WHITEVILLE, N.C. (WECT) – The Whiteville Police Department is identifying the victim who died after what police described as an assault early Wednesday morning.

Whiteville police report that Cynthia Hansen died after she was assaulted inside her business, Stronger Body Fitness, located at 711 N. Thompson St. Whiteville police say the assault happened sometime between 5:30 and 6:30 a.m. on March 11.

Officers arrived at the business and found Hansen, who was then taken to Columbus Regional Healthcare System, where she died.

A WECT crew on the scene said the first block of North Thompson Street was closed at East Smith Street. Whiteville police said the road would be closed most of the day as the investigation continues.

Whiteville police and the State Bureau of Investigation are investigating the incident as a homicide.

Investigators are asking anyone with information about what happened to contact Whiteville police at 910-642-5111.

This is a developing story, and details will be added as WECT receives them.

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