WHITEVILLE, N.C. — The Whiteville Police Department is intensifying its investigation into the killing of local business owner Cynthia Hansen, with Chief of Police Paul Rockenbach urging residents to review home and business surveillance footage and come forward with any information that could help identify the suspect.
At a press conference Wednesday morning, Rockenbach said investigators have been working “around the clock” since Hansen was found assaulted inside her fitness studio, Stronger Body Fitness, on March 11 between 5:25 and 5:30 a.m. Hansen later died from her injuries.
“This was a senseless and violent act that has deeply impacted not only Ms. Hansen’s family, but our entire community,” Rockenbach said.
Surveillance Shows Suspect Running From Scene
According to the chief, investigators have obtained video showing a suspect running south on North Thompson Street shortly after the attack. The individual disappears into the darkness near East White Street. No physical description has been released.
Police have collected surveillance footage from across the city and continue to review tips submitted over the past week.
Police Issue Direct Plea to Residents
Rockenbach called on residents—particularly those living on the east side of Whiteville—to check any available video from the night of March 10 through the early hours of March 11.
“Do not assume what you have is unimportant,” he said. “Something as small as a shadow, a passing figure, a vehicle driving by at an unusual time—those are the details that solve cases.”
He emphasized that someone in the community may have seen or remembered something that didn’t seem significant at the time.
Rumors Addressed, Misinformation Discouraged
The chief also addressed rumors circulating on social media, including speculation involving a person named “Daniel.”
“We have thoroughly investigated every tip,” Rockenbach said. “But as law enforcement professionals, we do not investigate rumors. We investigate facts and evidence.”
He urged residents to avoid spreading unverified information, saying it can hinder the investigation and create unnecessary fear.
No Ongoing Threat to the Public, Chief Says
Despite the lack of an arrest, Rockenbach reiterated that investigators do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the community.
“At this point in time, I have no intelligence or information to indicate that there is a threat to the public,” he said, citing the strong presence of local, county, state, and federal law enforcement.
Reward Offered, Tip Lines Open
In partnership with the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Bill Rogers, and an anonymous donor, authorities announced a $2,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
Tips can be submitted anonymously through:
- Whiteville Police Department: whitevillenc.gov → Police Department → “Submit a Tip”
- Columbus County Sheriff’s Office: columbussheriff.com → “Submit a Tip”
Few Investigative Details Released
Rockenbach declined to answer questions about:
- The cause of Hansen’s death
- Whether the business’s cameras captured the attack
- Whether investigators have identified any suspects
- Any possible relationship between Hansen and the perpetrator
He confirmed that Hansen’s body was still en route to the medical examiner and that the FBI is assisting with laboratory analysis of evidence.
Chief’s Closing Message: ‘We Are Closing In’
Rockenbach ended the briefing with a firm message directed at the person responsible.
“You cannot hide from this,” he said. “We are coming with every lead, every piece of evidence, every partnership. We will not stop, we will not rest, and we will not fail this community.”
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