Metallica Ups Reward in Morgan Dana Harrington Case

October 27, 2009

The heavy metal band Metallica has added $50,000 to a $100,000 reward that is being offered for information on Morgan Dana Harrington, a Metallica fan and Virginia Tech student who has not been seen since she attended the group's Oct. 17 concert in Charlottesville, VA.

The band has yet to publicly comment on this latest development. Last week band members posted a message to their Web site, encouraging anyone with information in the case to come forward and contact the authorities.

"We are deeply concerned about the disappearance of 20-year-old Virginia Tech student Morgan Dana Harrington, who was last seen while attending our concert at the John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, VA," reads the message.

Authorities have been mum this week. The last press conference in the case was held on Oct. 21, and no new information has been released since that time.

Meanwhile, Morgan's parents, Dan and Gil Harrington, continue to devote all their energy to finding their daughter.

"This is probably a parent's worst nightmare," Dan Harrington said on NBC's "Today" show. "Clearly, no one ever expects to be in this situation, and we have to hold out hope that we're going to see our daughter again."

Gil echoed Dan's statement and said that the family wants to do as much as it can "while people's memories are still fresh."

Morgan Dana 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.

www.findmorgan.com

A $150,000 reward is being offered for information leading to Morgan's safe return or information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for her disappearance. Anyone with information is asked to call the tip line at 434-352-3467 or contact authorities by e-mail at bci-appomattox@vsp.virginia.gov.

Related Link:
Investigation Discovery: Full Coverage: Morgan Dana Harrington

Photo Credits: Metallica: Gary Miller/FilmMagic; Morgan Dana Harrington: Contributed

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Criminal Profiler Shares Insights on Morgan Dana Harrington Case

October 23, 2009

Law enforcement agencies around the world have often relied on the expertise of Dr. Deborah Schurman-Kauflin, a renowned criminal profiler who has studied and investigated some of the world's most elusive criminals. As a result of her firsthand experience, Dr. Schurman-Kauflin has developed a vast knowledge about predators - a knowledge that allows her to have unique insight into the case of Morgan Dana Harrington, a 20-year-old Virginia Tech student who went missing on Oct. 17 during a heavy metal concert in Charlottesville, VA.

"This case highlights the dangers inherent at public events. People who go there generally don’t know the vicinity, and this can cost them," Dr. Schurman-Kauflin said in an interview with Investigation Discovery. "They can wander into areas they didn’t mean to and get themselves into trouble. Once separated from others, the victim is uncomfortable and more ready to make a bad judgment."

Dr. Schurman-Kauflin said that it is not unusual for sexual predators and murderers to stalk arena parking lots in search of victims. She said they operate in a similar manner to child molesters, who generally cruise areas around schools looking for children to snatch

"Predators in the wild go where the meal is. The same is true for psychopathic criminals - they go where the 'meal' is," Dr. Schurman-Kauflin said, adding, "Being in an unfamiliar environment, coupled with potential drug/alcohol use, can make victim selection easy. This is what the offender wants."

The location where Morgan's purse was found, a parking area not far from the arena, comes as no surprise to Dr. Schurman-Kauflin.

 "If I am going to take a victim, I don’t want anyone to see," she said. "I want to spend the least amount of time in a public place with a victim that doesn’t realize how much danger she has put herself in. Darkness is my friend in this case. It protects me and challenges my victim. This is alluring to potential offenders."

In regard to how Morgan's alleged abduction may have occurred, Dr. Schurman-Kauflin offered the following insight:

"People often make the mistake of thinking that all abductions have to be blitz style attacks where perpetrators suddenly overpower their victims. That is not always how it happens," she said. "A smooth criminal can easily gain the trust of someone who is in unfamiliar territory. All it takes is a good appearance and an ability to chat up anyone. Most psychopaths can pull that off if they have done it before."

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Family of Morgan Dana Harrington Share 'Special Message'

October 22, 2009

It has been four days since anyone has seen Morgan Dana Harrington, a 20-year-old Virginia Tech student who went missing during a Metallica concert in Charlottesville, VA. Despite their best efforts, authorities still not know Morgan's current whereabouts or the exact details of what happened to her. Nevertheless, Morgan's parents, Dan and Gil Harrington, are not yet ready to give up hope, as is evident in a statement that was released this afternoon by a family spokesperson.

"Dr. Harrington and his wife have asked that the following message be shared with everyone possible," the statement reads. "The Harrington's have a special message of love they communicate with one another verbally, in notes, and even in signing."

