Sinedu, from Ethiopia, and Trang, from Vietnam, came to the prestigious promised land of Harvard University. They roomed together for two years. During that time, Sinedu described Trang as her best friend, but Trang grew tired of the arrangement and wanted to move out. Sinedu tired to control Trang, which pushed Trang into other social circles.

Sinedu was at the top of her class in Ethiopia, but memorization was prized there over critical thinking skills. She was a small fish in a big sea at Harvard. A particularly private individual, Sinedu's only friend was Trang, and she had difficulty adjusting to American culture. The young woman kept many journals, and she received counseling from the University Health Services.

Trang, from all appearances, was the antithesis of Sinedu. She was well-liked, outgoing, and cared much for her many friends and had close relationships with family members. The lady was excited about becoming a doctor, and everything in her life seemed to be going for her, except for her parents' divorce.

One morning, Trang awoke to find her roommate, Sinedu, stabbing her. Sinedu's rage filled 45 stab wounds.

Halfway Heaven: Diary of a Harvard Murder by Melanie Thernstrom, 1997

I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Ethiopian culture.

• Melanie Thernstrom's web site