Total SPECULATION here....
What if NK encountered Nicole online, either on a cutting website, on kik, or some other social media. NK then decides to catfish Nicole and pretend to be DE. NK then tells a story to DE about Nicole, perhaps saying that Nicole wants to get away and have an overnight adventure in the dorm. So, she asks DE to pick up Nicole. Nicole thinks she's going on a date, so she hugs DE, but he think he's just a driver and awkwardly gives her a side hug.
And then....
Not sure how this scenario spirals out of control. And, then there is the shovel, which was purchased ahead of time.
I'm trying to fit this together in a way that makes sense, but not having much success. It just doesn't make sense.
JMOpinion, subject to change.
LE somehow has evidence that there was earlier physical contact between DE and NL