Collegiate Times

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“It’s a good thing to remember them and celebrate their lives, have more of a celebratory remembrance rather than a mourning remembrance,” she said.

However, despite the positive tone of the vigil, the question of who murdered Childs and Metzler still looms over the community.

“It’s a tragedy, for sure,” Gardner said. “There’s a sense of paranoia in my mind, because between Caldwell Fields, the Appalachian Trail, the Cascades and Pandapas Pond, all of these have traditionally been safe, local, recreational areas.”

Task force investigators have not focused on any strong suspects, but offered a description of the potential suspect. One of the major characteristics of a potential suspect would be knowledge of the area.

According to police, the person or persons who committed the murders were likely familiar with the area, with a good reason to be there that night.

They would not likely be recognized as “a monster” or a sociopath, according to Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office investigator Dennis Rakes.

The description has left many in the area fearful that the perpetrator may be living nearby.

“To have something like this happen and suspect that it may be someone from our community — who’s familiar with those recreation areas — it’s like a sense of community and safety in our community has been violated,” Gardner said. “It’s just not ever going to be the same.”

In the months following the murders, residents of the area held several community meetings to discuss the safety of the region.

The task force, meanwhile, continues to investigate the case, still looking for what Rakes called “that one bit of information” that produces a breakthrough in the case.

Police say the perpetrator may have exhibited signs of distress after the murders.

Among other possible behaviors mentioned were missing work, taking an unusual interest in the case or making major life changes.

A $70,000 reward is being offered for information that helps solve the case. Any information given to investigators will remain anonymous.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office at 540-382-2951 or any other member of the task force.

Other agencies involved include the Virginia State Police, FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s office.

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A version of this article appeared in the Aug 26 issue of the Collegiate Times.