Whiteville community honors life of homicide victim; police continue search for answers

WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY-TV) — A Whiteville community is mourning after local business owner Cynthia Hansen was killed in a violent attack last week. Friends and family gathered on Friday to remember her life as police continue searching for answers.

“We don’t know what was in God’s will, but we know where she is,” said Mary Jean Prince.

Prince, long-time friend and client of Hansen wore an angel on her jacket in honor of Hansen.

“She always said ‘angels are around us,” Prince said.

Prince was among many other friends and family who attended Hansen’s funeral at Mackenzie Mortuary.

“I always called her the energizer bunny because she was always doing something whether it was blowing leaves off her neighbors yard or at the library, at the lake or even there were her office was, just a marvelous person,” said Prince.

That was reiterated at a press conference just three day before as Chief of police, Paul Rockenbach asked for the community’s help in finding the suspect who assaulted Hansen at her business, Stronger Body Fitness.

“This was a senseless and violent act that has deeply impacted not only Mrs. Hansen’s family but our entire community,” Rockenbach said.

Police said Hansen was assaulted inside the fitness center last week and later died from her injuries at Columbus Regional Hospital. Rockenbach said they are requesting the assistance of the FBI and are offering a $2,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest.

“She just made a tremendous impact on the school and me and the parents in the community,” said Larry Hewett.

Hewett, former principle at Whiteville Primary Schools said Hansen’s impact as a teacher and fitness coach will continue on.

“I don’t know now how many, maybe hundreds of people that she has encouraged and helped,” Hewett said.

Whiteville police is asking the community for camera or surveillance footage in the area of 711 North Thompson Street between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Whiteville Police.