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Virginia Tech Students Get Lawyers As Police Probe Teen's Death

BLACKSBURG, Va. (WJZ) -- Those who know two former Howard County students charged in connection with the murder of a middle schooler are breaking their silence. There's new information as both appear in court. Two promising Virginia Tech stduents from Howard County face a judge after being accused in the killing of a 13-year-old girl in Virginia. The multi-state murder investigation is growing with new questions about the motive.

Investigator Mike Hellgren has more.

A crisis team was on hand for the students at Wilde Lake High School in Columbia, where the suspect facing the most serious charges graduated high school last year.

David Eisenhauer was a standout, both for academics and his performance on the track. Virginia Tech recruited him and his first year in college appeared to be doing well---until police arrested him at his dorm over the weekend and charged him with murder.

Two teenagers from Howard County appeared in court in connection with the murder of 13-year-old Nicole Lovell. Lovell's family searched desperately for her after she disappeared last week.

Both suspects are freshmen at Virginia Tech, where investigators scoured a pond for more evidence. The school even deployed drones to search for the missing girl.

Police arrested Eisenhauer in his dorm, saying he killed the middle schooler and that his friend, Natalie Keepers, helped dispose of the body.

"I have three daughters. I couldn't imagine," said one person.

According to reports, Eisenhauer met his victim online---but why would he kill her? His former principal at Wilde Lake High told WJZ Eisenhauer was a star student.

"It was surprise and shock," said Wilde Lake High School Principal James Lemon. "He was an excellent student; very focused, very goal-driven."

And he was a standout on the track. His senor yearbook is filled with pictures of him running.

"He focused on his academics but he was also focused on running. He was an outstanding runner," Lemon said.

After Eisenhauer was first arrested for abduction, he told police, "I believe the truth will set me free." When the murder charge came, he had no comment.

"Anybody's capable of killing but a 13-year-old? That's crazy," said one Wilde Lake student.

A teen dating group on Facebook the victim frequented has since been shut down. Her mother calls Eisenhauer evil, while those who knew him as a promising athlete grasp for answers.

"It's a difficult situation for everyone involved," Lemon said.

WJZ has learned through the arrest warrant that no gun was used in the killing. The medical examiner in Virginia performed an autopsy on the victim's body Monday.

Both suspects made no pleas while they were in court Monday. They will next appear in court on March 28.

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