THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, September 1, 1995 TAG: 9509010488
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B7 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MIKE MATHER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Medium: 59 lines
Donations to the scholarship fund that police established in memory of Jennifer Lea Evans have climbed to nearly $7,000, just a few thousand short of the goal.
Police spokesman Mike Carey and Lou Thurston - the officers who began the fund - said on Thursday they hope to have $10,000 in the account when they present the money to Atlanta's Emory University in September or October.
``We are very happy with contributions we have been receiving,'' Carey said. ``We consider the scholarship fund a success and hope it continues to be a success.''
The money will help a pre-medical student pay tuition at Emory.
Evans, an only child, was slain June 19 while vacationing in the city. The 21-year-old Tucker, Ga., resident was a dean's-list pre-med student who planned a career working with sick and injured children.
Two Navy SEAL candidates have been charged with her slaying. Both are scheduled for preliminary hearings Sept. 28. One has a history of spousal abuse and violence against police.
Money has flowed into the account from donors as far away as Maine. Contributions have ranged from pocket change in collection jars to a check for more than $1,800 from the Fraternal Order of Police.
Classes at the university began Wednesday without Evans, a bright, beautiful young woman who grew up in the shadow of Stone Mountain in Georgia. Instead, a memorial service at the university was held in her honor.
The story of the Evans case gripped many Hampton Roads residents. She disappeared from a popular Oceanfront-area nightclub on the second night of her vacation. More than a week later, detectives found her body in a Newport News park and charged the Navy men with murder.
Carey and Thurston, impressed by the area's interest in the case and support for Evans' family, opened the scholarship fund. Peter Kwick Inc. has donated thousands of posters and fliers, and Commerce Bank has waived administrative fees.
Carey and Thurston said they are considering a golf tournament to raise more money for the fund. The officers are still accepting donations.
``A lot of people have responded, and we are thankful,'' Carey said. ``I know the university and Evans family are thankful as well.''
Three people have already called the officers to apply for the scholarship. Their calls were forwarded to the university.
Tax-deductible contributions are being accepted at any of the 21 Commerce Bank locations in Hampton Roads. Or donations may be mailed to The Jennifer Lea Evans Memorial Scholarship Fund, Commerce Bank, 1433 Kempsville Road, Virginia Beach, Va., 23464. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Jennifer Lea Evans was a pre-med student at Emory before she was
slain June 19.
KEYWORDS: MURDER by CNB