UNC slaying suspect charged in Duke killing

updated 11:36 a.m. ET March 13, 2008

DURHAM, N.C. - A suspect in the slaying of a popular University of North Carolina student was charged Thursday with the separate killing of a graduate student at Duke University, authorities said.

A warrant filed Thursday charges 17-year-old Lawrence Alvin Lovette Jr. with first-degree murder in the death of Abhijit Mahato. Lovette, who was one of two charged with murdering the University of North Carolina's student body president, earlier surrendered peacefully to police, authorities said.

Mahato, 29, originally of Tatangar, India, was a doctoral student in computational mechanics. He was found shot to death inside his apartment a few blocks south of Duke's campus in January.

UNC killing
Lovette and Demario James Atwater, 21, were charged Wednesday with first-degree murder in the death of Eve Carson. The 22-year-old was found last week lying on a street about a mile from the North Carolina campus in nearby Chapel Hill.

The biology and political science major from Athens, Ga., had been shot several times, including once in the right temple.

Authorities also charged Lovette with robbery with a dangerous weapon in Mahato's killing. Separately, he was charged Thursday with misdemeanor larceny, communicating threats, contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile and common law robbery.

In the days after Carson's death, police focused their investigation on several ATM and convenience store surveillance photos.

Police believe Lovette was pictured in two photos taken at an ATM machine, driving Carson's Toyota Highlander with Atwater in the back seat. Police also believe Atwater was the suspect shown trying to use Carson's ATM card inside a convenience store. Authorities have not said if money was successfully removed from Carson's account.

Lovette Jr., 17, was arrested by Durham patrol and SWAT officers several hours after they surrounded a home where he was hiding, said Durham police Lt. Robert McLaughlin Jr. Authorities had received an anonymous tip that Lovette was in the house, McLaughlin said.

Atwater was arrested early Wednesday as he left another home in Durham that police had placed under surveillance after receiving a tip. He later made an initial court appearance in Hillsborough.

Shackled
Shackled at the ankles and waist, and with a public defender at his side, Atwater only whispered "yes" when asked if he understood the charges against him. He 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," Orange County District Attorney Jim Woodall said.

MSNBC Demario James Atwater, 21, was the first person arrested over the murder of Eve Carson. He was detained early Wednesday as he left a home in Durham, N.C., that police had placed under surveillance. A second man was arrested on Thursday.

Curran would not say Wednesday which suspect detectives believe shot and killed Carson.

Currently on parole?
State records indicate both suspects are currently 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 Wednesday were not returned.

In the days after Carson's death, police focused their investigation on several ATM and convenience store surveillance photos.

Police believe Lovette was pictured in two photos taken at an ATM machine, driving Carson's Toyota Highlander with Atwater in the back seat. Police also believe Atwater was the suspect shown trying to use Carson's ATM card inside a convenience store.

Jim Stratford / UNC via AP Eve Carson was shot to death last week on a street near the University of North Carolina's Chapel Hill campus.

Curran has previously declined to say when the surveillance photos were taken or the exact location of the ATM machine and convenience store, or if any money was successfully withdrawn from Carson's account.

Carson was a Morehead-Cain scholar at North Carolina. The university said Wednesday 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. Those kind thoughts and prayers for Eve Carson's family and our community have made a difference."

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