Durham, NC – A 34-year-old nurse anesthesiologist who “wanted to find a good guy and settle down” was strangled to death by her boyfriend, a man she reportedly met on a dating app, according to authorities and family members. The suspect, Christopher Whitley, 31, has been charged with first-degree murder in the killing of Auriel Lowe, whose body was discovered inside her Durham apartment on September 10.
The Incident: Disturbing FaceTime Confession After Murder
Police records show that after allegedly killing Lowe, Whitley FaceTimed friends to confess and show her lifeless body. A 911 call obtained by The News & Observer revealed that a woman contacted police after Whitley called her.
“My friend just called me,” the caller told dispatchers. “He murdered his girlfriend and then switched to FaceTime… and she’s laying on the floor. I’m the only one that f—ing knows.”
Authorities said Whitley remained inside the apartment for hours after the murder, sending messages and calls to multiple acquaintances. One friend told police that he initially thought Whitley was joking until he sent pictures of the victim.
Investigators believe Lowe was strangled around 5:30 a.m., based on the autopsy report, but police were not contacted until the afternoon, around 2:30 p.m., when paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene.
Investigation and Evidence Collected
According to the Durham Police Department, officers responded to Lowe’s apartment after receiving calls from friends who reported Whitley’s confession. When they arrived, Whitley had barricaded himself inside the apartment. His family later convinced him to surrender peacefully to authorities.
Whitley was arrested at the scene and charged with first-degree murder. He remains in custody at the Durham County Detention Facility without bail, officials confirmed.
Authorities said Whitley had a violent criminal history, including a 2019 conviction in Texas for assault causing bodily injury to a family member, for which he received a suspended one-year jail sentence and 15 months of probation.
Investigators are also reviewing social media reports from other women who came forward after Lowe’s death, alleging that Whitley had previously abused them after meeting on dating apps.
Court Proceedings and Charges Filed
Whitley is currently awaiting trial on a charge of first-degree murder, which carries a potential life sentence without parole in North Carolina. Prosecutors have not yet announced whether they will pursue the death penalty.
Authorities are also reviewing digital evidence, including Whitley’s FaceTime calls, text messages, and photographs allegedly sent to acquaintances after the killing.
Durham police have described the case as one of the most disturbing domestic violence incidents they’ve handled in recent years, highlighting the growing dangers of dating app-related crimes.
Family’s Reaction: “She Just Picked the Wrong Guy”
Lowe’s family described her as a dedicated healthcare professional who had just begun her dream job at Duke University Hospital. Her stepmother, Teresa Lowe, said Auriel had worked “tirelessly” to reach her career goals after completing a two-and-a-half-year ICU residency.
“She had just literally gotten promoted into her career path in the operating room to move towards her nurse anesthesiology,” Teresa Lowe said.
She explained that Auriel had met Whitley through a dating app and was “quietly dating him” in recent months.
“She was being private about it,” Teresa said. “I think he may have been overpowering her based on what I’ve seen. So she may have been afraid to speak up if he was there.”
Teresa Lowe expressed anger toward dating apps, saying they should do more to screen users with prior violent convictions.
“She just picked the wrong guy, unfortunately, and she didn’t know how to vet him,” she said.
Background and Broader Implications
The murder has reignited discussions about violence against women and the dangers of online dating platforms. Experts say that many dating apps lack thorough background checks, allowing individuals with violent histories to easily connect with new victims.
Domestic violence advocates in North Carolina have called for increased public awareness and safety measures, particularly for women meeting partners online.
A GoFundMe campaign launched by Lowe’s family described her as “a beautiful, selfless woman” whose life was dedicated to helping others.
“The circumstances of her death are devastating and unfathomable,” the statement read. “She was taken far too soon by someone she trusted.”
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
Prosecutors are expected to present the case to a grand jury in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, investigators continue to collect digital evidence, including the FaceTime call logs and messages sent after the killing.
Authorities have also encouraged any other potential victims of Whitley to contact the Durham Police Department.
As of now, Whitley remains held without bond, and a court date has not yet been set.
Conclusion
The murder of Auriel Lowe has left her family and colleagues at Duke University Hospital heartbroken. Friends describe her as a woman who “wanted to find a good man and start a family,” but instead became the victim of a tragic act of domestic violence. As the case moves through the courts, her loved ones say they are determined to see justice served.
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