UNC murder suspect to be arraigned on federal charges

Greensboro, N.C. — One of two men charged in the shooting death of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill senior Eve Carson will be moved from Central Prison next week.

The U.S. magistrate has ordered Demario James Atwater be moved Nov. 17 to the Middle District of North Carolina for an arraignment in U.S. District Court on Dec. 2.

Atwater, 22, faces federal charges of carjacking resulting in death in connection with Carson's March 5 slaying. The charges carry a potential death sentence if he is found guilty.

Investigators believe Atwater and another man, Laurence Alvin Lovette Jr, 17, kidnapped the 22-year-old and forced her to withdraw $1,400 from ATMs before shooting her five times, including once in the head, near UNC's campus.

Orange County District Attorney Jim Woodall has said he is also seeking the death penalty on the local charges related to the crime, which include first-degree murder, robbery and kidnapping.

While at Central Prison, where he's been since his arrest, Atwater has received nine infractions, which include lock tampering, gang involvement and threats to staff.

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He may get to wait a lot, but another trial seems very unlikely at this point. Many things are possible, but at this point I'm very curious about what sort of defense his lawyers can possibly present. That'll be something to see.

mondosinistro
November 12, 2008 2:15 p.m.

He will live longer than most of us while awaiting trial, another trial, another trial.

whatusay
November 12, 2008 1:15 p.m.

Y'know this guy is using up oxygen and other resources that could be put to better use.....

SalemWWX
November 12, 2008 12:58 p.m.

If he escapes, I don't know where he would go. It's not like in the Shawshank Redemption, where you could escape and hang out on the beach in Mexico. No place to hide any more.

mondosinistro
November 12, 2008 11:58 a.m.

9 infractions including: LOCK TAMPERING, gang activity, and threats to staff....He's facing life without parole, or the death penatly.

HELLO the writing is on the wall, this guy is going to kill to escape if he can. Afterall, if he fails he's not any worse off!