Eve Marie Carson at University of North Carolina & Lauren Burk of Auburn Murdered

What is going on in our college campuses? In both senseless murders, did the victims know their murderer? First, 18-year-old Auburn University freshman Lauren A. Burk of Marietta, GA was murdered on Tuesday night near campus. Lauren Burk was fatally shot with a single gunshot to her head where she later died that night after being taken to the hospital. Police say that they have many good leads; however, are being tight lipped beyond that. From the Auburn University web site …

First, let me express my deep condolences to Lauren’s family and our friends in her Georgia community. Many of you have shared your heartfelt prayers for their strength through this ordeal. To Lauren’s sorority sisters, we pray for you who were extended sisters to her. Lauren will remain special in our memory, and so many of you are already working on ways to commemorate her.

(Lauren A. Burk of Cobb County, Marietta, GA)

“We have several leads…some strong leads,” said Tommy Dawson, assistant police chief for the city of Auburn.

talk about interviews they’ve conducted or offer any new details of the crime. Police had earlier said they have talked to several “persons of interest” in the case.

Authorities also asked the public to call two tip lines with any information. They are 888-522-7847, a toll free line, and 334-501-7337, a local Auburn number. Alabama Gov. Bob Riley’s office announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to Burk’s killer.

Burk was found with a single gunshot wound to the head around 9 p.m. Tuesday on Alabama Highway 147, three miles off campus. Police said her Honda Civic was discovered 20 minutes later engulfed in flames at the campus. Burk was taken to the hospital, where she died Tuesday night.

More news and updates on the murder of Auburn code, Lauren Burk

• Manhunt Underway for Lauren Burk’s Killer
• Police ‘Have Leads’ in Auburn Murder
• Auburn Edgy as Violent Coed Death Probed Student, 18, Found Along Ala. Road 20 Minutes Before Discovery of Burning Car in Campus Lot

Then Eve Marie Carson, the popular president of UNC’s student body, was found dead Wednesday near the campus. What a tragic waste of such a promising young student who had accomplished so much at such a young age. From the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill web site …

(Eve Marie Carson, UNC Student Body President)

Police are investigating whether there are any links between the two murders. Eve Marie Carson, of Athens, Ga., died from multiple bullet wounds, including one to the head. Police discovered Eve Marie Carson lying dead in an intersection in a Chapel Hill residential neighborhood close to the university.

Town authorities and school officials identified her body on Thursday. Police had no suspects and hadn’t made any arrests, but they were looking for her car.

The announcement came shortly after officials at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill said town police had identified the young woman found dead Wednesday near the campus as 22-year-old Eve Marie Carson, the popular president of UNC’s student body.

Auburn police said Thursday that they hadn’t turned up any evidence linking the two killings but were looking into a possible connection.

“I don’t have anything at this point to indicate that this is related,” Auburn Assistant Chief of Police Tom Dawson said at a news conference. “I’ve had my investigators contact authorities there (Chapel Hill), but there’s nothing to connect the two cases.”

Tar Heel Victim ID’d as Student Body Head, UNC Senior Eve Carson, 22, Shot Dead Wednesday Morning off Campus; Car Missing

“I am so sorry to tell you that Chapel Hill police have identified the victim of this week’s shooting as Eve Carson,” chancellor James Moeser wrote in a message to students and staff, “our student body president, trustee, wonderful person and great friend.”

More News and updates on the murder of Eve Carson:

• UNC Student Body President Slain, Students Are Left Reeling After Dead Woman Is Identified As Popular Chapel Hill Honors Student

UNC Chancellor James Moeser spoke during the informal gathering that drew an estimated 5,000 people, most who held each other and cried.

“We’re all in a state of shock,” he told the grieving crowd, “We are all hurting. We are all grief-stricken – stunned,” he said. “This university needs an enormous group hug. It’s OK to cry. It’s OK to be filled with grief.”

• UNC student from Athens found fatally shot; Eve Marie Carson was student body president at Chapel Hill
• S.U.V. Found, Police Seek the Killer

Chapel Hill police contacted NC WANTED to report they found Eve Carson’s blue 2005 Toyota Highlander Thursday afternoon within Chapel Hill city limits.

The car was parked on North Street near Hillsboro Street, but it was not clear how long it had been there, authorities said in a news conference Thursday afternoon. The car did not immediately appear to be damaged.