Eve Carson autopsy results won't be released now

Hillsborough, N.C. — The results of the autopsy performed on Eve Carson's body will temporarily remain under seal to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation.

Superior Court Judge Allen Baddour ordered that the documents relating to the death of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill student body president be sealed at the request of the District Attorney Jim Woodall.

Police found Carson, 22, dead near the UNC campus while responding to reports of gunfire. Authorities have never said exactly how she died. A stolen-vehicle report, however, indicated she was shot in the head.

In a motion to seal the report, Woodall said there are details about Carson's death that should remain confidential and that releasing the report could cause speculation about the significance of those details.

Several search warrants relating to the case are also under seal for similar reasons.

Demario James Atwater, 21, and Laurence Alvin Lovette Jr., 17, are each charged with first-degree murder in Carson's death.

Atwater could face the death penalty, and a hearing on the matter scheduled for May 5 has been rescheduled for July 7. Lovette is too young to be eligible for the death penalty if convicted.

Superior Court Judge Donald Stephens postponed Atwater's hearing because the search warrants and autopsy report would have been discussed. He said it would be in the interest of justice to keep the information confidential for now.