Tragedy Strikes Virginia Tech Yet Again
The bodies of two Virginia Tech students were found at Jefferson National Park, 15 miles from the school's campus, on Thursday morning.
18-year-old Heidi Childs and 19-year-old David Metzler's bodies were discovered by police in the parking lot of the park, both with fatal bullet wounds.
There are currently no suspects in the homicide case.
So, so sad.
Virginia Tech has been riddled with tragedy; the campus was the target of a mass killing in April 2007, and just this past January, a student was decapitated in a cafe on campus.
Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger penned a letter to VA's students and faculty to not be afraid to ask for support from one another.
Writes President Steger: "Once again, this community is visited by senseless violence and tragedy upon aspiring young minds from our campus. I know that many of you likely have complex feelings about now. How can this happen in this area, at this time, to this community?"
Here's to hoping the tragic murder is solved sooner than later, if only for the sake of closure for the loved ones of the deceased.
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there is definitely a curse on that school. no doubt about it!
Snooz
I am a student at Virginia Tech, and I can honestly say how saddened I am to hear this news. One of my friends knew the girl, and it's tragic. I absolutely love this school, and it's horrible that all of these tragic events are occurring. It's not the school's fault and just remember, it really can happen anywhere. It's not VaTechs fault. Pray for the family's victims.
How sad. :[
Wow this is really really bad for VT. They were 18 and 19, so you know that the 2007 tragedy crossed those parents' minds and they probably said to themselves "there's no way something like that will happen again. they're safe." How is anyone going to ever feel SAFE attending VT?? They've got a major PR issue on hand.
Wow, I had no idea about the decapitation; I don't even remember anything being mentioned in the news! That's really awful.
Thanks for mentioning this Perez. As a recent graduate at Virginia Tech, I am very sad by this news. Fortunately there is a tremendous spirit at that school. I wish I could be there right now. Please don't look down on Virginia Tech for these occurrences. The school is truly an amazing place and the town if Blacksburg is extremely welcoming and safe. May the spirit of the Hokie community surround the friends and families of the victims of the latest tragedy.
So sad, people need to get their act together and STOP THE KILLING! it's pathetic.
“Gun control? We need bullet control! I think every bullet should cost 5,000 dollars. Because if a bullet cost five thousand dollar, we wouldn't have any innocent bystander killed" -Chris Rock
Thats so sad, my heart goes out to their familes.
They say bad things happens in three's- hopefully this will be the last tragedy Virgina Tech sees.
I just hope nothing happens to my friends who go there. My cousin went there during the time of the shooting.
The bullets wouldn't have helped the last Tech victim whose head was literally SAWED OFF in broad daylight in a packet campus cafe. DURING LUNCH.
There wasn't much press about that.
Virginia Tech is located in a tiny town that had never really even SEEN violence until about 5 years ago. They' been through a lot, and I hope that they have time to heal.
We need more cams in all public spaces. I thought the laws in the US for murder were very severe, so it's a wonder that people are ready to risk their liberty for a stupid murder. I mean, what was this murder about? Just another stupid quarrel? You think you can outsmart forensic sciences all your life? A science that evolve every year? I give 15 years the most before these murderers are found.
i don't understand why so much happens there. look at the world, getting more corrupt everyday.
now these two are someone worthy of grieving for, not all the stupid hollyweird self centered ilk that have bought the farm lately due to self indulgent drug abuse. These two poor souls were shot down in the prime of their lives for a random senseless act of violence. Who gives a damn about that stupid Jew DJ AM; I don't. these two kids are the ones we should be crying over. I will pray for their families.
I'm a Hokie and lived in Blacksburg for almost nine years…during that time there was never violence only team and community spirit…right now that is being tested with recent events but I believe they will get past it and be stronger…it is truelly one of the most beautiful places in the US and the recent events, I hope, don't keep others from experiencing that….to those just moving there to go to school…your in for the four best years of your life…enjoy and goodluck!
the school can be great but obviously something is going on if theres so many deaths like these…probably the location? i would transfer….
my heart goes out to their friends and family, i can't believe it happened again. I hope they catch the guy who did it.
This is very sad, but Perez you shouldnt compare this with the masacare that happened. This double homicide happened off campus. Something tell me this was jealousy. Someone didnt want these two to be a couple.
