State police say forensic evidence has allowed them to connect a man charged in the kidnapping of UVA student Hannah Graham to the case of Virginia Tech student Morgan Harrington, who disappeared in 2009. A look at the reaction from Harrington’s family and the on-going search for Graham.
Gil and Dan Harrington have spoken often with reporters since their daughter disappeared – hoping to help police solve the case and to make young women aware of the danger posed by sexual predators. Now, the Harringtons say they’re relieved that Morgan’s killer may be in custody and they plan to step back – allowing the media to focus solely on the Graham case.
Meanwhile, the search for Graham continues. David Watson, with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, says 15-20 trained volunteers and a number of canines are working in southern Albemarle County, along Route 29, responding to tips provided by the public.
“They are looking for things that normal folks might not think to consider – footprints or broken twigs, things that might suggest someone had passed through the area.”
A few years ago, police said DNA had linked the Harrington case to a 2005 rape in Northern Virginia. Officials in Fairfax are not commenting on yesterday’s news from state police, and legal experts say it may not be necessary for them to bring charges if LJ Mathew – the man accused of kidnapping Hannah Graham – is convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole. He’ll appear in court Thursday for a bond hearing through a special video link with the regional jail.
