Durham, NC – A nurse was murdered by a man she met on a dating app, sparking outrage and celebration of her life. Auriel Lowe, 34, was found dead in her apartment on Sunday morning. Christopher Whitley, 31, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
Disturbing 911 calls reveal Whitley confessed to a friend shortly after the incident. He allegedly strangled Lowe, then FaceTimed a friend to show her body.
Lowe was beginning her career in nurse anesthesiology at Duke University Hospital after completing an ICU residency. Her stepmother, Teresa Lowe, expressed that the family’s heartbreak is immeasurable.
Teresa Lowe stated that her daughter quietly dated Whitley for several months. She indicated that Whitley may have exerted control over Lowe, leading to fear that prohibited her from seeking help.
Numerous women have since come forward to accuse Whitley of abuse stemming from previous relationships. In 2019, he received a suspended sentence of jail time and probation for assaulting a family member.
After allegedly killing Lowe, Whitley barricaded himself inside her residence and contacted friends. One acquaintance contacted authorities after claiming Whitley confessed to a crime and sent pictures.
Police reported a five-hour gap between Lowe’s death and Whitley’s communications with friends. An autopsy indicated that she died of strangulation around 5:30 a.m.
Emergency responders declared her dead at approximately 2:30 p.m. After being persuaded by family, Whitley eventually surrendered to law enforcement.
He is currently held without bail at the Durham County Detention Facility.
