Two charged in UNC slaying
One still at large after shooting of student leader
HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. - A man charged with killing the University of North Carolina student body president was arrested yesterday as detectives hunted for a second suspect.
Police would not say which suspect they believe shot and killed Eve Carson, 22, of Athens, Ga., who was found a week ago lying on a street about a mile from campus. The biology and political science major had been shot several times, including once in the right temple.
In the days after Carson's death, police focused their inquiry on several ATM and convenience store surveillance photos.
The school's Board of Trustees offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to an arrest, and police received hundreds of tips after the first two photos were released over the weekend.
Demario James Atwater, 21, was arrested early yesterday as he left a home in Durham that police had placed under surveillance after receiving a tip.
Shackled at the ankles and waist, and with a public defender at his side, Atwater appeared to have a wound and a bruise on his right cheek at his court appearance. Chapel Hill police Chief Brian Curran said officers had taken him to a hospital as "part of the evidence collection" process.
Atwater was ordered held without bond on a charge of first-degree murder. His next court date was set for March 24.
"I hope the arrest can ease the minds of some in the community," said Orange County District Attorney Jim Woodall.
Police said they are still searching for the second suspect, 17-year-old Lawrence Alvin Lovette Jr., who was thought to be armed and dangerous.
A police SWAT team was called to a Durham home during the manhunt, but the brief standoff appeared to have ended without an arrest, City Councilman Eugene Brown said. Neither Chapel Hill nor Durham police would comment.
Police believe Lovette, who also was charged with murder, was pictured in two photos taken at an ATM, driving Carson's
Curran has previously declined to say when the surveillance photos were taken or the exact location of the ATM and convenience store, or whether any money was successfully withdrawn from Carson's account.
State records indicate both suspects are on parole. Lovette was given a suspended sentenced in January for misdemeanor larceny and breaking and entering. Atwater was convicted of felony breaking and entering in 2005 and illegal possession of a firearm in 2007. He also received a suspended sentence.
Messages left with the Orange County public defender's office yesterday were not returned.
Carson was a Morehead-Cain scholar at North Carolina, where she was remembered by thousands who gathered March 6 at two memorial services. Hundreds of people also filled the First United Methodist Church in Athens on Sunday at a memorial service.
The university said yesterday that a third memorial service will be held next week 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 said in a statement. "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."
