Search Continues for Killer of Whiteville Personal Trainer One Week After Fatal Attack
By ObxLedger
Published Mar 18, 2026
2 min read
WHITEVILLE, N.C. — Authorities are continuing their search for the person responsible for the death of a local personal trainer, one week after she was found critically injured inside her business in eastern North Carolina.
Police responded around 5:30 a.m. on March 11 to Stronger Body Fitness on North Thompson Street. When officers arrived, they located Cynthia Hansen and rushed her to Columbus Regional Healthcare, where she later died.
Hansen, 71, had spent more than three decades as a teacher before becoming a personal trainer, according to her obituary.
During a March 18 news conference, Whiteville Police Chief Paul Rockenbach said investigators have been working continuously since the incident, alongside local, state, and federal partners, to identify the person responsible. As of that date, no arrests had been made and no suspect information had been released.
Police are asking the public for help, especially anyone with surveillance footage from the night of March 10 into the early morning hours of March 11. Investigators believe even small details could be critical.
Surveillance video reviewed by police shows a suspect running down North Thompson Street after the attack before disappearing into the area. Officials have not confirmed whether the business itself had working cameras.
Rockenbach stated that, based on the information gathered so far, there is no indication of an ongoing threat to the public. However, he emphasized that the investigation remains active and that every lead is being pursued.
Authorities have not disclosed how Hansen was killed or whether she knew the suspect.
A $2,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Whiteville Police Department or the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office.
