The suspect in the brutal March 11 slaying of Cynthia Hansen was wearing a gray hoodie and may walk with a limp, according to Whiteville Police.
Chief Paul Rockenbach released a few more details about the killing in a press conference this morning in Whiteville. Rockenbach also said the killer used a ”weapon of opportunity” from Hansen’s fitness studio, and “we believe we have recovered that weapon.” He did not detail Hansen’s injuries.
Hansen, 71, was found severely beaten and possibly stabbed at her studio by police. An early morning client called 911 after arriving for a 6:30 a.m. session and seeing a suspicious man run from the building.
The suspect may have been in the area of North Thompson Street near the studio before midnight, Rockenbach said, renewing the WPD call for surveillance video from businesses and homes throughout the area. He said investigators have obtained “hundreds of hours” of video, which have helped narrow the search.
The State Bureau of Investigation and Federal Bureau of Investigation are also assisting with analysis of fibers, DNA and other forensic evidence.
“This is not NCIS or Hawaii 5-0,” Rockenbach said. “Science takes time.”
Gov. Josh Stein announced Wednesday that the state is adding $25,000 to the reward for information leading the suspect’s arrest and conviction. The Police Department and a local donor were already offering $2,000.
“Let me be clear,” Rockenbach said. “Someone knows something. Somebody has seen something. And now more than ever there’s an opportunity to come forward. Not just because of the reward, but to do what is right.
“We will continue to follow the evidence and we will not stop until those responsible are held accountable,” he said.
“And to the suspect, the individual or individuals responsible for this heinous and cowardly act. We know more today than we did yesterday, and we will know more tomorrow than we do today….We are closing in.”
Rockenbach again refused to release the name mentioned by Hansen while she was being treated at Columbus Regional. He confirmed that she said the name “Daniel,” but refused to release a last name. He also refused to say whether the suspect is local or a transient.
Rockenbach urged anyone with information that could possibly help the case to contact Whiteville Police at 910.642.5111 or the SBI at 919.662.4500. You may also submit an anonymous tip via https://www.cognitoforms.com/CityOfWhiteville1/SubmitATip .
“We will continue to pursue this case relentlessly,” Rockenbach said.
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