September 16, 2025

82-Year-Old Woman Charged with Murder in Hilton Head Shooting

Hilton Head, September 16, 2025

News Summary

A tragic incident at an assisted living facility in Hilton Head has led to the arrest of 82-year-old Harriett Kay Recker for the murder of her husband, Dennis Recker. The shooting occurred at the Preston Health Center, where Dennis was found injured and later pronounced dead. Harriett faces serious charges related to the violent crime, and bond will be set during a future court session. The motive for the shooting remains unclear as the investigation is ongoing.

Hilton Head, South Carolina – An 82-year-old woman has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting her husband inside an assisted living facility. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office announced that Harriett Kay Recker was arrested on Friday, September 12, 2025, following the fatal incident that occurred around 10:30 a.m. at the Preston Health Center of Cypress of Hilton Head.

Harriett Recker was found beside her 81-year-old husband, Dennis Recker, who was suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite immediate medical attention and efforts from first responders, Dennis Recker was pronounced dead at 11:26 a.m. at the care center. Following the incident, law enforcement apprehended Harriett at the scene, where she remains in custody at the Beaufort County Detention Center.

Harriett Recker has been formally charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. Given the severity of the charges, her bond will be determined by a circuit court judge, with court sessions set to resume on September 22, 2025. Police do not typically release booking photos as lead images but may do so at their discretion under specific circumstances.

Assisted Living Facility Information

The Preston Health Center, where the tragic incident took place, offers 58 beds focused on skilled care, including short-term, long-term, and memory care services for elderly individuals. The facility aims to provide a safe and compassionate environment for its residents.

Background on the Reckers

The Reckers had been residents of Bluffton, South Carolina, since 2012 after purchasing a home in Sun City Hilton Head. Prior to their relocation to Bluffton, the couple lived in Madison, Mississippi, for approximately seven years. While many details surrounding the shooting remain unconfirmed, authorities have not disclosed the motive for the incident.

As the investigation continues, local officials have not indicated whether additional charges might be forthcoming or if any further information will be available before the upcoming court session.

Incident Summary

Incident Date: September 12, 2025
Location: Preston Health Center, Cypress of Hilton Head
Victim: Dennis Recker, 81
Suspect: Harriett Kay Recker, 82
Charges: Murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime
Response: Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office
Custody Status: Harriett Recker remains in custody; bond to be set by circuit court

Conclusion

The case of Harriett Kay Recker is still developing. Community members may hold their breath as more details unfold regarding the tragic events that transpired at the Preston Health Center.

FAQ

What charges has Harriett Kay Recker faced?

Harriett Kay Recker has been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.

Where did the shooting occur?

The shooting occurred at the Preston Health Center, part of the Cypress of Hilton Head assisted living facility.

What is known about Dennis Recker’s condition?

Dennis Recker was found with a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at 11:26 a.m. on the same day of the incident.

What will happen next in the legal process for Harriett Recker?

Harriett Recker’s bond will be set by a circuit court judge, with court sessions resuming on September 22, 2025.

Key Features of the Incident

Feature	Details
Suspect	Harriett Kay Recker, 82 years old
Victim	Dennis Recker, 81 years old
Charges	Murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime
Location	Preston Health Center, Cypress of Hilton Head
Incident Date	September 12, 2025
Pronounced Dead	11:26 a.m. on September 12, 2025
Bond Hearing Date	September 22, 2025

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

82-Year-Old Woman Arrested for Murder in Beaufort County
82-Year-Old Woman Charged with Murder of Her Husband
Elderly Woman Charged With Murder in South Carolina Shooting
Fatal Shooting in Hilton Head Leads to Arrest of Elderly Woman
82-Year-Old Woman Charged with Murder After Fatal Shooting
Elderly Woman Charged with Murder in Hilton Head Shooting Incident
Fifth Suspect Charged in Deadly Shooting in Beaufort
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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

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