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The curious and the mournful drive slowly, respectfully past the point where Hillcrest Road intersects with Hillcrest Circle. The secluded setting explains how a predawn shooting might be heard but not seen.

On campus, the flag hangs at half staff over the main quad. Although it's spring break and most students are gone, people pass by the message boards to read "Memories of Eve" -- dozens and dozens of tributes to a remarkable young woman.

As one writer spelled out her name: "Equally Valued Everyone."

"My life is more happy and inspired by your friendship."

"I looked up to you more than you'll ever know."

"Amazing role model."

"Humanity and wit."

"Coolest person I'll ever meet at Carolina."

"She touched everyone."

"Sweetest, most easy to talk to person ever."

"Her ambition and passion were inspiring."

"Genuinely interested in others."

"I hope in my life I can make as much of an impact as you have."

"You were Carolina."

"You will live through us, we take your spirit with us everywhere we go."

"Such inspiration, such loss, such awe."

The people who knew her are devastated. Others who didn't are profoundly moved.

Violent crime occurs with numbing frequency, but this hideous murder stands out as deeply wounding.

Eve Carson symbolizes the very best we hope our young people can be, and her killer or killers represent the very worst some have become.

She valued life enough to go anywhere and do everything she could to help others; they held life so cheap -- even hers -- that they'd kill for an ATM card. It's a maddening twist of fate that their paths had to cross.

It also seems incomprehensible that it happened in this idyllic college town of fond recollections for many old Tar Heels. Its liberal academic and social culture offers an enclave of acceptance and affirmation for ideas and lifestyles that seem foreign elsewhere in the state.

But there's a new reality. Carolina and Chapel Hill aren't immune from the destructive forces -- resentment, anger, greed -- that push their way into every community, or grow up within them.

Not only is Chapel Hill not insulated from vicious killers capable of gunning down a bright and beautiful young woman, even Chapel Hill can raise such people. Like anywhere else.

This chilling story isn't only about a wonderful, promising life cut short. By itself, that's enough to produce an ocean of tears.

But it also reminds us that some lives become horribly twisted at an early age, that people among us, some barely more than children, will kill in the blink of an eye.

They can be arrested, convicted and locked away until their dying day, but nothing can repair the enormous damage they've done.

Eve's life was a rare gift. Despite her youth, she set an example of selflessness and generosity of spirit that can inspire us all. Those who molded her into that person -- parents, teachers, church -- must be proud even in their boundless grief.

Too many other youngsters lack the right guidance. Who's going to keep them from lives of destruction and help them find better ways? The cost of failure is almost unbearable.

Back at Hillcrest Road, a young couple pushes their toddler daughter in a stroller, then stop where Eve likely died. It's a fitting place for reflection or prayer:

Lord, help us raise our children to be like Eve ... and give them a better world.

Contact Doug Clark at dgclark@news-record.com or 373-7039.

Addendum: I've been asked where people can send letters of condolence to Eve's family. The university suggests this address:

Robert and Teresa Carson
Care of the Office of New Student and Carolina Parent Programs
SASB South, Suite 3318
Campus Box 5490
Chapel Hill, NC 27599