July 26, 2022 3:50 a.m.

The Winston-Dillard School District has issued a statement regarding the death of Kendra Hanks.

Superintendent Kimberly Kellison said, “The Winston-Dillard School District is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our student. There are no words that can express to the family how sorry we are, but we send our most sincere condolences. We are working with our partners in Douglas County to provide grief counseling to staff and students who have been impacted emotionally by this tragedy, and we will do everything we can to assist the family in their time of need”.

Hanks went missing on July 7th while walking home from work, near Green. Her body was found on July 13th in Cow Creek along the 9000 block of Cow Creek Road. Thursday afternoon, 39-year old Troy Phelps was arrested in connection with the case. He has been charged with first and second-degree counts of murder, second-degree kidnapping, and for resisting arrest. Phelps is being held without bail. He was arraigned on Friday.