Search warrants show Whiteville Police collected DNA samples as well as possible murder weapons from the scene of the brutal March 11 homicide of Cynthia Hansen.
Hansen, 71, was found with critical injuries in her North Thompson Street fitness studio in March. She died at Columbus Regional a short time later. No arrests have been made in the case. A client arriving for a pre-dawn appointment told police she heard a man’s voice and saw a man flee the scene, so she called police. Hansen was found inside the fitness center.
A potential suspect in the case is thought to be a man with a limp who was briefly spotted on security cameras near the fitness center. Whiteville Police shared the video footage shortly after the murder.
Search warrants show that police seized a kettleball, claw hammer, duct tape and multiple DNA swabs from the crime scene. The State Bureau of Investigation and federal authorities are assisting in the case, according to Chief Paul Rockenbach.
The state is offering a $25,000 reward, and that was increased by $2,000 from local donors.
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 .
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