Found Deceased VA - Morgan Dana Harrington, 20, Charlottesville, 17 Oct 2009 - #10

[part time prof]

respectfully snipped

IMO, it's interesting that they would plan a search when there is snow on the ground, i would think that snow would put a damper on discovery of things if it were to be a people on foot grid type search. There may be leavefall under the snow as well.. I hope it will be an early winter this year and not snow until the end of March.

The article does say it will take a couple of weeks to mobilize, and we're expecting 50 plus degrees this weekend. That said, there were a lot of leaves on the ground before the 21" of snow dumped.

 

[Le Singe]

I think putting out information about people acting strangly around the time of the dissappearance is a good idea. At the same time I think they have to be carefull about how they do it. If they put out that they are looking for someone who went to the concert and has acted strange since this could be a problem b/c if she was in fact out on the bridge and near the road as they say then I think there is a fair chance that the person responsible was not at the concert but just happened to be in the area.

This can be a problem b/c I know if I had some scuspisions about a close friend or family member I would really really not want it to be true and I would be looking for any reason to "rule them out' in my mind. If they say we are looking for someone at the concert and the person I suspect was not at the concert I might use that to justify not having to go through with the very difficult ordeal of turning in someone close to me.

 

[magic-cat]

IF we could know more information from the friends about Morgans state of mind before and during the concert then I think we would have a better chance of figuring out why she would have done certain things. Until those friends begin to open up more, and perhaps they HAVE to the police and we are simply unaware, then I think we are at a stalemate. I feel so horribly for her parents and for her brother. I cannot imagine their anguish in not knowing.

I think the admission that she MAY have been drinking and she MAY have been drugged and she MAY have been suffering from an injury is the place to start. If she WAS drinking, then how drunk was she? Had she been this drunk before? How had she acted on prior ocassions when she had been this drunk? If she was drugged who drugged her? What did they drug her with? Was this a drug she ingested willingly and with full knowledge or was this done without her knowledge? How did this "drugging" occur and when might it have occurred? How was her injury sustained? Who saw it? Why did nobody bother to assist her if she was in fact injured and bleeding? Where was she in relation to her friends when this injury occurred? Had she ever been known to hitch-hike before this? Who were the friends she told her other friends she would get a ride from?

And on and on like that go the questions concerning Morgan and what happened to her. Somebody KNOWS what happened to Morgan. Someone KNOWS all the details of that night and someone needs to start spilling it so Morgan can be found and if she is deceased so her family can begin to grieve. I wish we knew more. I wish more details were being made public. I wish this was Florida and we would know every dadblasted thing there is to know!!! lol :waitasec:

 

[Ghostmaster]

I didn’t realize this but at Metallica concerts for years now the band has restricted sales of alcohol beginning when they take the stage. While some would like to think it is because most of the group were hard core partiers and used and abused both alcohol and drugs, the real explanation is that it is about money.

Since the early 2000’s, concert venues have been holding bands that play there responsible for any damage incurred due to fans getting trashed and tearing up the place. The rule regarding no alcohol once the show starts is due to the cost of insurance. The bands have to take out a policy for each concert to cover damages done by fans if any occurs. According to my friend, this was true at JPJ as well on Oct. 17th. It makes you wonder just what the limit was that night (I’ve heard four per arena policy) and if they sold beer right up until the show started or cut it off sometime prior. Either way, Morgan was gone by then, but it’s an interesting fact. And lends credence to the argument that a totally trashed Morgan would certainly have stood out to LE who was everywhere inside and out. I couldn’t find mention of that in any review from JPJ but here’s one from a gig afterwards in Idaho. And there are plenty of blogs that discuss that fact as well.

By strict definition of the term, certain aspects of Monday night’s Metallica concert did not qualify as entirely metal.
There were the signs announcing that alcohol sales would end the moment Metallica began.

http://voices.idahostatesman.com/2009/12/08/mdeeds/concert_review_metallica_dec_7_idaho_center

 

[Ghostmaster]

I wonder if anyone has contacted ticket master about maybe sending an email to everyone who bought tickets online to that show. That may have been mentioned early on.

That's a great idea. But sadly I think TM's first question would be, "who's going to pay for the time it takes our staff to do it"?

 

[MBLover]

That's a great idea. But sadly I think TM's first question would be, "who's going to pay for the time it takes our staff to do it"?

