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Defense Wants Information on Tipsters in N.C. Coed Murder Trial
"Crime Stoppers" related issue
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Eve Carson   Defense Wants Information on Tipsters in N.C. Coed Murder Trial
"Crime Stoppers" related issue

December 30, 2009

ASSOCIATED PRESS

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article discusses a case which could have a big effect on the popular "Crime Stoppers" efforts, seriously damaging one of their principle promises .. that of keeping informants (ie Tipsters) anonymous. In addition to this, "Crime Stoppers" frequently offers rewards which may be claimed at a future date thru the use of a secret ID issued at the time a tip is offered. We promote "Crime Stoppers" at LA Community Policing, agreeing with many law enforcement and prosecutors that many criminals have been brought to justice thru the non-profit, which is now found in over 300 locales across out country and internationally too.

Please see our recent LACP article --> Crime Stoppers program launches in Los Angeles County

 

HILLSBOROUGH, N.C.  —  Attorneys for two men suspected of killing a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill student body president want access to information phoned in by tipsters.

Superior Court Judge Allen Baddour said Wednesday he would rule next week on whether to allow access to information the Crime Stoppers program promises will stay anonymous.

Prosecutors say releasing the material would compromise a vital crime fighting tool.

Demario Atwater and Laurence Lovette face murder and other charges in the death of 22-year-old Eve Carson. The Athens, Ga., woman was taken from her Chapel Hill home and watched as hundreds of dollars were withdrawn from her bank account at several ATMs. She was later shot five times.

Lovette was in court Wednesday. Atwater chose not to appear.