Morgan Dana Harrington – Where Are You?

October 20, 2009

Virginia State Police and the University of Virginia Police are searching for 20-year-old Morgan Dana Harrington, a Virginia Tech student who has not been seen since she attended a heavy metal concert last weekend.

Police say Morgan and two friends traveled to Charlottesville on Saturday to attend a Metallica concert at the John Paul Jones Arena. At about 8:40 p.m., Morgan became separated from her friends when she went outside the arena, and she has not been seen since.

Harrington's father, Dr. Daniel P. Harrington, associate dean of Roanoke programs for the University of Virginia School of Medicine, reported his daughter missing on Sunday afternoon when she failed to return home as expected.

University police questioned several of Morgan's friends, who told them that they had not heard from her. Shortly thereafter, Virginia State Police joined the investigation.

According to Lt. Joe Rader, Morgan did not have her cell phone or identification with her at the time of her disappearance. Police have not commented on why she was not carrying those items; however, sources close to the investigation claim that her cellphone – minus the battery - and her purse have since been found in the stadium's parking lot.

Rader said that investigators are treating the case as a missing person's situation; however, he also said that investigators are "concerned" due to the circumstances surrounding the case.

"We encourage her friends who know her habits: Please take an interest in this case," Rader said.

Download Morgan Dana Harrington's Missing Person Flyer

A ground and aerial search have been conducted around the area, but neither has reportedly resulted in any clues. Authorities are continuing to comb the area today, and they are also busy following up on tips that have been generated by growing media coverage.

Unfortunately, a source says that the arena from which Morgan disappeared does not have a security system*. It remains unclear if this is true; however police are asking that people who may have been videoing or taking pictures at the arena review their footage and photos for any sign of Morgan, and if they do see her, they should contact the state police or UVA police.

*UPDATE: Police are now saying that the arena does have a security system and that thay are currently reviewing the footage.

"If someone has Morgan, please let her come home safely," Morgan's father said. 

Morgan Harrington is described as a white female, 5' 6" tall, weighing 120 pounds, with long blonde hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a black t-shirt with "Pantera" written across the front in tan lettering, a black mini skirt, black tights and black knee-high boots.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call the University of Virginia Police Department at 434-924-7166; the Virginia State Police at 434-352-3435, or contact authorities by e-mail at bci-appomattox@vsp.virginia.gov.

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Photo Credits: Contributed

Comments

[lakia moore]

i hope she comes back.

[j.s.h.]

very ominous case, and several mixed factors that spark my curiousity.

1) did the friends travel Together, or separately to j.p. jones arena? (her car and phone/purse were reported as found later so did the two friends get stranded?)

2) if this were an abduction scenario, why would they Leave the Purse and cellphone, yet take the battery? (a quick blitz-abuduction scenario in which the offender (s) subdued her and left, wouldn't explain why the battery was missing, and organized abductors would have taken Everything on her person and disposed of it elsewhere)

I hope there is an update soon, and she just decided to run off with a wily boyfriend or something, but it dosent look good.

[Tiffany]

I am so very sorry to hear about your dauighter i will keep your family in prayer and i hope that your daughter is returned to your home safe and sound! i hope you holidays is filled with laughter and joy Happy Holidays

[Mikayla Moore]

Hi. I am so sorry about your little girl

[Francesca]

I will remember her name for a long time to come even though I don't know her. My thoughts are with the harrington family