True...but maybe it would be possible that TM could use it as a write off?

 

[Soulmagent]

That's a great idea. But sadly I think TM's first question would be, "who's going to pay for the time it takes our staff to do it"?

Your most likey right about that,but it would be a good marketing tool as it would bring more traffic to their website which could generate sales if they went about linking the email with upcoming events. They could see it as bad press on the other side on the coin.

 

[arielilane]

This map shows MH disappearing from the Lannigan Field lot, whereas the hitchhiking spot on the bridge, such as has been reported by LE, is probably about 50 yards away, and actually slightly off the map as shown. Small point, but yet another example of mixed information out there. Maybe the Hook generated the map (with the large arrow) earlier than the bridge reports.

But it got me thinking that maybe the Hook is actually (inadvertently) right, that she didn't get in a car on the bridge, but walked back to the lot, where her purse was dumped as whatever happened in her disappearance happened. That at least puts her purse in the right place, and explains why nobody has come forward who saw her getting into a car on the bridge or a car stopping in the middle of Copeley Road.

Let's say she was really hitchhiking (looking for a random ride, which would mean she didn't need to borrow a cell phone...thus no reports of that), on the bridge. A car pulls past, touches the brakes, and then goes another 20 yards or so (okay, I said 50 above, but it depends where she was on the bridge and which direction she was moving, if she was) to turn left into the Lannigan Field lot. MH, thinking it's a safe situation, follows (maybe they even spoke briefly through the car window on the bridge..."where you going?" "JMU" "Me, too" or whatever, and maybe the driver even said "I can't pull over here, I'll pull in up there"). That nobody saw any of whatever happened is kind of surprising, but it was a dark, cold, lightly raining night, and the area isn't really central UVa grounds. Regardless, something happening in the Lannigan Field lot would be a lot less observable than on the bridge.

And that applies even if whoever it was was someone known to MH, though I was exploring a more random thread here.

Yes, the map was generated earlier than the bridge reports.

 

[arielilane]

UVA does have tunnels!

http://theboldandtheruthless.blogspot.com/2008/02/steam-tunnels.html

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevincollins123/2803396795/

http://www.c-ville.com/index.php?ca...28104&ShowArchiveArticle_ID=11432008073295278

So does JMU.

They need to check those tunnels! Anyone remember the story about Dallas Egbert who attended MI State many years ago?

I can't believe the tunnels aren't closed off.

 

[quiqui]

They need to check those tunnels! Anyone remember the story about Dallas Egbert who attended MI State many years ago?

I can't believe the tunnels aren't closed off.

From the brief reading I did it sounds like the tunnels at UVA are closed off...and people like to "unofficially" explore them. Another poster (part time prof - thanks!) did some looking into the links and it seems like there aren't any tunnels in the immediate area to where Morgan was last seen. Maybe someone with personal insight into UVA geography can chime in to further clarify. Seems worth a look to me!

I know JMU's tunnels haven't been officially used in a long time, but as recently as a few years ago I know people who were still going into them. (Though I think it is highly unlikely the JMU tunnels are of any relevance.)

I hadn't heard of the Dallas Egbert story before, how horrible!

 

[MeoW333]

From the brief reading I did it sounds like the tunnels at UVA are closed off...and people like to "unofficially" explore them. Another poster (part time prof - thanks!) did some looking into the links and it seems like there aren't any tunnels in the immediate area to where Morgan was last seen. Maybe someone with personal insight into UVA geography can chime in to further clarify. Seems worth a look to me!

I know JMU's tunnels haven't been officially used in a long time, but as recently as a few years ago I know people who were still going into them. (Though I think it is highly unlikely these tunnels are of any relevance.)

I hadn't heard of the Dallas Egbert story before, how horrible!

Even if they are "closed off", those who "unofficially explore" them know how to and can get in, they should check the tunnels if they haven't already at all locations, at the least to rule them out.

 

[quiqui]

Even if they are "closed off", those who "unofficially explore" them know how to and can get in, they should check the tunnels if they haven't already at all locations, at the least to rule them out.

Oh I definitely agree. The idea of creeping around such "unofficial" places has always given me the creeps...and after frequenting this message board for a few months the idea really gives me the creeps!

On a more hope filled note, I noticed on the FindMorgan website that there is going to be a benefit concert in Richmond this Saturday. Proceeds will go to the Find Morgan Fund. I hope they have a great turn out!

