Hilton Head, September 13, 2025
News Summary
Harriett Kay Recker, an 82-year-old woman, has been arrested for murder after a shooting incident at Preston Health Center in Hilton Head. The tragic event left her 81-year-old spouse dead from a gunshot wound. Despite immediate attempts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries. Recker now faces serious charges, including possession of a weapon during a violent crime. The community is concerned about elder safety in assisted living facilities as the investigation continues.
Hilton Head, SC – An 82-year-old woman named Harriett Kay Recker has been arrested for murder following a shooting incident at an assisted living facility. The tragic event occurred on Friday morning at the Preston Health Center, part of the Cypress of Hilton Head on Birdsong Way. Recker is now facing serious charges including murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office received a distress call reporting gunfire at the facility. Upon arriving, deputies discovered Recker alongside her 81-year-old spouse, who had sustained an apparent gunshot wound. Despite immediate lifesaving efforts from the deputies present, the man succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter. While the investigation is still ongoing, the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office has not yet released the name of the deceased.
Recker is currently detained at the Beaufort County Detention Center, facing charges that could lead to severe legal consequences if convicted. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear as authorities continue their investigation into the details of the incident. No further information regarding the relationship dynamics between Recker and the victim has been disclosed as of now.
This incident has brought significant attention to elder safety in assisted living facilities, highlighting potential issues in managing conflicts or crises among vulnerable populations. Assisted living centers, such as the Cypress of Hilton Head, are designed to provide care and support for senior residents, making acts of violence particularly shocking within such environments.
The shooting raises broader questions regarding the mental health support and monitoring available for residents in assisted living, as well as the protocols in place for addressing disputes that may escalate. Mental health resources and emergency response training are critical in creating a safe atmosphere for both residents and staff within these facilities.
As the investigation unfolds, the community is left grappling with the impact of this tragedy. Officials encourage the public to remain calm and allow law enforcement to complete their work to ensure that justice is served. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office will provide updates as new information becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What charges is Harriett Kay Recker facing?
Harriett Kay Recker is facing charges of murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
Where did the shooting take place?
The shooting occurred at the Preston Health Center, located at the Cypress of Hilton Head on Birdsong Way.
What happened to the victim?
The 81-year-old man suffered an apparent gunshot wound and died despite lifesaving efforts from deputies.
Is the identity of the victim known?
The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office has not released the name of the deceased man.
What is the current status of Harriett Kay Recker?
Recker is currently being held at the Beaufort County Detention Center.
Is the investigation still ongoing?
Yes, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation into the incident.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Preston Health Center, Cypress of Hilton Head |
| Date of Incident | Friday Morning |
| Charges Against Suspect | Murder, Possession of a Weapon During Commission of a Violent Crime |
| Victim’s Age | 81 Years Old |
| Current Status of Suspect | Held at Beaufort County Detention Center |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Woman arrested following fatal shooting at assisted living facility
- Wikipedia: Assisted Living
- WTOC: One injured, one in custody after shooting in Hilton Head Island
- Google Search: Hilton Head shooting
- WITN: Man killed in Chocowinity domestic-related shooting
- Google Scholar: Domestic Related Shooting
- WJCL: Hilton Head Island shooting on Birdsong Way
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shooting
- Live 5 News Video: Woman arrested following fatal shooting
- Google News: Beaufort County shooting
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.
