I'm a first time on this site and registered because I feel very strongly about this whole situation.
I myself am a recent grad from UVA, I live very close to the area and work literally within eyesight of the Copley bridge. This whole situation really strikes me as odd for several reasons. Many have you have already stated how nothing seems to be adding up, things are being left out, parents don't seem to really care. etc.
First off, being that I work/live in such close proximity to the JPJ (about 1/2 mile) I'd like to start by saying there are always officers stationed at every intersection and crosswalk to control the lights and help pedestrians cross. Most of them are UVA officers, and I know from seeing first hand that they would stop a girl if she seemed alone and intoxicated or under the influence. At UVA it is always stressed to not be walking alone at night, especially under such circumstances.
I find it very hard to believe that if she did have an altercation with someone in a parking lot, or if she was stumbling, an officer would have stopped her or helped her.
Also, the bridge is often well lighted when there are events going on, the soccer field has all of it's lights on, so walking over the bridge would really not seem like a dangerous thing to do at night, I have many times.
I'm not saying that she was not under the influence or that she didn't get into an argument with anyone, I'm just saying I find it VERY hard to believe with the amount of officers that are usually around the area that someone didn't do anything at the time.
I would also like to point out what someone else did in an earlier thread that while I'm sure the girl was a good responsible college student, the parents do seem to be sugarcoating the whole thing.
First her myspace url is
www.myspace.com/highya
"highya" - sorry, that is just a little too obvious, plus the pictures that friends have been posting on facebook appear to show her with very blood shot and sometimes glazed eyes.
Being that I am a recent graduate, only a year older than herself, I would not doubt that she could have very likely been stoned, especially at a concert with her friends.
Also, just to clarify what people have been asking, the JPJ has a strict no reentry policy, even if you have your ticket stub, it does not matter. There, from when the last time I was there though, either signs or security telling you as you leave that you will not be able to reenter. So either way, if she left on accident or purpose for some reason, she would have been aware of this.
If anyone has any more questions about the area/parking/RV lot, etc. Please do not hesitate to ask. I know the area like it's the back of my hand, and if it would help to clarify questions for anyone, I'd gladly help in anyway.