This past August, two Virginia Tech students were murdered near the Jefferson National Park in Montgomery County, Virginia. Both David Metzler and Heidi Childs were from right here in Lynchburg, so our community was stunned and grief stricken when the news was reported. So far, there’s still no leads in the case and the murders are unsolved, but the story would haunt me for weeks. Until, I finally decided to find out who David and Heidi were and why they were so special to so many people.

Lynchburg Living gave me permission to track down and write a story with few limitations. Honestly, I’ve never gotten so emotionally and spiritually involved in writing a 3rd-person story before.

Specifically, I want to thank Dr. Keith and Susan Metzler, and Don and Laura Childs for letting me into their lives and the memories and artifacts of their children.

So after many interviews and sleepless nights, here it is: http://www.lynchburgliving.com/story.php

NOTE: If you’re local, pick up a copy of the latest Lynchburg Living for more photographs and captions.