Heidi Childs and David Metzler, both 18, were found murdered in a car in Virginia’s Jefferson National Forest in 2009. The case went cold for years before a confession in 2016 led to the arrest and conviction of David Eisenhauer.

Heidi Childs and David Metzler were high school seniors who were found shot to death inside a parked car in a remote area of Jefferson National Forest near Blacksburg, Virginia, on August 26, 2009. The couple had been spending time together when they were attacked in what initially appeared to be a random act of violence. The case remained unsolved for several years, frustrating investigators and the victims’ families. In 2016, the investigation took a dramatic turn when David Eisenhauer, a college student, confessed to the murders. His admission came during questioning related to an unrelated case, ultimately bringing long-awaited answers.
The victims were discovered inside a vehicle parked in a secluded area of Jefferson National Forest. Both had been shot, and the positioning of the scene suggested they were attacked while sitting in the car. The remote location contributed to the difficulty in identifying witnesses or immediate leads.
For years, the case remained cold with few significant leads. In 2016, investigators questioned David Eisenhauer in connection with another case, during which he unexpectedly confessed to the murders of Childs and Metzler. His confession provided details that aligned with evidence from the original investigation. Authorities were then able to formally charge him, closing a case that had remained unresolved for nearly seven years.
David Eisenhauer was arrested, charged, and later pleaded guilty to the murders of Heidi Childs and David Metzler. He was sentenced to multiple life sentences.
The case was solved after Eisenhauer confessed while being investigated for an unrelated murder, highlighting a breakthrough in a long-cold case.
Heidi Childs and David Metzler, both 18, were found murdered in a car in Virginia’s Jefferson National Forest in 2009. The case went cold for years before a confession in 2016 led to the arrest and conviction of David Eisenhauer.

On the morning of August 27, 2009, a man walking his dog made a devastating discovery at Caldwell Fields, a campground in the Jefferson National Forest near Blacksburg, Virginia. In a parking area, two Virginia Tech students - 18-year-old Heidi Childs and 19-year-old David Metzler - had been shot and killed. Just 12 hours earlier, the couple had gone to the campground to talk and spend time together. They were expected to return home that night, but they never did. More than 15 years later, the murders of Heidi and David remain unsolved, and detectives are still searching for the person or people responsible. If you have any information in this case, you can contact the Virginia State Police at 540-375-9589. There is a $100,000 reward for information. LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSION HERE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/detective-perspective/id1698439585 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0jnEwNOQY0M2qDi6H5uYR7?si=dd0a0bef5af64887 Editor: Shannon Keirce Research/Writing: Haley Gray SUBMIT A CASE HERE: Cases@DetectivePerspectivePod.com SOCIAL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/detperspective/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/detperspective FIND DERRICK HERE Twitter: https://twitter.com/DerrickL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DerrickLevasseur Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DerrickVLevasseur CRIME WEEKLY AND COFFEE Criminal Coffee Company: https://www.CriminalCoffeeCo.com Crime Weekly: https://crimeweeklypodcast.com/shop Shannon’s (Editor) Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannon.mov/ ADS: 12:05 - 13:25 https://www.Smalls.com/Detective - Get 60% off, FREE shipping and FREE treats for LIFE! 33:05 - 35:05 Pocket Hose - Text DETECTIVE to 64000 for a FREE Pocket Pivot and a 10-Pattern Sprayer with the purchase of ANY Copperhead Hose!