The quiet community of Raeford, North Carolina, has been shattered by news of a devastating tragedy: the brutal slaying of a kind-hearted resident, Ms. Connie Linen, inside her own home. Her sudden, violent death, which occurred on Thursday, October 30, 2025, has left friends, family, and neighbors reeling, struggling to comprehend why anyone would target such a gentle soul. The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed they are treating the case as a full-blown homicide investigation, with detectives working around the clock to uncover the truth and find the person responsible for this senseless act.
The grim discovery was made late Thursday morning, at approximately 9:20 a.m., after deputies were called to a residence in the 100 block of Pearce Place for a welfare check. It was a second caller, who was able to enter the home, who found Ms. Linen unresponsive. Emergency medical personnel rushed to the scene, but tragically, their efforts were in vain, and she was pronounced deceased shortly after their arrival. The initial call for a welfare check is a heartbreaking detail, suggesting someone close to Connie had become worried when they couldn’t reach her, only to be faced with the ultimate horror.
Connie Linen, by all accounts, was a ray of light in her neighborhood. Friends and neighbors interviewed by authorities and local media have painted a picture of a compassionate woman with an exceptionally gentle spirit. They recall her always greeting people with warmth and genuine kindness, making her passing all the more shocking and difficult to accept. The empty space she leaves behind in the hearts of those who knew her is a painful reminder of just how fragile life can be, especially when confronted with such unexpected violence.
Immediately following the confirmation of her death as a homicide, the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office sprang into action. Detectives began an intensive canvassing of the area surrounding Pearce Place, meticulously speaking to neighbors, gathering initial statements, and collecting any and all forensic evidence that could lead them to a suspect. The priority for the Sheriff’s Office is clear: ensure justice is served for Connie Linen and her loved ones, who are now forced to navigate an unimaginable period of grief.
While the investigation is active and moving forward, officials have stressed the importance of community cooperation and patience. They have issued a plea to the public to avoid spreading rumors or unverified details that could inadvertently complicate or compromise the integrity of the ongoing case. In a time of heightened emotions and speculation, the police are urging residents to rely only on official statements and to trust the dedicated efforts of the investigative team.
As the tragic news continues to spread throughout Raeford and the wider Hoke County area, an outpouring of sorrow and support has flooded social media platforms. People are sharing favorite memories of Connie, offering prayers, and sending comforting words to her grieving family. The collective shock underscores the impact she had on her community—a loss that feels deeply personal to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her warm smile.
The Sheriff’s Office is making a direct appeal to the public for assistance. Anyone with even the slightest bit of information that could aid the detectives is strongly urged to come forward and contact Detective K. Locklear directly at (910) 875-5111. This small piece of information could be the key to bringing resolution to this horrific crime and ensuring that Connie Linen’s life and legacy receive the justice they deserve. The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office offers its deepest condolences to Connie’s family and friends as the entire community mourns the loss of a beloved member.
