sergeant richard spivey of the wake county sheriff's office probably knows the case better than anyone>> this was 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 were over 30 blows with some sort of blunt object. >> so detectives starting investigating the victim and everyone else around here. michelle young was born and raised on long island. >> smiling all the time. she was the life of the party. >> stacia gross man knew her from childhood. >> she didn't like being the center of attention but liked creating a great atmosphere for everyone to have ai good time. >> michelle was a cheerleader in high school and a straight "a" student. jennifer powers felt down to her. >> she had a book worm sense to her where she was very studious and goal oriented and a great person to be around and a fun, happy spirit, and someone that i wanted to spend a lot of time with. >> lots of people did. when she chose a college far from home, north carolina state, she was soon surrounded