JARED SOARES The Roanoke Times

Virginia Tech students listen to stories told by friends of Heidi Childs and David Metzler during a vigil Thursday on the Drillfield at Virginia Tech. The university has offered a $10,000 reward for information that helps solve the slayings of Childs and Metzler.

Virginia Tech is offering a $10,000 reward for information that helps solve the slayings of Tech students Heidi Childs and David Metzler last week in the Jefferson National Forest.

Childs, 18, of Forest and Metzler, 19, of Lynchburg were found shot to death on Aug. 27 at the Caldwell Fields campground off Craig Creek Road in Montgomery County.

Childs was a biochemistry major and Metzler was studying industrial systems engineering at Tech. Both were sophomores.

The couple was last heard from about 8:30 or 9 p.m. on Aug. 26. Police have said they believe the killings may have been random because investigators have been unable to find a motive.

Lt. Brian Wright of the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office said police are looking for any information that may be pertinent to the case.

Tech announced the reward Thursday afternoon. The funds were donated by university administrators and members of the board of visitors who have asked to remain anonymous, Tech spokesman Mark Owczarski said.

"We're hoping against hope it will help provide important information," Owczarski said.

Police have boosted patrols in that area of the county, Wright said.

The U.S. Forest Service has also beefed up patrols in and around Caldwell Fields and the nearby Pandapas Pond day-use area, said Barbara Walker of the Blacksburg district office.

Users of forest property are encouraged to travel in groups and inform people of their whereabouts.

"These are good cautions to have any time, but especially right now," Walker said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff's office at 382-2951.