Globalist

Vistany, yeah, from all the articles I've read recently, it seems that Morgan was a really nice girl, and unfortunately, there are creeps out there who prey on good people like her. I was just reading his article hoping that they finally found Morgan safe and sound, but the thing that caught me totally by surprise was the last paragraph.

Motel Shut Down After Report of Missing Virginia Tech Student Sighting - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com

WHAT? I know I live in New York, so I'm totally out of the loop, but what's up with all the things happening to VA Tech students?

KandKsmom

globalist, the two VT students who were killed at a campground in Jefferson National Forest by all accounts seemed to be just as dear and good as this young woman. Unfortunately I think that is part of the problem- kids like that are innocent, naive and very vulnerable. I was, too, at that age, but the world was a much different place then.

It was offensive to me to read that you (and barrons) immediately commented on this tragedy with the reference to its being influenced by the presence of "non UVA students" at JPJ or because the event dealt with a heavy metal band. Good kids, from UVA, Gtown, VT, WM, everywhere go to heavy metal concerts, country concerts, rap concerts, etc. Drugs are probably at all of them as well. Predators look for their innocent victims at all types of venues. I hope I misintepreted what you were trying to say.

Let us continue to hope for her return and pray that these young college aged kids will be safe because of choices they make in today's crazy world. I also think that policy changes need to be made by the venues to try to help them.

Globalist

KandKsmom, I'm sorry if I offended you. I too am very concerned about the welfare and safety of Morgan. Also, I have nothing against heavy metal music. I'm a big fan of ALL music and have attended every type of concert around from crunk-style hip-hop and emo-rock to classical, bluegrass/country and salsa.

When I write something, I tend to include as much details as possible in order to paint a picture. This is evident in many of my posts here on CC (athough I haven't consistently surfed this site in a while, because I've been so busy.) In this particular case, I felt it was important to note that this was not a student-run event, but a big concert where people from all over Virginia and beyond attended.

Regarding VT, I was voicing my frustration at the number of incidents connected with them (which is no fault of their own). I don't know if this is an issue of promoting more safety awareness among college students, but we always talk about teaching little kids how to be careful. Perhaps, we shouldn't stop teaching this lesson even when kids get older.

vistany

Although I understand the policy of not readmitting people to venues the authorities need to come up with a better plan than leaving people (especially a helpless girl from out of town) outside.

During my first year I went to a football game and only had my Cavcard which doesn't pay for food or drinks at a game. I left to get something to drink and couldn't get back into the game. I wasn't happy but I wasn't stranded. It sounds to me that Morgan was, and that is how things went wrong for her.

there has to be a better way.

barrons

Sorry if you can't handle the truth KandK. Heavy metal bands attract a crowd FAR different than DM or U2. And if a UVa student was involved I'll eat my hat.

WuTangForeva

It's an old article, but I think it's a useful reflection related to some of the comments here:

The Random Death Of Our Sense of Ease (washingtonpost.com)

People always comment on how the victim should have done this, or should have done that. Sometimes I wonder if it's not just their presumptuous attempt to reassure themselves it wouldn't happen to them.

KandKsmom

You know what, barrons, it's the judgemental and elitist attitude I couldn't handle.

I just pray that the police are not as narrow minded when it come to their investigation and are busy following leads on all types of suspects, not just those who wear black nail polish and eyeliner.

This isn't about UVA, its students, its image, or them being held liable.
IT IS about Morgan and her family.

and globalist- thanks

barrons

Sorry but I'll go with the odds. This is not Barney World where everyone is above average. And the guys I have in mind don't wear nail polish--they sniff it.

KandKsmom

Update on Morgan Harrington

Please continue to keep this young lady in your thoughts/prayers and talk to your young adult about their safety. The reward is now $150,000 for news that leads to her return. (The group Metallica has pledged $50,000 to the original $100K). State police were on campus last evening handing out fliers and talking to people in the area. Her father feels that it is someone who lives in the area. Here is a link to the CVL paper that ran a story for today:

Reward increased: Father believes attacker was local | The Hook News Blog

WuTangForeva

Hopefully they have some fingerprint or DNA evidence on that cell phone battery?

vistany

From what i have heard they found the phone and the purse but the battery was taken out and missing. I was counting on some fingerprints on the phone since the cops had it but either it was wiped clean or the perp doesn't have a record. Considering how much you have to handle a phone to get the battery out you'd think there would be some evidence.

I also thought that they got shots of Morgan leaving on security cameras but no word of that either. Maybe they are keeping what they know to themselves right now.

It makes me think this creep knew what he was doing to think about all of those details.

KandKsmom

Dr. and Mrs. Harrington are scheduled to be on the "Today" show tomorrow morning during the first hour (7-8 am). I wonder if they will be able to discuss anything dealing with the investigation. Keep the prayers and positive thoughts going for their family.

KandKsmom

Today the State Police had a news conference with a timeline regarding Morgan's disappearance. They are pleading with those in the area to think about the time from about 9:00- 9:30 pm when someone matching her description was seen near Lanagan Field and the Copley St. bridge.

Lt. Joe Rader made one comment that struck me: "out there lies a vital link and no information is too trivial".

Here is the link to the press conference. Maybe someone in the area can remember something that will help.

Video Landing Page - NBC29

The timeline they have come up with is here:

Timeline Given by the State Police:
8:20 - 8:48 PM: Someone matching Morgan Harrington's description was seen outside John Paul Jones Arena parking lot by the ticket office and on the University Hall side.
8:48 PM: Morgan calls a friend inside the arena, discusses trying to get back in. Tells her friend that she will get a ride home from friends around Charlottesville.
8:48 - 9:00 PM: Morgan is still spotted outside the arena. Police say they have no indication she re-entered the building.
9:00 - 9:10 PM: Someone matching Morgan's description was seen walking through the University Hall parking lot. Nobody saw her with someone, but there were other people walking in the same direction.
9:10 - 9:20 PM: Someone matching Morgan's description was seen in the Lannigan Field parking area near the track. This parking lot is used for overflow parking for arena events. The person matching Morgan's description had limited interaction with people who were at the parking area.
9:20 PM: The people who witnesses the person matching Morgan's description left the area.
9:20 - 9:30 PM: The person matching Morgan's description was seen on the Copeley Road Bridge near Ivy Road. The last spotting of Morgan Harrington was at 9:30 PM near the intersection of Copeley Rd. and Ivy Rd.


It breaks my heart to hear the Lt. talk about how the poor child was seen all around JPJ arena, obviously trying to find a way back in. Lord, I wish that policy was different now.

Finally, they are asking for volunteers to hand out flyers at this Thursday's VT vs. UNC game. Info is on the www.findmorgan site.

sdmatt

my point exactly..

vistany

Me too. It sounds like she was just wandering around trying to kill time until the concert was over. Apparently the perp got there first. Sickening.