The message, according to the statement, looks like this:

According to the statement, the Harrington's believe if the message is shared with others Morgan will experience "love, comfort and peace."

T-shirts and other items bearing the Harrington's special message will be available tonight at a vigil that is scheduled to take place at Northside High school in Roanoke, Virginia. The vigil will be held on the football field at 7:00 p.m.

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 tip line at 434-352-3467, or contact authorities by e-mail at bci-appomattox@vsp.virginia.gov.

Related Link:
Investigation Discovery: Full Coverage: Morgan Dana Harrington

Photo Credit: Contributed

Morgan Dana Harrington Press Conference

October 21, 2009

The Virginia State Police held a news conference this afternoon to update the public on the case of Morgan Dana Harrington, a 20-year-old Virginia Tech student who has not been seen since Oct. 17.

"Today, we have concluded what we believe is an appropriate amount of time spent on a localized ground search," Lt. Joe Rader said. "A localized ground search has been [conducted] around the University of Virginia, in the area of John Paul Jones arena, as well as the athletic fields." 

Rader also commented on speculation surrounding the discovery of Morgan's cell phone, which was found with her purse in a parking area of the arena. Rader confirmed the discovery and also reports that the battery had been removed from the phone; however he also said it is too early to determine how important those finds are.

"[It] may at some point be pertinent but in this particular situation, based on interviews we have conducted, it would not be unusual [for] the battery [to] drop out of the cell phone. So that is what it is, until we develop anything else that leads us into a criminal matter."

Rader said that interviews in the case are ongoing and that investigators have spoken with Morgan's friends and individuals who were in attendance at the concert.

"We can confirm that she was at least on the grounds in the John Paul Jones arena up through 9:30 Saturday night," Rader said. "We can confirm that [but] please do not get stuck on that time table, especially if you are out there hearing this and might have information that may [go] beyond 9:30. 

The tip line, Rader said, has been inundated with calls but not all of them have proven to be helpful.

"The tip line is really beneficial to police from the aspect that we need information that is relevant to facts that may surround the disappearance of Morgan," Rader said. "I mean that is simply what it's for. Many calls have come in [suggesting] theories of what happened [and] what the police should be doing. That is very acceptable; however it doesn't add a tremendous amount to the facts - to try to resolve the investigation. I would just ask that people keep that in mind. We need information pertinent to the disappearance."

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Morgan Dana Harrington Update

Officials with the Virginia State police are planning to hold a news conference at 3:00 p.m. EST. today, to update the public on the case of Morgan Dana Harrington, a 20-year-old Virginia Tech student who has not been seen since attending a Metallica concert on Oct. 17 at the John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, VA.

In related news, the search for Morgan continues. Local authorities, along with Federal Bureau of Investigation agents, were spotted searching in several locations today, including areas surrounding Davenport Field and Klockner Stadium. Both locations are not far from the arena where Morgan went missing.

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.

Related Link:
Morgan Dana Harrington – Where Are You?
Metallica Alerts Fans to Missing College Student, Morgan Dana Harrington

Photo Credit: Contributed

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in its entirety without permission from Discovery Communications. All quotes must include a link back.

Metallica Alerts Fans to Missing College Student, Morgan Dana Harrington

The heavy metal band Metallica has posted a message on their Web site regarding Morgan Dana Harrington, a Metallica fan and Virginia Tech student who has not been seen since she attended the groups Oct. 17 concert.

"We are deeply concerned about the disappearance of 20-year-old Virginia Tech student Morgan Dana Harrington, who was last seen while attending our concert at the John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, VA, on Saturday night," reads the message.

The band is encouraging anyone with information in the case to come forward and contact the authorities.

"Additionally, if you or anyone you know shot video footage or took photos of the concert or audience, please check to see if there is anyone in your photos who might resemble Morgan … Our thoughts are with Morgan and her family for her safe return."

Meanwhile, Morgan's friends have planned a vigil for her scheduled to take place tomorrow night at Northside High school in Roanoke, Virginia. For more information, please visit: www.morgandanaharrington.com.

According to State police spokeswoman Corinne Geller, authorities are continuing to follow up on leads.

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.

Related Link:
Morgan Dana Harrington – Where Are You?

Photo Credits: Metallica: Gary Miller/FilmMagic; Morgan Dana Harrington: Contributed

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in its entirety without permission from Discovery Communications. All quotes must include a link back.

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.

Related Link:
Help Find Morgan Dana Harrington
Please Help Find Morgan Dana Harrington

Photo Credits: Contributed