Former Duke Football Player Confesses to Murdering Charlotte Realtor, Officials Say

Former Duke Football Player Admits To July 2024 Murder Of a Charlotte-Based Realtor

Published on March 26, 2025 at 8:07 AM PDT

Former Duke football player Brandon Braxton has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the July 2024 death of North Carolina real estate agent Whitney Hurd. Investigators have revealed that Braxton confessed to committing the crime.

Braxton was charged last Thursday for the murder of Charlotte-based realtor Whitney Hurd, eight months after she was found dead inside her townhome. According to reports, the former wide receiver made the shocking confession while being held at the sheriff’s department after being arrested for trespassing, one of seven arrests following the murder.

“I killed Whitney Hurd,” Braxton allegedly said to the Mecklenburg Sheriff’s Office, as per an arrest affidavit viewed by the outlet. Hurd went missing in July 2024 and was later found dead inside her home from multiple stab wounds, wrapped in bedding.

The 33-year-old became a person of interest after his fingerprints were discovered around her home and car. Additionally, Braxton was also charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon for allegedly stealing Hurd’s BMW X3 and phone.

Braxton and Hurd were reportedly friends in high school but had lost touch over the years. Officials revealed that Braxton would frequently show up at her house, and one night, he even fell asleep in her driveway.

In his college career at Duke, Braxton played 43 games for the Blue Devils, catching 93 passes for 893 yards and three touchdowns. He also played on defense, recording 51 tackles.

Braxton is scheduled to appear in court on April 9 to face the charges against him. This tragic case serves as a reminder of the complexities of human relationships and the devastating consequences that can result from unresolved conflicts.