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Virginia Sheriffs' Institute
Supporting Virginia’s Sheriffs & Deputies

A REWARD IS BEING OFFERED IN EXCESS OF $70,000 FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST AND CONVICTION OF THE PERSON OR PERSONS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MURDER OF DAVID METZLER AND HEIDI CHILDS ON OR ABOUT AUGUST 26, 2009

The Joint Montgomery County, Federal and State Task Force would like to announce information that has developed in the Metzler/Childs double homicide. On August 26, 2009 in the evening hours (19) year old David Metzler and (18) year old Heidi Childs drove from Blacksburg to Craig Creek Road in Montgomery County and arrived at Caldwell Fields in the Jefferson National Forest at approximately 8:25 PM.. Between the hours of 8:25 PM and 10:00 PM David and Heidi were murdered in the parking lot of Caldwell Fields. The murder weapon has been determined to be a 30/30 caliber rifle.

The murderer stole Heidi’s purse containing various items, to include her:
1) Cell phone,
2) Camera,
3) Identification card,
4) Virginia Tech Lanyard, and
5) Credit Card.

The purse and its contents have not been recovered. Anyone who has information on these items is urged to contact the Task Force at (540) 382‐6900. The murders occurred on a Wednesday night and many people were traveling to and from church services on Craig Creek Road. It is highly likely that someone observed the suspect or suspect’s vehicle on Craig Creek Road. Investigators have identified many of the vehicles traveling the road that night. However; we are still attempting to locate several vehicles on the list provided to you. The owners of these vehicles are not necessarily suspects; however, they may be able to provide information that would be helpful to the investigation.

We have developed DNA evidence in this case. Investigators are focusing their efforts on the collection of DNA samples from residents and people who frequent the area. These samples are being used for elimination purposes. We have been overwhelmed by the cooperation and assistance from people who have been asked to provide samples. We encourage the public to continue working with law enforcement to help us solve these BRUTAL MURDERS and bring justice to David and Heidi’s killer.

I have a message for the murderer:

“WE HAVE DNA EVIDENCE. WE ARE ACTIVELY AND AGGRESIVELY PURSUING YOU, WE WILL NOT REST UNTIL YOU ARE APPREHENDED