kindness and compassion. The acknowledgement makes me feel understood and validated, somehow. It’s a story that doesn’t belong on here, but I need you to know….you’ve all contributed to elevating my confidence in life.
Thank you, forever and ever. Amen!
My very favorite people here on BOC!! Ragdoll, Mom3.0, ATG. I always love to read your well written and thought provoking posts. A shout out to you all and Blink.
J4M!!
Love Love Love you Hummingbird. You are a gem in this world! <3 <3 <3
Anyone hear about this or know what it's about:
-snipped
Just spoke with the Virginian Gazette.The interviews with Gil Harrington, Diane Brown, and Gayle Snead will be in their paper this Friday. It made the front page! Way to go HSTNG and to those special ladies.
https://www.facebook.com/SaveTheNextGirl?fref=nf
James Brown a POI, perhaps?
Moving video:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=692893504068846&set=vb.278701238821410&type=2&theater
-snipped
URGENT: Police release composite sketch of a man who raped a woman on Wednesday in #Woodbridge, #VA. Please SHARE. #helpsavethenextgirl
http://www.wusa9.com/story/news/local/prince-william-county/2014/05/28/police-woman-raped-early-wednesday-woodbridge/9674305/
-URGENT CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA: On May 26,2014 at approximately 6:30 PM a 12 year old girl reported a man attempting to pick her up at 1300 E. High Street, #Charlottesville, Va. She described the man as being in his 40s, white man with a spray tan. Bald but not shaved head, overweight, med. height, silver car newer than 2001. Below is a sketch that the young lady drew of the man that she said offered her a ride. She was able to escape to a neighbors house. Please call the police if you think you have seen this man. PLEASE SHARE. #helpsavethenextgirl
https://www.facebook.com/SaveTheNextGirl
oops…..I didn’t mean to include the URGENT CHARLOTTESVILLE….but it is disturbing to say the least.