BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — Detectives are investigating new information in arguably Burke County’s coldest case, Sheriff Steve E. Whisenant said Tuesday in a news release.
It has been 40 years since the unsolved murder of 19-year-old Rhonda Hinson, who was shot and killed on her way home from a Christmas party on Dec. 23, 1981. Hinson’s body was found in a ditch beside her Datsun less than a mile from her home in Valdese, along Mineral Springs Mountain Road.
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The cold case is the most investigated case in the Burke County Sheriff’s Office’s history, according to Whisenant. Detectives have retired and other detectives have been assigned to keep the case in the forefront as leads continue to develop over four decades.
More data has become available in recent months regarding the case, the sheriff said.
“The hours, days, months and years of work, coupled with so many prayers for the family and friends of Rhonda continue to motivate officers,” Whisenant said. “To bring justice and closure for so many who knew and loved Rhonda is a goal the Burke County Sheriff’s Office still holds deep within our hearts.”
Details about what new data has become available were not released.
On Wednesday, Judy Hinson showed Channel 9 her daughter’s bedroom filled with pictures and memories of the 19-year-old.
“Every day, every day we remember Rhonda. We think about Rhonda,” Judy Hinson said. “Over the past 40 years we have done everything that was possible.”
That included hiring two private investigators and even a psychic. The family hoped to find out who and why someone shot into Rhonda’s car. Investigators said her body was found outside the car, even though many believe the shot most likely killed her instantly.
In an interview with the Morganton News Herald, Sheriff Steve Whisenant spoke about efforts to find the person responsible.
“We hold it deep in our heart to try to make an arrest,” Whisenant said. “At least to find out who is responsible. So the family can be at peace with it.”
A banner reading “Who killed Rhonda Hinson” was displayed along the interstate on Wednesday. Her mother said family members placed the sign and flowers near where she died a half-mile from their home.
They, too, want answers in the case and are hoping someone comes forward.
“I would ask them to please come forward,” said Judy Hinson. “This has been 40 years. This has been the biggest part of our life. We’ve given up the biggest part of our life because of what has happened to Rhonda.”
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