Corporal Robert Howard Hinson, 59, of the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office was killed on the night of June 18, 1991. He had responded to a breaking-and-entering call at the county airport that turned out to be a ruse. As he approached, he was shot once in the head at close range and died instantly.

Two juveniles, then aged 16 and 17, had allegedly staged the call to ambush an officer. They were apprehended nearby; during interviews one reportedly said the ambush was part of a gang initiation and that they intended to steal the officer’s duty weapon. Both were tried as adults and received life sentences plus 70 years consecutively.

Hinson was a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran and had served with the sheriff’s office for 10 years. He was survived by his wife, two sons, and two daughters. Does anyone have memories of Corporal Hinson or information about the case that could add context?