Police offer reward as investigation continues in Whiteville gym owner’s murder

WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY) — A $2,000 reward is now being offered as police continue to investigate the killing of a Whiteville business owner earlier this month.

According to the Whiteville Police Department, Cynthia Hansen was assaulted and killed inside her business, Stronger Body Fitness, located at 711 N. Thompson St., between about 5:25 and 5:30 a.m. on March 11.

Officials say the case remains active and involves multiple agencies, including the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office and federal partners.

Investigators say surveillance video shows a suspect running south on North Thompson Street shortly after the incident, before disappearing near East White Street.

Police say they have received multiple tips and collected surveillance footage from across the city, but they are continuing to ask for the public’s help, especially from residents on the east side of Whiteville, to review any camera footage from the night of March 10 into the early morning hours of March 11.

“We need your help. If you live in this area, if you own a home, a business or a camera system, please take the time today to go back and review your footage,” Police Chief Paul Rockenbach said. “Something as small as a shadow, a passing figure, a vehicle driving by at an unusual time, all of those details matter.”

Authorities say rumors circulating online, including names and suspect descriptions, have been investigated, but emphasize they are focused on facts and evidence.

Police also say, based on the information they currently have, they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public.

A $2,000 reward is now being offered for information leading to an arrest.

Tips can be submitted anonymously through the Whiteville Police Department or the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office websites.