New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office Seeks Public Help in Locating Missing Woman
The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office is seeking public assistance to find Cortney Howard, a 43-year-old woman last seen on October 4th at 5135 S. College Road in Wilmington, NC.

Wilmington, NC, October 7, 2026 — The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office has issued a public appeal for information regarding the whereabouts of Cortney Howard, a 43-year-old female.
Howard was last observed on October 4th. The last known location provided by authorities is 5135 S. College Road in Wilmington, North Carolina. The Sheriff’s Office is requesting that any individuals who may have seen Howard or possess any information pertinent to her disappearance to come forward.
Details regarding the circumstances of her last sighting or the reason for the Sheriff’s Office seeking public assistance beyond a standard missing person case were not immediately available. The duration of time since her last confirmed sighting is a key concern for law enforcement officials. Efforts to locate Howard are ongoing, and the Sheriff’s Office is coordinating with various units to gather information.
The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with knowledge, however minor it may seem, to contact them. This could include information about her activities after October 4th, any potential travel plans, or individuals she may have been with. The Sheriff’s Office can be reached through its non-emergency line, or the public can provide anonymous tips through the department’s established channels.
Further details about Howard’s physical description, clothing worn at the time of her disappearance, or any specific circumstances that prompted the missing person alert have not been publicly disclosed at this time. The Sheriff’s Office has emphasized that community cooperation is vital in such investigations and hopes that public awareness will aid in locating Ms. Howard safely.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office. The specific contact number or details for reporting tips were not provided in the initial request for assistance.
Story summarized from the original created by WWAY News on www.wwaytv3.com, see more information here.

