Former Duke University football player confessed to killing Charlotte realtor, document says
Former Duke player was friends with victim, affidavit says
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - The man who confessed to killing a Charlotte realtor last summer was a former Duke University football player, sources confirmed.
An affidavit said Brandon David Braxton confessed to killing Whitney Hurd after she was found dead in her SouthPark townhome on July 14, 2024. Braxton was arrested and charged with Hurd’s murder on March 20, 2025 -- more than eight months after her death.
Hurd was found by a private investigator and had multiple stab wounds and was wrapped in bloody bedding.
Investigators were able to use DNA and fingerprint evidence to connect Braxton with the murder.
Since Hurd was killed in July, court records showed Braxton was arrested at least seven other times in Mecklenburg County, and has faced charges that include assault on a female, simple assault, injury to property and larceny.
Prior to his March 20 arrest, he did not face any charges related to Hurd’s death, although he was named a person of interest.
In connection with the Hurd case, Braxton was charged with first-degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon. The robbery charge came after he allegedly stole Hurd’s BMW X3 and her phone.
He was still in the Mecklenburg County jail at the time of this writing and was being held without bond.
Affidavit: Braxton said Hurd ‘looked petrified’ last time he saw her
An affidavit said that during an August 2024 interview with detectives, Braxton told detectives that “he nodded his head up and down in the affirmative when asked if he knew what happened to Whitney,” but refused to elaborate. He also allegedly said “she looked petrified” the last time he saw her.
The affidavit alleged that Braxton and Hurd were friends in high school, and that after they lost touch for “many years,” he began showing up at her home. The document said he fell asleep drunk in her driveway one night, and once tried to break into her home.
The affidavit said his confession to the murder came March 3, 2025, when he submitted a grievance that said “I killed Whitney Hurd.”
Video surveillance later confirmed that it was him who submitted the grievance.
Sources confirm Braxton was a former Duke football player
Less than a week after Braxton was charged with Hurd’s murder, sources confirmed he was a former Duke football player.
The university’s athletics website showed he was on the team from 2010-2013, and was a wide receiver for the majority of his collegiate career. He played in 42 games for the Blue Devils, and caught 93 passes for nearly 900 yards and three touchdowns.
His player biography page said he attended Providence High School in Charlotte before going to Duke, and said his dad was former NFL player David Braxton. The younger Braxton was twice an All-ACC academic selection.
Previous Coverage: Man confesses in stabbing death of Charlotte realtor, district attorney says
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