Missing Tech student’s parents fear foul play

The parents of a Virginia Tech student who disappeared outside a Metallica concert in Charlottesville said yesterday on national television that they fear she is the victim of foul play.

Morgan Dana Harrington's parents said on NBC's "Today" show that they are devoting all their energy to finding their daughter, who was last seen Oct. 17 outside the University of Virginia's John Paul Jones Arena.

"This is probably a parent's worst nightmare," Dan Harrington said. "Clearly no one ever expects to be in this situation, and we have to hold out hope that we're going to see our daughter again."

He speculated that his daughter might have accepted a ride home with someone.

"You know kids at this age think everybody's their friend," said Gil Harrington, Morgan's mother.

Asked if they feared foul play, Gil Harrington responded: "Nothing else makes sense."

Authorities announced yesterday that several online videos they had examined didn't contain footage of Morgan Harrington as previously thought.

Police hope a $150,000 reward -- including $50,000 from Metallica -- will help generate new leads. Tips can be submitted by calling (434) 352-3467 or e-mailing .

Harrington's disappearance has prompted authorities to boost patrols on U.Va.'s campus this Halloween weekend.