Best way to emphasize a surprise?

A group of friends and I are making a short film, in which one of the characters is [apparently] mutilated by some menacing [CG] creature.
I was wondering how I should shoot this to show the viewer the creature, and imply that it kills the character. The character is walking through a poorly lit construction sight at night, with a flashlight, when this happens to him.
I'm not sure if the character should turn a corner into the creature, or turn around after hearing the creature, or what, exactly, should happen (its still pretty rough). And I'm not sure what camera moves would be appropriate...but that's why I'm posting here.
The goal here is mainly to startle the viewer, since this will be his or her first view of the creature.

Thanks guys, I'd really appreciate your suggestions!
Robert Storm