Whitney Hurd, a 32-year-old realtor, was found dead inside her townhome in Charlotte, North Carolina. Reportedly, she was found stabbed to death just days after she was reported missing on July 11, 2024. Six months after her body was found, police have identified and named a person of interest in Hurd's murder.
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Said person is Brandon Braxton, a 34-year-old man with an extensive criminal record. During investigations, Braxton was arrested for an unrelated case. He allegedly stole from a woman and then punched a man in the face in South Charlotte.
According to WSOC-TV, Lindsey Newsome was running a dog adoption fundraiser at a restaurant when she was approached by Braxton, disturbingly. "He started talking to me a little bit saying he had been wanting to adopt a dog," Newsome told the outlet.
However, as the conversation continued, Newsome began worrying about Braxton, who eventually robbed her. "I was screaming for help. I said, 'He's got my money, he's got my money. Can you help me?" Newsome said. "I was just scared. I was in shock."
With her bag allegedly in his possession, Braxton attempted to flee, but a man tackled him and put him in a chokehold. Before the police arrived, however, Braxton allegedly hit the good samaritan in the face. Braxton was then arrested and is currently being held at Mecklenburg County Jail.
According to the Daily Mail, his criminal record reveals allegations such as misdemeanor larceny, simple assault, indecent exposure, and injury to real property. Police now believe that Braxton's DNA "is evidence of that murder," referring to Withney Hurd. However, Brandon Braxton has not been charged at the moment or even named as a suspect.
Disappearance And Death
Days after her disappearance, an investor hired by Hurd's family called 911. "I'm helping the family look for a missing daughter...the body's here," the investigator said during a chilling and heartbreaking call, according to WBTV.
Members of the community were shocked to learn about Hurd's death, especially how she was stabbed to death. "It was something we're not used to happening in this area," Carolina Harris, a neighbor, said. "I'm close to that same age so you don't think of that being a possibility so it was devastating for everybody around here and to not know anything is obviously concerning as well," another neighbor, Tyler Everett, said.
