Public Safety

One person died after a Tabor City structure fire that may have been caused by smoking materials Wednesday. Tabor City Fire Chief Jeff Fowler said the female victim was bedridden and on oxygen. The fire may have been caused by a cigarette in the vicinity of the woman’s oxygen. Firefighters were called to 102 Shea Street just after 8 p.m., Fowler said. The woman’s companion had walked to...

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...

Multiple felony firearm and drug charges were filed against a Tabor City man Tuesday. William Antwan Gaskins, 33, of 323 S. Fourth Street, is being held under $250,000 secured bond. He is charged with trafficking in methamphetamines and opiates, manufacturing meth, possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver fentanyl, meth, cocaine and marijuana, manufacture, sale and delivery of drugs within 1,000 feet of a school,  possession of...