In addition to the first-degree murder charges, Curtis Timothy Dixon will face first-degree rape, sexual offense and kidnapping charges in connection with the death of Jessica Faulkner.
Authorities said Faulkner was found dead inside of Dixon's dorm room. Sources close to the investigation said Dixon has already confessed. Officials said the two were apparently friends, and they lived in the same dorm.
Dixon stood in court Thursday, officially charged with her murder. Meanwhile, Faulkner's family is trying to make funeral arrangements. At Enloe High School, the death of 2003 graduate Jessica Faulkner hits home and it hits hard. Allison Barbour said she heard about the murder on the news.
"At first, I obviously paid attention because it said Enloe and then again -- a Cary girl," she said. "To hear that name and know it was somebody you kind of grew up with, it's pretty difficult."
Barbour, who grew up with Faulkner, said their families still live in the same neighborhood.
"[I'm] just totally shocked. I mean I can't explain it's just something you don't even expect to happen," she said. "Why would it happen to such a nice family, a nice girl."
Faulkner's friends and family want answers, but they also do not want to forget the person she was.
"Basically, we try to remember the good things right now," Barbour said.
On Thursday, her family released a statement, saying she was a thoughtful and considerate girl, a budding artist and filmmaker. She was "Jessie" to the people who knew her best.
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