LUMBERTON, N.C. – Two Robeson County deputies have been suspended with pay in light of the Hania Aguilar murder investigation.

• Two deputies suspended in Robeson Co.
• Internal investigation launched into how 2016 rape was handled
• Investigation linked to the kidnapping, rape, and murder of 13-year-old Hania Aguilar 

The deputies have been identified as Major Anthony Thompson, who works at the jail, and Detective Darryl McPhatter, who works with the Criminal Investigations Unit.

Sheriff Burnis Wilkins says he cannot comment on the reason for the pair's suspensions at this time, but they come at the same time as the launch of an internal investigation into how a reported 2016 rape was handled.

It's a case that became linked to the kidnapping, rape, and murder of 13-year-old Hania Aguilar after it was revealed that DNA evidence could have taken Michael McLellen, Aguilar’s accused killer, off the street.

Officials believe he threatened a woman with a knife and tried to rape her. 

McLellan is facing 10 felony charges including kidnapping, rape, and murder.