Whiteville police release new details in Cynthia Hanson homicide investigation

WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY) — Whiteville police on Thursday released new details in the homicide investigation of Cynthia Hanson, the owner of Stronger Body Fitness, and said the total reward in the case has grown to $27,000.

At a news conference, Whiteville Police Chief Paul Rockenbach said investigators have been working around the clock since the killing.

“From the moment this incident occurred, our officers, detectives, and command staff have worked continuously, day and night, without pause, to pursue every lead and piece of evidence,” Rockenbach said.

Police said Hanson was attacked inside her business at 711 N. Thompson St. between about 5:25 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. on March 11.

Rockenbach called the killing “a senseless and violent act that has deeply impacted the Hanson family and our entire community.”

Investigators now believe the suspect is a man who may have been wearing a gray or dark-colored hoodie the night of the attack and may walk with a limp. Authorities also determined no vehicles were seen in the immediate area at the time of the killing.

Police said Hanson was assaulted with a weapon, but they are not releasing what kind. Rockenbach said investigators believe it was a “weapon of opportunity,” meaning it was found inside the fitness studio, and that they believe it has been recovered.

He said police have reviewed hundreds of hours of surveillance video, which has helped establish a clearer timeline.

“We have completed a substantial portion of that work, and it has resulted in valuable evidence and a more refined timeline and a stronger understanding of the suspect’s movements,” Rockenbach said.

Authorities are still waiting on forensic results from the FBI laboratory and the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory related to DNA, fibers and other evidence.

“Science takes time, but it is thorough, and it is critical to ensuring that when we bring this case forward, it is done right,” Rockenbach said.

Police are asking residents, especially on the east side of Whiteville, to review surveillance footage from the night of March 10 into the morning of March 11, as well as the days leading up to the attack.

Rockenbach also said Gov. Josh Stein authorized a $25,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction, bringing the total reward to $27,000.

Rockenbach said Hanson was able to provide some information before she died. He said she mentioned the first name “Daniel,” but declined to release a last name or additional details because of the ongoing investigation.

Rockenbach also addressed the pace of the investigation.

“Criminal investigations are not like what you see on television. This is not NCIS or Hawaii 5-0,” he said. “We cannot solve a case in an hour episode.”

He added a direct message to the community and the suspect.

“Someone knows something. Someone in our community has seen something,” Rockenbach said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Whiteville police or submit a tip online.