Metallica Post PSA Asking For Help In Finding Fan's Killer

Band offers $50,000 for information leading to an arrest in the case of Morgan Harrington, who went missing after a concert in Virginia in 2009.
By Gil Kaufman

James Hetfield
Photo: Lyle A. Waisman/ FilmMagic

More than two years after the remains of Morgan Harrington were found in a field in rural Virginia, Metallica is asking fans to help the FBI find the man suspected of killing her. Virginia Tech student Harrington was last seen hitchhiking away from a Metallica concert on the campus of the University of Virginia on October 17, 2009.

In a video posted on YouTube on Wednesday, singer James Hetfield issued a plea for help in the case. "Remember, any information - no matter how small you might think it is - could be that crucial piece investigators need to help solve the case," he said.

Hetfield explained in the clip that since investigators found Harrington's remains, authorities have uncovered new evidence linking her killer to a similar assault on a woman in Virginia in 2005. The video includes a sketch of the alleged murderer, with and without a beard, and Hetfield reiterated that a reward of up to $150,000 is being offered in exchange for any information on the case.

Harrington, 20, an aspiring teacher, became separated from friends after she left the show early and was denied re-entry to the arena. Her Pantera T-shirt was found outside an apartment in near the Charlottesville auditorium and her skeletal remains were found in field three months later.

Though the FBI has said the suspect in the case is linked to the 2005 incident in which a woman walking home from the grocery store was grabbed and dragged behind a shed and attacked, at this time authorities do not have a positive ID on him and are asking the public to help before he possibly strikes again.

Back in October 2009 Metallica posted a news story on their official website about Harrington's disappearance and Hetfield contacted her parents and offered $50,000 for any information leading to her return.

The Jefferson Area Crime Stoppers is offering $100,000 for any information leading to an arrest in addition to the $50,000 the band has put up. Anyone with information on the case is encouraged to call the Jefferson Area Crime Stoppers at 434-977-4000 or the Virginia State Police at 434-352-3467. Tipsters can also send email to bci-appomattox@vsp.virginia.gov.

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