sergeant richard spivey probably knows the case better than anyone. >> this is a brutal vicious beating. there was a lot of time and energy invested into this assault. >> why do you say a lot of time and energy? >> the medical examiner told us there was over 30 blows with some sort of blunt object. >> detectives started investigating the victim and everyone else around her. michelle young was born and raised on long island, new york. >> she was smiling all the time. she was the life of the party. >> she knew her from childhood. >> she didn't like being the center of attention but liked create aggregate atmosphere for everyone to have a good time. >> michelle was a cheerleader in high school and straight a student. jennifer powers felt drawn to her. >> she had a bookworm side to her where she was very studious and goal oriented and also just a great person to be around, a fun, happy spirit, someone that i wanted to spend a lot of time with. >> lots of people did. when she chose a college far from home, new yoorth carolina , she was soon surrounded again by an admiring group of women frie