 

[MeoW333]

Oh I definitely agree. The idea of creeping around such "unofficial" places has always given me the creeps...and after frequenting this message board for a few months the idea really gives me the creeps!

On a more hope filled note, I noticed on the FindMorgan website that there is going to be a benefit concert in Richmond this Saturday. Proceeds will go to the Find Morgan Fund. I hope they have a great turn out!

Some people find beauty in such ruins, they even photograph it; there are groups dedicated to urban exploration, however unfortunately abandoned places can also attract some sickos and that is the scary thing.

 

[Georgia PI]

Yes, the map was generated earlier than the bridge reports.

I created a map a while back from all the reports I could find.


http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=e...915041605280294744.00047cb0d37df15af29fe&z=17

 

[MBLover]

Bumping for Morgan

 

[quiqui]

Some people find beauty in such ruins, they even photograph it; there are groups dedicated to urban exploration, however unfortunately abandoned places can also attract some sickos and that is the scary thing.

It's funny you mention that because one of my favorite websites is dedicated to urban exploration photography! I love viewing the photos, guess I'm just a chicken when it comes to going into abandoned locations myself :crazy:

---

According to the JMU Public Safety Alert webpage there was what they are labeling an "abduction and forcable rape" off campus yesterday (http://www.jmu.edu/pubsafety/Timely...elyWarningOffCampusAbductionRape.01.14.10.htm). The area is very close to a lot of new off campus student housing. Mapquest is not updated to show that the two streets mentioned in the report actually connect into one road now.

The suspects stopped a young woman while she was running to ask for directions and then attacked her.

This incident makes me wonder if something similar might have happened to Morgan on the bridge - in that what may have looked like hitchhiking could have been her giving directions to someone with ulterior motives trying to make her approach their vehicle.

This may fit in line with her friendly personality and the confusion as to why she would hitchhike in the first place.

What a scary scary world.

 

[nostoneunturned]

Yes, it is a scary world and even scarier when you live in Harrisonburg!
I heard the other day that the police reported that Morgan's car was never in Harrisonburg..has anyone else found any article saying this??
I have always understood the facts to be that Morgan came to Harrisonburg,left with "friends" to go to the concert...
There may be some connection between Morgan and Alisha Showalter..but I don't think this rape has anything to do with Morgan.
The comment Mr Harrington said about Charlottesville,not being ,as safe as thought to be before Oct 17. I have not felt this area safe since Alisha was killed and her murderer never found.
This has been going on for years around here..we have a ton of missing girls..just look at the missing in Va. I admit a lot of the girls are from northern Va and the Washington DC area but that doesn't mean someone from there couldn't have traveled to Charlottesville,perhaps to see the concert and finding Morgan alone grabbed her.
I hate it when people refer to what someone was wearing, as a probable cause for them being abducted ...that is so unfair..we need to start respecting each other,no matter what someone is wearing...
respect for each other goes along way...if people would just learn to love each other and learn to laugh at the little stuff this world would be so much better off..
I can't even imagine the void ,her family feels. I have lost a pet and been grieved for days, looking every where and not finding them. I wonder if someone had a grudge against the family...nothing could hurt them more than this! Maybe it wasn't a random abduction but something more directed toward her family..I don't know anything but what has been reported...but still I wonder ,if she ever left Harrisonburg alive?
Did her parent's ever speak to her the day of the concert? Once she left to come to Harrisonburg...when did her parents last speak to her and confirm she was alive??
Back to the rapist ,Harrisonburg Police Department ,will catch them..they are good around here..shouldn't take long.

 

[part time prof]

respectfully snipped, and my comments in bold

I heard the other day that the police reported that Morgan's car was never in Harrisonburg..has anyone else found any article saying this??
I have always understood the facts to be that Morgan came to Harrisonburg,left with "friends" to go to the concert...

I haven't ever seen nor heard the part about her car never having been in Harrisonburg, but it could have happened if, for instance, they instead met up in Crozet (about 12 miles west of C'ville, a bit of a drive from Harrisonburg, but also closer to Roanoke/Blacksburg), at a friend's house, parent's house, party pad or wherever. In a related vein, since LE (iirc) didn't ever see or check the car for evidence in Charlottesville (the car was "back" at JMU or her parents' by the time she was reported missing), I've often wondered how they know it was even here?

but that doesn't mean someone from there couldn't have traveled to Charlottesville,perhaps to see the concert and finding Morgan alone grabbed her.

