State Police and University of Virginia Police say they are stopping the ground search for missing Virginia Tech Student Morgan Harrington and investigating the state she was in before she disappeared this past Saturday.
At a news conference in Charlottesville Wednesday afternoon, investigators said they believe that Harrington was on the grounds of the John Paul Jones Arena (JPJA) until at least 9:30 p.m. this past Saturday. Harrington was there with a group of friends, attending the Metallica concert.
Police believe Harrington left her friends to go to the bathroom and somehow ended up outside JPJA. There was no re-entry allowed on the night of the concert. Investigators say Harrington got in contact with her friends, and told them she would either get in touch with them later or find another way home.
Investigators said a passer-by found Harrington's purse between the arena and the UVA athletic fields, in a small parking lot. They did not find signs of a struggle, but are treating the case as a criminal investigation.
Police also said they checked surveillance video from JPJA and the surrounding area, but it has not helped their investigation.
Investigators plan to release information about a reward as early as Thursday. It will be a minimum of $50,000.
State Police also said they have created a new tip line. It is 434-352-3467. State Police say they have received more than 100 tips from across the country.
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