Thank you so much Perez for mentioning this. I am a graduate of the school (2007) and this means so much. I think you are so FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And P.S.
To whom ever is calling themselves "Lindsay Lohan" and saying that this is a snooz…fuck you and you have no feelings what so ever. You can not comment on this what so ever. Unless you went to Virginia Tech and have been through a such a horrible event as 4/17/07 then you have nothing to say you bitch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm a graduate of VT and would not trade those 4 years of my life for anything in this world. In the past few years there have been unspeakable tragedies that have occurred within the Hokie Family. I hope that our country and the world realizes that these are unfair coincidences can happen anywhere, and they should not reflect upon the amazing community that is Virginia Tech. Spend your time praying for the families of victims of these tragedies, rather than trying to think about how the campus itself is "cursed." There is no greater place to spend your college years than Blacksburg, VA… I stand behind that and hope my two children can someday call themselves Hokies, and be as proud of their alma mater as I am today.
too bad Michael Vick came out of VT alive
This is seriously chilling. The world is getting worse….
Are you fucking kidding me? I would fucking leave that school and never go back. WTF, people are still going to this school? GUY…gay student was killed at my university recently, dis betta not be a trend
I knew Heidi and David, and I will miss them so much. They worked at the local ice cream shop here in town, and they had such bright spirits. The world has truly lost two angels in this horrific incident. Thank you, Perez, for mentioning this on your site.
Re: bruin – the location of the school has nothing to do with what's been going on there in the past few years.
re: Aussieone #9
Except when the cops do it.
re: #13 Please read 1984. Do it for yourself.
It's very sad, but I can honestly say the location has nothing to do with it. People are crazy, all over the world. Homicides happen all over the world.
I've been a VT student for a little while now, and have been a student during this and the "decapitation" tragedy. The community is strong and everyone helps each other.
I hope they find out why this happened and incarcerate whoever was responsible.
this school is fucking cursed! GET OUT WHILE YOU CAN BITCHES!
Thanks so much for posting this… My sister's boyfriend was very close to the guy, the both of them are heartbroken to no end. I can't imagine such a horrific scenario, this should happen to no one. Especially young, smart, beautiful people such as these two. Please pray for their friends and family.
going to that school must be like living in a horror movie
Pero que coño es esto! WTF! ??
Columbine tuvo mas exito, es mas , esto es un plagio, solo porque el chino los admiraba y queria imitarles…. Dylan y Eric son insuperables
So sad…..They should get way more security there….My heart goes out to there families…
David was a BHS Bee and he will be missed, as will Heidi. Please Pray for the families!
Thanks Perez for posting this in a tasteful, sincere manner! Let's all please have some class when it comes to respecting others at a time like this.
I have lived in Blacksburg my entire life and to say that this town or Va Tech is cursed is just insane. I really hope that before people leave rude comments on here that they think about the people from this town that are living here and reading this and how that might make them feel. This town is a wonderful place to live and while the events over the last years are quite horrible the spirt of the people of the people in this town is like no other.
Is there something in the water?
Re: señ!!!SEMICOLON!!!oritadenver – Que rayos tiene que ver Columbine con esto? Son eventos totalmente diferentes aparte de que fueron estudiantes los que murieron.
i've lived about 10 minutes from blacksburg bascially my whole life and these past couple years have definitely been tragic.
however, the rude comments are unnecessary. yes, they were both va tech students, but personally, i think, until the killer is found, we shouldnt connect this homicide to va tech. unless of course, the killer is also a va tech student.
i mean, it wasnt even on the campus.
you guys need to chill out.
tells us more about the DECAPITATION Perez??? How the fuck did this go down?
I wanna see PICSSS!!!!!!!!!! man this is better than final destination
My suitemate was very close to both of them. We all need to come together around their friends and family and offer as much support as we can. My heart goes out to Virginia Tech. It is absolutely tragic that such a wonderful school keeps being tainted by violence.
Virginia Tech is one of the largest public universities in the country with over 30,000 undergraduate students attending the small, Blacksburg, Va school. Today, it is ranked as one of the top 50 schools in America. And as a senior, I am saddened by the events that have happened during my four years. However, the tragedy that has occurred in Blacksburg is not the fault of the school. The fact of the matter is that to say the school is haunted is an ignorant and shameless reaction to a senseless act of violence. Please, pray for the families of these two young people, but do not feel sorry for the students of Virginia Tech. There is nothing that unites like the hokie spirit, and nothing that can tear that apart, and the community should be applauded for it's strength through tragedy, not weakness at the onset. Thank - you.
