Metallica Fan Morgan Harrington Search Called Off

During a press conference Oct. 21, Virginia State Police and University of Virginia Police announced the unfortunate news that, after first calling off an aerial search, they've called off the ground search for missing Metallica fan Morgan Harrington, a 20-year-old Virginia Tech student who was last seen wearing a Pantera shirt, a black skirt and boots at Metallica's Oct. 17 concert in Charlottesville, Va.

There have been several other developments in the case. Detectives have now confirmed that they're handling this case as a criminal investigation, and police also told reporters that they've checked surveillance video captured at the venue and the surrounding area, but that the tapes yielded no clues to add in their investigation.

Police spokesperson Lieut. Joe Rader told reporters during the press conference that authorities are unsure whether Harrington is alive or whether "she has met some kind of ill fate." Police have been working off of more than 100 tips, which have come in from around the country. He called the lack of creditable leads and the fact they've had no contact from Harrington "disheartening."

According to reports, investigators will announce details this afternoon about a reward in the case, which is said to be worth $50,000.

From what police understand at this point, Harrington, who attended the Metallica show with a group of friends, left to use the bathroom, and somehow ended up outside the venue, which has a no re-entry policy. Investigators contacted friends inside, and told them she'd either get in touch with them later or find her own way home.

On Tuesday, Metallica released a statement concerning Harrington's case. "We are deeply concerned about the disappearance of Morgan Dana Harrington," who is blonde and blue-eyed. "She was not carrying I.D. or a cell phone. Morgan was separated from her friends shortly before 9 P.M. at the venue, and police have been searching the area since Monday. We encourage anyone who has any information regarding Morgan's disappearance to please come forward. Our thoughts are with Morgan and her family for her safe return."

Police ask that anyone with information concerning Harrington's disappearance call (434) 352-3467.