CHAPEL HILL—The suspect in the deaths of three college students who were shot and killed Tuesday evening in Chapel Hill appeared in court Wednesday morning.
Deah Shaddy Barakat, his wife Yusor Mohammad and her sister, Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha were killed in an apartment on Summerwalk Circle—located not far from the UNC-Chapel Hill campus.
Police charged Craig Stephen Hicks, 46, with murder. A preliminary investigation reveals that the shootings were motivated by an ongoing dispute over parking.
However, many people on social media are arguing there is a deeper reason. Hicks’ Facebook page has pictures in support of an anti-religous view, or anti-theism. Prosecutors have not confirmed that the shootings were a hate crime or religion played a part, the possibility has not been ruled out.
“I have not ruled out anything or ruled in anything, so to speak. Again, it is very preliminary,” said Durham District Attorney Roger Echols.
However, family members believe otherwise.
"Nobody shoots someone in the head over a parking spot,” said Dr. Mohammad Abu-Salha, victim’s father.
Abu-Salha said following a press conference on Wednesday afternoon that the death penalty would be too good for Hicks.
Late Wednesday afternoon, the FBI notified the public that the Chapel Hill Police Department requested their assistance. They said that it is standard practice "to enlist the expertise and resources of the FBI as needed.”
Hicks is being held without bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for early March.
Barakat and Mohammed, who is listed online as Yusor Abu Salha, were married in December. Barakat was a student at UNC's dental school. Mohammed’s Facebooks page lists her as a student at N.C. State.