1 month on, search continues for student

Today marks a month since the disappearance of Morgan D. Harrington, a 20-year-old Virginia Tech student who vanished after attending a concert at the John Paul Jones Arena.

Harrington disappeared the night of Oct. 17 after leaving a Metallica show. She became separated from her friends during the concert and wound up outside the arena. After being unable to gain readmission, she called a friend and said she would try to find a way home.

Witnesses have reported seeing a woman matching Harrington’s description hitchhiking, authorities said last week. Previously, investigators said she was last spotted on the Copeley Road bridge at about 9:30 p.m.

Whether Harrington got a ride is unknown. The trail goes cold at that point.

The case has been receiving national media coverage, which has generated tips from across the country for police. In a bid to help find their daughter, Harrington’s parents have been very willing to grant interviews and have appeared on national television shows, including “Nancy Grace” and “Dr. Phil.”

There is a reward of more than $150,000 for information that helps crack the case.

Harrington is 5-feet-6-inches tall and blonde and weighs about 120 pounds.

She was wearing a black T-shirt with “Pantera” written across the front in tan letters, and a black miniskirt, black tights and black knee-high boots the night she disappeared. She was also wearing a Swarovski crystal necklace with a link motif.

Anyone with information can contact the Virginia State Police at 352-3467 or via e-mail at .

Police timeline

All locations are for a woman or women closely matching the description of Morgan Harrington.

• Oct. 17
• 8:20-8:48 p.m. - in several areas immediately outside John Paul Jones Arena, possible including doors, and the side near University Hall.
• 8:48 - Harrington calls her friends to explain the situation, says she’ll try to find ride home.
• 9-9:10 - Walking, with her purse, through the University Hall parking area.
• 9:10-9:20 - seen in the grassy overflow parking area at Lannigan Field.
• 9:20-9:30 - Seen on Copeley Road bridge over railroad tracks.

• Oct. 18
• Harrington’s purse is found in overflow parking area at Lannigan Field.