Whiteville police investigating homicide after woman dies following an assault

WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY) — Police in Whiteville are investigating a homicide after a woman died from injuries following an early morning assault.

It happened at Stronger Body Fitness.

According to the Whiteville Police Department, officers were called early Wednesday morning for a report of an assault involving a woman.

When officers arrived, they found the woman injured and rendered aid before she was transported to a hospital for treatment. Whiteville Police Chief Paul Rockenbach said the woman later died from her injuries.

“At that point in time, she succumbed to her injuries, so we’re now working an active homicide investigation,” Rockenbach said.

Rockenbach said the incident is believed to have happened sometime between about 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m.

Police have not yet released the woman’s identity as they work to notify her family.

Rockenbach said officers are following active leads but do not believe there is a danger to the public at this time.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is assisting the Whiteville Police Department with processing the crime scene and other parts of the investigation.

Police have not released details about a possible suspect or whether a weapon was involved.

Rockenbach said more information will be released as the investigation continues.