Corporal Robert Howard Hinson, Columbus County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina

Corporal Robert Howard Hinson

Columbus County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina

End of Watch Tuesday, June 18, 1991

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Robert 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

juvenile offender, ambush, gang member

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God of Justice, I am grateful for the lives and sacrifices of all America’s Peace Officers. They died serving us. Help us never forget. Help us celebrate their lives and honor their sacrifices. Be with the families of these fallen peace officers. Comfort them and give them Your strength and peace. Guide us as we seek to take care of the families of these fallen heroes. May we care for them with integrity. In commemorating the deaths of these fallen heroes, help us also to remember that death is not the end. Death does not have the final say, but is simply the transition from this earthly life to the heavenly life yet to come. This assurance was guaranteed to all believers upon the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. We look forward to that life to come with joy and anticipation. Thank You, Lord God, for hearing this prayer. In the mighty and holy name of Christ Jesus, Your dear Son, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scripture References:

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” [Psalm 23:4 ESV]

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” [John 3:16 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, NACM
Ordained NACM Minister
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

June 18, 2025