Marty Gordon
NRVsports@mainstreetnewspapers.com
College students and others still go to Cardwell Fields in the Jefferson Forest just outside Blacksburg.
Many that make the small trip close to the Giles/Craig County do not know what happened 16 years ago – a tragedy with lots of questions. This year’s anniversary slipped by with little or no attention as students returned to the campus of Virginia Tech.
David Metzler and Heidi Childs were sophomores at Virginia Tech when they were killed in the Caldwell Fields area Aug. 26, 2009. The couple, originally from the Lynchburg area, had traveled to an isolated spot in the Jefferson National Forest to play music and enjoy a quiet conversation in Metzler’s Toyota Camry.
Investigators confirmed Metzler was shot through a driver’s-side window. Childs was gunned down immediately after she ran from the car.
Police continue to study the incident, and just days before this year’s anniversary, the Virginia State Police issued an update.
Sgt. Rick Garletts said despite its age, the case has remained an active investigation.
“Local, state, and federal law enforcement officials are encouraged by the information that is still being provided by the public and continue to follow up on all relevant leads pertaining to this case,” he said.
The facts are there, but a true suspect is not.
Investigators say the couple were sitting in a small parking area to the right of the park. The shooting took place between 8:25 p.m. and 10 p.m.
David’s guitar, which he had brought along to play that night, was still in the car; but some of Heidi’s things were missing. The 18-year-old’s purse was missing, along with a camera, credit card, phone and Virginia Tech ID card.
Their bodies were discovered in that same parking lot early the next morning, Aug. 27, 2009, by a man walking his dogs. The murder weapon has been determined to be a 30/30 rifle.
There was DNA found under Childs’ fingernails, but investigators have not been able to link it to any suspect.
Over the years, there have been people of interest. Investigators have not said if that group has been eliminated or if any are still on the table in the case. They do believe it’s highly likely that someone observed the suspect on Craigs Creek Road that night. Again, there is hope someone still might remember something from that night.
Local, state and federal investigators say they hope a new state police cold case website and a $100,000 reward will generate renewed interest and more information about the two Virginia Tech students. For those that are interested in learning more about Metzler, Childs, and the investigation are encouraged to visit www.coldcase.vsp.virginia.gov.