State funds authorized to assist Whiteville Police and SBI in search for suspect in Cynthia Hansen homicide
By BC News Staff Writer
WHITEVILLE, NC — Governor Josh Stein has authorized a $25,000 state reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the death of Cynthia Hansen, the 71-year-old owner of Stronger Body Fitness. The announcement, issued April 15, 2026, aims to generate new leads in the investigation into the fatal assault of the local business owner.
Hansen was discovered by a client at her North Thompson Street studio on the morning of March 11, 2026. Authorities report she had been brutally assaulted and later died from her injuries at a regional medical center. The Whiteville Police Department, supported by the NC SBI and the FBI, is currently seeking to identify a male seen leaving the area around 6:30 a.m. on the day of the crime.
Investigators are requesting that anyone with surveillance or dashcam footage from the North Thompson Street area, recorded between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. on March 11, come forward. Police Chief Paul Rockenbach is expected to provide further updates during a formal briefing scheduled for Thursday morning, April 16.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Whiteville Police Department at (910) 642-5111 or the NC SBI at (919) 662-4500. Tips can be submitted anonymously.
© 2026 BCDollarSaver.com. All rights reserved.
Be the first to comment