Two Charged in Carson Murder

Authorities have charged two suspects with first-degree murder in the death of the student body president of the University of North Carolina.

Court documents filed Wednesday name the first defendant as 21-year-old Demario James Atwater, of Durham.

The second suspect, 17-year-old Lawrence Alvin Lovett Jr., is believed to be involved in a standoff with police in Durham, N.C. He is also charged with first-degree murder in the death of Eve Carson.

Chapel Hill police said they believe Lovett to be the driver pictured in ATM surveillance photographs made public Saturday.

Police described Lovett as about 5 feet 7 inches tall and 150 pounds. Police also warned that Lovett could be armed and dangerous.

Atwater made a first court appearance on Wednesday. He appeared shackled at the ankles and waist in an Orange County courtroom with a public defender at his side. Atwater whispered "yes" when asked if he understood the charges.

He's been ordered held without bond.

Chapel Hill Police Chief Brian Curran declined to say which of the suspects shot and killed Carson, a 22-year-old from Athens, Ga., found last Wednesday 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.