Whiteville Police expected to release new details on homicide

WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY) — Whiteville Police is expected to release additional details about the homicide of a prominent business owner during a press conference held Wednesday morning.

Police responded to calls on Wednesday of last week at Stronger Body Fitness, where they found 71-year-old Cynthia Hansen injured from an apparent assault.

The retired teacher died from her injuries after being transported to the hospital.

Since her death was announced, the investigation has received an outpouring of support from the Whiteville community, with whom Hansen was close

Larry Hewitt was the former principal of Whiteville Primary School, where Hansen taught.

When he retired, she gave him a letter he said he would forever cherish.

“She was just a tremendous coworker,” Hewitt said. “She worked with her kids in such a way, she kept them so busy they didn’t have time to get in trouble. That note has a lot more specialness now than it had before and it was very special before.”

The press conference will be at Whiteville City Hall, and WWAY will be there.