Since Metallica was playing when MH was last seen, it would have had to be a concert-goer who left early (perhaps following her out and stalking her), or it would have had to happen awhile after the official time line ends with MH hitchhiking on the bridge.

I wonder if someone had a grudge against the family...nothing could hurt them more than this! Maybe it wasn't a random abduction but something more directed toward her family..I don't know anything but what has been reported...but still I wonder ,if she ever left Harrisonburg alive?

First, with regard to a vendetta of sorts against the family, I guess when you work, teach, and are an administrator in a psychiatric hospital (DH) or volunteer in such a setting (MH) something could occur, but the perp would have had to know MH was attending the concert (through facebook or wherever) and would have had to plan to be in the right place at the right time, and to me that feels like more of a stretch than random abduction (hitchhiking under impaired judgment) or something else gone bad (head injury or overdose in someone else's presence). And if she never left Harrisonburg alive, then it's a big, big cover up by her friends, who have been cleared (albeit this is something that has been debated on here already...what does cleared really mean...no need to restart that, but I wanted to mention that I know there's some controversy here)

Did her parent's ever speak to her the day of the concert? Once she left to come to Harrisonburg...when did her parents last speak to her and confirm she was alive??

I believe DH is telling the truth about having talked to MH around 3:30 on Saturday October 17th, and that she said she had safely arrived in Harrisonburg. Perhaps cell phone pings confirm that location, but maybe it was actually Crozet or elsewhere.

 

[Ghostmaster]

part time prof
Registered User

Snipped by me…

Since Metallica was playing when MH was last seen, it would have had to be a concert-goer who left early (perhaps following her out and stalking her), or it would have had to happen awhile after the official time line ends with MH hitchhiking on the bridge.

Part time prof; Metallica was not playing when she was last seen. It has been confirmed that MH left the arena prior to the band taking the stage.

http://74.125.93.132/search?q=cache...ore+metallica+played&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

 

[Walker]

Yes, it is a scary world and even scarier when you live in Harrisonburg!
I heard the other day that the police reported that Morgan's car was never in Harrisonburg..has anyone else found any article saying this??

The location(s) of MH's car during the relevant time period remains a major unresolved issue.

http://www.readthehook.com/blog/ind...fore-hitching-morgan-harrington-caused-worry/
Quote from the above link:

Quote:

According to police, in that phone call, Morgan told her friends she was stuck outside the Arena (which, even with a ticket stub, does not allow reentry) and that she would find her own way home. Police have confirmed that a friend inside the concert had driven Morgan’s car and still had her keys. [all emphasis mine]

http://www.readthehook.com/blog/ind...tips-flood-in-but-still-no-morgan-harrington/
Quote from the above link:
Quote:

Police spokesperson Geller says that although driven by a friend, it was definitely Morgan Harrington’s own vehicle. Dr. Harrington has maintained, however, that his daughter’s 2006 Honda Civic, along with its keys, remained in Harrisonburg until retrieved Sunday by his daughter’s roommate who drove it back to the family home in Roanoke.

The cell phone pings could confirm that MH called DH from Harrisonburg at about 3:30 pm the afternoon of 10/17/09.

MH was most probably actually in C'ville as stated by LE, since we have eye witness testimony from both her three companions and at least three BB players later that night. That six (or more) college students would conspire on a very elaborate cover story would seem unlikely.

Why would MH leave her keys behind in Harrisonburg?

Total Speculation:

Since MH was not a current student at JMU, she probably could not park on campus. Maybe she had planned to park at the home of a family friend. In this case, one might give a friend one's keys just in case he (or she) needed to move the car. Is there any other possible reason why one would plan to park one's car and also leave the keys behind?

If MH had followed through on this possible plan, then some other person or persons may have had access to her vehicle. What if the (perhaps naive or elderly) person to whom MH gave the keys had family members, housemates or visitors who were not trustworthy? (Possibly she parked her car on church property, and the keys were placed in some common room). In this case, the car could possibly have been "borrowed" later that night by some unknown party.

If MH and her three companions actually arrived in DC's car that might explain why we have not been informed where MH's car was parked -- no one knows. Maybe DC was both the designated driver & he actually drove his own car; while some other party arrived separately at the concert with her keys in his possession.