North Carolina Man Charged with Murder After Allegedly Killing Nurse He Met on Dating App and FaceTiming Friends After Her Death
DURHAM, N.C. — A North Carolina man has been charged with first-degree murder after allegedly strangling a nurse he met through a dating app — then FaceTiming friends hours later to show them her body, police said.
According to the Durham Police Department, 31-year-old Christopher Whitley was arrested and charged in the death of 34-year-old Auriel Lowe, whose body was discovered inside her apartment on September 10.
Police Say Whitley Confessed to Friends on FaceTime
Authorities responded to Lowe’s apartment after receiving a series of 911 calls from Whitley’s friends, who told dispatchers that Whitley had confessed to the killing and showed them images to prove it.
One friend told police, “This man murdered his girlfriend and then switched to FaceTime — she’s laying on the floor,” according to an emergency call transcript obtained by The News & Observer.
When officers arrived, they found Lowe deceased inside her Durham apartment. Investigators say she had died from strangulation, and evidence at the scene linked Whitley directly to the crime.
Victim Remembered as a Dedicated Nurse and Friend
Family and colleagues described Lowe as a passionate registered nurse who dedicated her life to helping others. Friends have flooded social media with tributes, sharing photos of her smiling and posts honoring her memory with messages such as “Rest in Heaven, Auriel.”
Loved ones said she met Whitley through a dating app, and the two had been in a relationship for only a short time before her death.
Whitley Remains in Custody
Police confirmed that Whitley is currently being held without bond at the Durham County Jail. Court documents show he faces one count of first-degree murder. Authorities have not yet released additional details about a potential motive.
The investigation is ongoing, and detectives continue to review Whitley’s communications and digital records leading up to the incident.
Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact Durham Police or submit tips anonymously through CrimeStoppers.
For updates on this developing story, follow local crime coverage at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
Author: Caleb Ward | Category: Crime
Would you like me to add a short “Community Response” section highlighting the public’s reaction and safety awareness discussions around dating apps?
