A second suspect charged with the murder case of University of North Carolina is in police custody.
The suspect was identified as Lovette Jr. The 17-year-old student was handcuffed by SWAT officers after they surrounded the North Carolina building where he was hiding. They got the tip that Lovette was hiding there from an anonymous source, said Durham police Lt. Robert McLaughlin Jr.
The two suspects charged with first-degree murder are Lawrence Alvin Lovette Jr. and Demario James Atwater, 21. Both teenagers are from Durham. They allegedly killed the 22-year-old student body president Eve Carson, but left few traces. She was found dead on a street with multiple bullet wounds of which one to her head (right temple). Her corpse was found lying in the street on March 5 at about a mile from the Chapel Hill campus.
The first suspect put under arrested was Atwater. After receiving a tip, police put his house under surveillance. After he had been put under arrest, Atwater made a court appearance in Hillsborough. He was ordered held without bond and will make his next court appearance on March 24.
Both suspects had previous run-ins with the law. Lovette has received a suspended sentenced in January after being charged for misdemeanor larceny and breaking and entering, while Atwater was charged and convicted of felony breaking and entering in 2005 and illegal possession of a firearm two years later.
Police began investigating the case after Carson’s death by focusing on several ATM and convenience store surveillance photos. According to investigators, Lovette appeared in two photos taken at an ATM machine. He was driving Carson’s car and was accompanied by Atwater.
Carson’s blue 2005 Toyota Highlander was found a mile away from where police found her corpse. A tip from an anonymous source helped police found the car.
The North Carolina University will hold the third memorial service for Carson on Wednesday at the Smith Center, the school's basketball arena.
"Our interests are in seeing justice served and helping our community during this difficult time," university Chancellor James Moeser stated.
"We are thankful for all of the expressions of support pouring in for the Carolina family and our local community in these past few days. Those kind thoughts and prayers for Eve Carson's family and our community have made a difference."
