2 Students From Md. Charged In Teen's Death Appear In Court

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Two college students from Howard County accused in the kidnapping and murder of a 13-year-old Virginia girl were back in court on Friday.

WJZ's George Solis has the details behind the hearing, and what's next in the case.

On Friday, a judge decided evidence in the case is strong enough to take it to a grand jury.

A tale of heartache spanning state lines -- two bright college students from Maryland are accused of kidnapping and killing a 13-year-old girl.

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

In January, news broke when 13-year-old Nicole Lovell disappeared from her home in Virginia, sneaking out through her bedroom window. An all-out search led investigators to her lifeless body at a remote location in North Carolina.

Her father opened up to Doctor Phil about his daughter's last moments.

"She's my kid. I know she fought like a wildcat," he said.

Soon after, investigators connected David Eisenhauser and friend Natalie Keepers to the case. The two hail from Howard County and were going to school at Virginia Tech.

At home, many spoke of Eisenhauser's promise as a star athlete.

"He focused on his academics, but he was also very focused on running," one man said.

Investigators learned Eisenhauser and Lovell met online using an app called "Kik," where they developed an inappropriate relationship. Lovell would often show people Eisenhauser's picture, calling him her college boyfriend.

Friends tell WJZ they tried to intervene, but with no luck.

"He looked older than 18 and they were dating," one girl said.

Sources revealed when Lovell threatened to reveal their relationship, that's when Eisenhauser recruited Keepers and met to plan the murder.

In court Friday, prosecutors used text messages found on Eisenhauser's phone as evidence to move the case to a grand jury.

One message read that if the body wasn't found for a week, "it will never be traced," and that the teen had been "blackmailing another guy too."

"Everybody is going to tell you that they're going to miss her smile," one woman said.

Police have not detailed a motive. Many are still seeking answers as to why the young teen was killed.