Columbus County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina
End of Watch Tuesday, June 18, 1991
Add to My HeroesRobert Howard Hinson
Corporal Robert Hinson was shot once in the head and killed while responding to a breaking and entering call at the county airport.
The two suspects, ages 16 and 17, had called in a false breaking and entering report to lure an officer to an ambush. As Corporal Hinson approached, he was shot and killed without warning at close range.
The suspects were apprehended nearby by responding officers. During interviews, one of the suspects reportedly bragged the ambush was an execution to complete gang initiation. Both suspects were tried as adults and sentenced to life in prison with an additional 70 years to run consecutively. As of June 9, 2023, both were in prison.
Corporal Hinson was a United States Army Vietnam War veteran and served with the Columbus County Sheriff's Office for 10 years. He was survived by his wife, two sons, and two daughters.
Bio
- Age 59
- Tour 10 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 19 ReflectionsYou are still remembered even though it's been a long time since you were senselessly murdered. Sadly, your name is on the overpass on Hwy 410 just outside Chadbourn, just as Master Trooper Kevin Conners' name is on the bridge on 701 in Whiteville not too many miles from where he was also shot and killed. I don't like to see names of officers like this because it means they died. It hurts my heart for all those killed. I went on to serve at your same agency Bob, once I left Onslow County. Saw your wife there all the time and she missed you so very much. RIP my friend and "brother"..... Jean Britt
Jean Britt, Ret. Columbus County Sheriff's Office
February 24, 2025
