Police continue to seek assistance from the public in locating missing person

13 Nov 2009

The University of Virginia Police Department is seeking information that would help locate a missing person. Morgan Dana Harrington, a 20-year-old student from Virginia Tech, was last seen on Oct. 17, 2009, near the John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville.

Nov. 13 update: State and local police continue to seek information related to the search for Mogran Harrington. On Nov. 13, authorities released additional details related to her Oct. 17 disappearance.

Based on independent witness accounts, investigators believe that Harrington was hitchhiking for a ride while on the Copeley Road bridge in Charlottesville. Investigators have requested that if anyone recalls seeing a young woman matching Harrington's description hitchhiking Oct. 17 on or near the Copeley Road bridge to contact them by phone or e-mail. Anyone who may remember seeing a vehicle stopped in the roadway on Copeley Road bridge that night is also asked to contact investigators at the tip line.

In addition to a previous description of what Harrington was wearing, investigators have said she was also wearing a Swarovski Crystal necklace made of large crystal chain links. A photo of what the necklace looks like appears on the Search for Morgan Harrington website.

Nov. 4 update: At a press conference in Charlottesville today, Dan Harrington sought volunteers and announced plans for a community search to be held in Charlottesville the weekend of Nov. 6-8. Details, he indicated, will be posted to www.findmorgan.com. Harrington also announced that a community meeting to review the search process is planned for Thursday, Nov. 5 at the Cavalier Inn in Charlottesville. The meeting is intended for those interested in organizing the search and will begin at 7 p.m. in the Cavalier Inn's Jefferson Room.

See the Search for Morgan Harrington website for tip line and other search information.

Oct. 30 update: Read the "Statement from Daniel and Gil Harrington."

Oct. 28 update: During a press conference held this morning, the state police reviewed the timeline and appealed for anyone who had possibly seen Harrington between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. to contact them.

Oct. 23 update: See the Search for Morgan Harrington website for tip line and search information.

Oct. 21 update: A new tip line has been created in the search for Harrington. Call police at (434) 352-3467 with any information.

Oct. 19: Anyone who saw Harrington or someone matching her description any time after Saturday, Oct. 17, are urged to contact authorities immediately. The contact number for the state police is (434) 352-3435, and the e-mail address is bci-appomattox@vsp.virginia.gov. To reach University of Virginia Police, call (434) 924-7166 or e-mail police@virginia.edu.

Harrington was last seen wearing a black T-shirt with the tan letters that spelled “Pantera” across the front, a black mini skirt with black tights and knee high black boots. She has long blond hair and blue eyes. Harrington is 5-feet-6-inches tall and weighs approximately 120 lbs.

If you have seen Harrington or have knowledge of her whereabouts contact the University of Virginia Police Department at (434) 924-7166.

Virginia Tech Police may be reached at (540) 231-6411.

Those in the university community who may wish assistance or desire counseling support may contact: