MORGANTON, N.C. – The Burke County Sheriff, in cooperation with other law enforcement and governmental agencies, announced a combined reward of up to $94,700.00 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for the death of Rhonda Hinson.
In December of 1981, nineteen-year-old Rhonda Hinson was returning home from a Christmas party when she was shot inside of her car while traveling towards Valdese on I-40 West to the Mineral Springs Mountain Road exit. Her death remains unsolved at this time. The Burke County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation have between them spent thousands of hours over the past 43 years investigating her death. Today, the Sheriff is announcing an increase in the amount of the reward for any information leading to an arrest and conviction for murder in this unsolved case to up to $94,700.00, consisting of combined amounts being offered by three agencies.
“I believe that there is someone out there with credible information that could help bring the person(s) responsible for this murder to justice,” Sheriff Banks Hinceman said. “I know it’s been 43 years, and if you are worried about what people will think about you, it’s never too late to do the right thing. My prayer is that the Lord will weigh heavily on someone’s heart to come forward with credible information that will bring justice for Rhonda and her family, who have been waiting for 43 years.”
The Burke County Sheriff is offering $40,000.00, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is offering up to $25,000.00 (with the amount to be determined by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Governor), and Morganton/Burke Crimestoppers is offering up to $29,700.00 to be paid to any person who can provide credible information that leads to the arrest and conviction for murder of the person(s) responsible for the death of Rhonda Hinson. Any person providing such information could be required to testify in Court.
The Burke County Sheriff has a dedicated tip line solely for the Rhonda Hinson case. If you have credible information, please call (828) 764-9549.
The Burke County Sheriff is appreciative of the partnership with Crimestoppers and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation to increase the potential reward available.