Re: VTJenna – Excuse me? Kids are getting sliced and diced like a cheap remake of Scream and you want us to believe it's a safe lovely environment. The place should be shut down immediately and burned to the ground together with anyone who wants to stay… jus sayin'
I go to Virginia Tech and the media really needs to realize that this is our home. All of us students here love this school so much. We're really one big family. Yes, there have been very trying events recently. However, when you have to worry about getting harassed by reporters on the way to class, things can get even more upsetting. Please media, just let us be and heal in peace.
God bless and protect Virginia Tech Students and staff and family! I hope they catch the killer. This can happen anywhere at any school. Prayers to the victims family.
This is a senseless act and I don't see AT ALL how VaTech is to blame.
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However, A DECAPITATION? IN BROAD DAYLIGHT? COME AGAIN?
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How the hell can a skinny little puny Asian guy DECAPITATE a female student and NO ONE STEPS IN TO HELP? IN BROAD DAYLIGHT, no less. THAT is what makes VaTech unsafe. The fact that you can be DECAPITATED IN BROAD DAYLIGHT IN A PACKED PUBLIC COFFEE HOUSE AND NO ONE WILL STEP IN AND HELP.
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Fuck you pathetic cowardly "Hokies". Someone should have helped that poor girl who was decapitated. Damn "Hokie" cowards. How patheitc is that stupid name "Hokie" anyway?
CittyKat- your comment was not only ignorant and hateful, but makes you appear to be a complete idiot for not bothering to look up the facts before spreading this BS.
The murder last year took place at night in a cafe on the bottom floor of graduate housing. I believe reports said there were 7 customers total in the shop. The two were sitting and eating quietly and a split second later she had been murdered. The customers in the shop called 911 who responded almost immediately. For you to call these students cowards, who had just suffered unimaginable loss and fear a few months earlier, for leaving a shop because a murderer is 5 feet away is way off base. These students, unfortunately, could no longer help the young lady who had just been killed, but instead focused on protecting their fellow hokies by insuring everyone made it out of the shop safely.
Virginia Tech has remained in the spotlight after April 16th 2007. Unfortunately murders and deaths do occur, for that is the world we live in and Virginia Tech is not alone in this trend of increasing tragedies among universities. To those who say Virginia Tech should be shut down, your ignorance of the world baffles me. Virginia Tech has given this country so much, and as a current Hokie I am proud to call Blacksburg my home.
I'm not saying "If you dont have something nice to say, don't say it." But… if you cant mumble out a coherent, half-way knowledgeable, un effed up comment, do yourself, and the rest of the world, a favor and just shut up.
Re: CittyKat –
Hey, CittyKat. Just another cowardly Hokie here. Thought I'd let you know that you should probably do a little more research before you make such another inappropriate and vulgar comment.
That packed cafe you were talking about? There were about 7 people there.
The fact that it happened in broad daylight? Well, that's funny, because I remember walking across campus in the dark at about 7 pm that night…minutes before it happened.
The police station is about a block from this cafe; they were on the scene a little over a minute after the phone call was made. A minute. By the time people in the cafe figured out was going on, it was probably too late to react. I don't know - I wasn't there. All I know is that it's easy to say that you'd step in and be a valiant hero, but the fact is, you'll never know unless you're in that situation. But I don't think a single soul in that room that night decided to sit back and enjoy the 'show.' So, you can call it cowardly if you want, but you'll never know what they were thinking or how they felt when they saw what happened - so, please don't make any more assumptions.
I hate to get all defensive here, especially in the light of such a tragedy, but I love my school and I love my Hokies - those who are still with us and those who aren't. I can't sit back and let someone insult my community and my family - especially someone who has no idea what they're talking about.
To everyone else - thank you for your support, and please keep these two students and their families in your thoughts and prayers.
note to self: go to different school
Virginia Tech is a wonderful loving community full of Hokie spirit. We all stand together. We have had some tragedies in the past few years but that does not make VT a unsafe place. This could happen anywhere, in fact it has happened at other places, people just seem to only see the VT tragedies. We are not cowards and we stand tall to protect those around us. There are many heroes from these tragedies and so many forget about them. Thank you for recognizing these lives lost. Pray for the families of not only these two victims, but also those of the 32 lost 4.16.2007. I just graduated and I would never change going to Tech, there is no community like the community of Blacksburg.
