UPDATE: Durham Police Arrest Barricaded Subject; Identify Woman Found Dead Inside Apartment
UPDATE (Sept. 11) = The victim in this case has been identified as Auriel Lowe, 34, of Durham.
Christopher Brian Whitley, 31, of Durham, has been arrested and charged with murder in this case. Whitley and Lowe are believed to have been in a relationship at the time of the incident.
Durham, NC – The Durham Police Department is investigating a tragic incident on Laurel Springs Drive after a barricaded man surrendered peacefully and officers later discovered a deceased woman inside the apartment.
At approximately 12:32 p.m. on Sept. 10, officers responded to the 1100 block of Laurel Springs Drive following reports of a barricaded subject. Police quickly set up a perimeter and attempted negotiations with the suspect, who eventually surrendered without incident.
When officers entered the apartment, they located an adult female who was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released her identity. Police emphasized that this appears to be an isolated incident with no threat to the general public.
The investigation remains active, and additional details are expected as the case develops.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator A. Bongarten at 919-560-4440 ext. 29529 or CrimeStoppers at 919-683-1200 or online at durhamcrimestoppers.org. CrimeStoppers pays cash rewards of up to $2,000 for tips leading to arrests in felony cases. Callers may remain anonymous.
About Durham CrimeStoppers
CrimeStoppers is a tip line that allows tipsters to report criminal activity anonymously. It is a partnership between the community, the media, law enforcement agencies, and businesses working together to solve crime. Callers are encouraged, via cash rewards and a promise of anonymity, to provide information leading to the arrest of suspected criminals. Information related to unsolved crimes and wanted persons is distributed to the community via various forms of media. Tipsters are encouraged to call CrimeStoppers and anonymously give any information about the unsolved crime or fugitive. CrimeStoppers forwards the information to the investigating law enforcement agency within Durham County. If the information is used by law enforcement and leads to a felony arrest, the tipster may be eligible to receive a cash reward. Reward payments range from a minimum of $100 to a maximum of $2,000, depending on the severity of the crime. Visit www.durhamcrimestoppers.org for more information.