WASHINGTON — The case of a missing University of Virginia student from Alexandria is drawing national attention — and drawing comparisons, too, says a former FBI profiler.
Hannah Graham, a University of Virginia student from Alexandria, is the third woman to go missing in the Charlottesville area this summer. Three other women went missing in the past five years.
The 18-year-old freshman was last seen at the mall, a popular row of shops and restaurants, on Friday night.
Former FBI profiler, Clint VanZandt tells WTOP that investigators are comparing all missing cases in the area.
VanZandt says surveillance cameras are helping the investigation, and law enforcement has asked businesses to review their security tape of the night of Graham’s disappearance.
Two men are visible on the video footage nearby Graham and one was talking to her. One of the men has come forward telling police that he was trying to help Graham — thinking she was intoxicated and might be in danger.
VanZandt says police have asked for the public’s help to identify the second man visible in the video footage.
VanZandt asks that young men and women, and people of any age, remember the following important tips when walking late at night:
- “Never leave your wingman”
- Keep your cellphone charged
- Have a plan to get home
- Don’t travel in areas you don’t know
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help
He says available technology to identify a cellphone’s location is helpful.
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