HOKIES STAND TALL AND STAND TOGETHER! WE ARE A COMMUNITY OF ONE, NOTHING CAN BREAK THE HOKIE SPIRIT!
That's absolutely tragic! My heart goes out to their families.
My ex went to VT. My brother is a huge fan of VT football. I preferred UVa, though.
But yeah, 37 killings in 2 years at one school — Virginia Tech — is definitely strange.
2 (deputy & guard) were shot by a guy who escaped from the jail which prompts VT to issue a lockdown
33 (including the killer) dead during the VT Massacre
1 female Chinese decapitated last year by this insane male Chinese at Au Bon Pain Cafe on VT campus
and now this 2 VT students shot in Jefferson National Forest.
Wonder how the VT PR will spin this in the long run.
R-
VTech is an amazing school and I visited the campus last summer and must say that Blacksburg is one of the nicest towns in the world! An incident like this is very unfortunate and can happen anywhere, i do hope they find out what really happened. I am truly saddened by this tragedy and send my heartfelt condolences to the families and the friends of the victims.
Anyone who can read this post, or others like it, and comment in a negative way without showing any emotion towards this couple's family, friends, and classmates is a monster. I understand events like this occur more frequently than most people are willing to acknowledge, but please show respect. Tech has brought together so many people in times of hardship, and the amount that the students have been through already has created a unique bond that you definitely will not find on any other campus in any other part of the world. Please keep your defamatory, distasteful, rude, or unnecessary comments to yourself. If a loved one of yours passed away, would you want others poking fun at the issue or speaking in a light any less than positive? Please, let the mourning grieve, and understand that this isn't just tabloid news that is here one day and gone the next- this event has affected many, many lives, and the pain and grief that is felt by this event will not be diminished any time soon. Have a heart.
I am from VA. My parents met at Tech and got married there. Most of my aunts and uncles attended VaTech, and I also have many friends and cousins there. I live in Cancun now, and I remember hearing on the news over 2 years ago about a shooting in some university in Virginia. I couldn't even imagine what university it could be, and when I saw the Tech flag on the TV, I just fell to the floor. It was the LAST university I expected to see there. I agree with many people that it is WEIRD that all of this is happening, and quite frankly a PR nightmare. However, everyone I know who has gone there has been a bright, intelligent, friendly person. After knowing over 50 such people as tech alums, I can't bring myself to think badly of the school due to the actions of 2 or 3 people. I hope all of you Hokies are coping well. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
When the 4th tragedy strikes this lowlife trailerpark of a university, will you pieces of shit THEN let us close the place the fuck down???? what's it going to take mutha fuckas?
Re: KJBRocks –
Cutting someone's head off, OMG what they are trying to prove? How come Perez didn't pickup this story? I want to know more!!!
Where is this crime coming from? Maybe VA should relocate.
It is completely disrespectful for people to make such negative comments on a situation. If that was someone you knew who got killed or injured, you wouldn't be saying the same thing. Violence like this happens all over the place and the only reason you hear about violence at Tech so much is because of the massacre. Tech is a great place and it produces even better alumni. No other school has a sense of community like the Virginia Tech community. Notice how you don't see Virginia Tech students making rude and disrespectful comments. Maybe unlike other people we were taught better.
I am so sick of these "hokies" making everything about themselves! At the end of the day you may still live in and love your "hokie nation" but I seriously doubt that is comforting to the families that have lost their loved ones and will never see them again. So you hokies keep partying and loving your school, but the 36 students that were once hokies should not be defined as just that. The most idiotic sign I've ever seen was "There is a Hokie Heaven". How presumptive.
With that being said, the murder of these two beautiful, wonderful people is an absolute tragedy. I only hope their family can one day find peace and that justice is served.
wow as a tech student some of these comments make me sick. people should think before posting. and you might want to get your facts straight as well–the horrible incident last year did NOT happen in broad daylight, it was pitch black around 8 at night and i would know because i was next door. i love my school and yeah its unfortunate this keeps happening but what is more unfortunate is some of the responses from you all.