The Case of Heidi Childs & David Metzler

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.