Authorities Make An Arrest In the Eve Carson Murder Case

March 13, 2008

Authorities have charged a suspect in the slaying of University of North Carolina student body president Eve Carson with first-degree murder. Documents filed Wednesday named the defendant as 21-year-old Demario James Atwater, of Durham. Chapel Hill police and District Attorney Jim Woodall gathered Wednesday afternoon in an Orange County courtroom for Atwater’s first appearance. The 22-year-old Carson was found March 5 lying on a street about a mile from campus. The biology and political science major from Athens, Ga., had been shot several times, including once in the right temple.

Demario James Atwater, 21, was arrested early Wednesday 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. As for those grieving over the tragic loss of Eve Carson, The University Of North Carolina said Wednesday that a third memorial service will be held next week at the Smith Center, the school’s basketball arena. There is no doubt that there will be scores of people in attendance, for Eve Carson really was the epitamy of the perfect 22 year old. Below is video of the arrest police made earlier today.