Community Mourns the Tragic Loss of Ms. Connie Linen as Hoke County Deputies Launch Homicide Investigation
RAEFORD, N.C. — October 30, 2025 — The Hoke County community is in deep mourning following the heartbreaking death of Ms. Connie Linen, a beloved woman whose life was tragically cut short early Thursday morning. Authorities confirmed that Ms. Linen was found deceased inside her home on Pearce Place in Raeford, in what has now become an active homicide investigation led by the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were dispatched to the residence shortly after sunrise in response to a welfare check requested by concerned neighbors who had not seen Ms. Linen in several days. Upon arrival, authorities discovered her unresponsive inside the home. Paramedics pronounced her deceased at the scene, and initial findings led investigators to suspect foul play.
Sheriff Roderick Virgil confirmed that the case has been reclassified as a homicide, with detectives and crime scene specialists working tirelessly to piece together what transpired inside the quiet Raeford neighborhood. “This is a heartbreaking and deeply troubling case,” Sheriff Virgil said in a statement. “We are fully committed to finding out what happened and bringing the individual or individuals responsible to justice.”
The tragic discovery has left the tight-knit Raeford community reeling. Friends, neighbors, and family members have expressed shock and sorrow over the loss of a woman remembered for her kindness, compassion, and unwavering faith. Those who knew Ms. Linen describe her as a loving friend and devoted neighbor — someone who never hesitated to lend a helping hand or share a warm smile.
“She was one of the sweetest souls you could ever meet,” said a longtime neighbor. “Connie had a way of making everyone feel welcome and loved. The fact that something like this happened to her is just unimaginable.”
As word of her passing spread, tributes began to pour in across social media, with many community members offering prayers for her family and calling for justice in her memory. Local churches and community organizations have also come together to provide support for those affected by the tragedy.
Detectives with the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office are actively pursuing leads and have urged anyone with information about the case to come forward. They are also reviewing surveillance footage from the surrounding area and conducting interviews with neighbors as part of the ongoing investigation.
“This is not the kind of thing that happens here,” said one resident. “Raeford is a close community, and losing someone like Ms. Connie in such a violent way has shaken us all.”
Authorities have not yet released details regarding possible suspects or a motive, but they continue to reassure the public that there is no immediate threat to the community. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is also assisting local authorities in processing evidence and supporting the ongoing effort to bring closure to Ms. Linen’s loved ones.
As the investigation continues, friends and neighbors are remembering Ms. Connie Linen not for the tragedy of her death, but for the warmth and light she brought into the lives of so many. Her loss is felt deeply throughout Hoke County — a reminder of the fragility of life and the strength of a community united in grief and hope for justice.
Anyone with information related to the death of Ms. Connie Linen is urged to contact the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office at (910) 875-5111 or submit a tip anonymously through Hoke County Crime Stoppers.
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