Sheriff responds as tragic month sparks social media stirring

A shooting at Jonas Ridge with an airlifted victim. Another fatal shooting on Kathy Road. A deceased male was found in a missing persons case. An 8-year-old was killed in a car crash. Three young girls were critically injured in another car crash. A mass shooting in nearby Hickory resulted in numerous arrests.

These incidents in the past month have led to some online reactions to reference “Bloody Burke.” The term is usually used when violent or devastating events occur, though it seems to have been around for ages.

When you ask Sheriff Robert “Banks” Hinceman, he will tell you that he doesn’t know where the nickname originated, but he has heard it several times in his career.

He explained that the number of serious crimes in Burke isn’t out of line with its neighbors, though there is typically an increase around the holidays. When a serious crime is committed, Hinceman said law enforcement thoroughly investigates and brings appropriate charges.

DATA

Each year, the sheriff’s office compiles the numbers of offenses and submits that data to the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).

Looking at the reports, violent crimes are homicide and aggravated assault, along with rape and robbery. Statistics can be found at https://www.ncsbi.gov/SSRV?report=/UCR/IndexOffensesAndClearances.

Statistics from 2018-23:

• 2018: 3 homicides; 92 aggravated assaults
• 2019: 5 homicides; 161 aggravated assaults
• 2020: 3 homicides; 208 aggravated assaults
• 2021: 3 homicides; 139 aggravated assaults
• 2022: 5 homicides; 164 aggravated assaults
• 2023: 2 homicides; 200 aggravated assaults

So far in 2025, the sheriff’s office has investigated 40 aggravated assaults and one homicide (including the May 31 Kathy Road shooting).

When asked for his perspective on crime levels, Hinceman said that while lower numbers are always the goal, crime is difficult to predict — “unless you have a crystal ball.”

Hinceman has seen an uptick in serious crimes post-COVID that could be linked to addiction and mental health. Addiction and mental health factor into whether individuals make good decisions, he said. Mental health issues have been on the rise even among younger age groups, he said.

Hinceman continued that there is uncertainty in the current times, and people are stressed, and it seems people can be quick to anger. He added he is not discouraging people from using self-defense when appropriate. Most cases, however, are better handled by trained law enforcement officers.

Although situations pop up in the county, he said the area has good people and is proud to call Burke his home.

“Burke County is a pretty good place to live. I love calling Burke County Home,” he said.