Murder suspect, woman found dead in Durham apartment had been in relationship, police say

Laurel Springs Dr & Crooked Creek Pkwy, Durham, NC 27713, USA — Durham police believe a woman found dead inside an apartment Wednesday afternoon was killed by a former lover.

Officers set up a perimeter Wednesday afternoon on Laurel Springs Drive near Crooked Creek Parkway and tried to contact the man. Eventually Christopher Brian Whitley, 31, surrendered, and officers took him into custody, charging him with murder.

Inside, officers found the body of Auriel Lowe, 34, of Durham. Police say the two are believed to have been in a relationship.

In court Thursday morning, prosecutors said Whitley has a record of two previous convictions, including for assault on a family member in Texas.

He was held without bond.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Durham police at 919-560-4440 extension 29529.

People can also call CrimeStoppers at 919-683-1200 or submit a tip online. CrimeStoppers pays cash rewards for information leading to arrests in felony cases and callers never have to identify themselves.

About 2.5 miles away, Durham police said an 18-year-old man died after he was shot multiple times on Wednesday.