Reward Increased in 1981 Murder

MORGANTON, N.C. — The Burke County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and Morganton/Burke Crimestoppers, has increased the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for the 1981 murder of Rhonda Hinson to up to $94,700.

Nineteen-year-old Hinson was shot and killed in her car while returning from a Christmas party in December 1981. She was traveling on I-40 West toward the Mineral Springs Mountain Road exit in Valdese at the time. Her murder remains unsolved after more than 44 years of investigation, with thousands of hours devoted by local and state authorities.

Sheriff Banks Hinceman emphasized the ongoing nature of the investigation, saying, “The Rhonda Hinson murder investigation is still very much an open case. Her family deserves answers, and we believe someone has information that could lead to an arrest and provide the closure they deserve.”

The total reward includes $40,000 from the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, up to $25,000 from the NC State Bureau of Investigation (determined in part by the Governor), and up to $29,700 from Morganton/Burke Crimestoppers. Individuals providing credible information may be required to testify in court.

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office has set up a dedicated tip line for this case. Anyone with information can call 828-764-9549 or submit a tip through the Burke County Sheriff’s Office mobile app, available for free in the App Store under “Burke Sheriff NC.”

Sheriff Hinceman expressed gratitude for the continued partnership with Crimestoppers and the NC SBI in increasing the reward to encourage tips that could help solve this long-standing case.