Beaufort County, September 15, 2025
News Summary
Harriett Kay Recker, an 82-year-old woman, has been arrested for murder after fatally shooting her 81-year-old husband at an assisted living facility in Beaufort County. The tragic incident occurred at the Preston Health Center, prompting a swift response from local deputies and emergency services. Despite efforts to save him, the husband succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter. Recker is now charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, with the investigation ongoing. Authorities assure the community that there is no ongoing threat.
Beaufort County, South Carolina – 82-Year-Old Woman Arrested for Murder After Shooting Husband
An 82-year-old woman named Harriett Kay Recker has been arrested and charged with murder following the tragic shooting of her 81-year-old husband at an assisted living facility. The incident took place at the Preston Health Center within the Cypress of Hilton Head on a Friday morning around 10:30 a.m.
Beaufort County deputies responded swiftly to a report of shots fired at the facility. Upon arrival, they discovered Recker alongside her husband, who had suffered a gunshot wound. Emergency responders made significant efforts to save him; however, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
Authorities confirmed that Recker has been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. She is currently being held at the Beaufort County Detention Center. The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office is expected to release more information regarding the victim as authorities finalize notification to the next of kin.
Officials stress that there is no ongoing threat to the community following this incident. The investigation remains active as law enforcement looks into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Details Surrounding the Incident
The tragic event unfolded in a senior living community, raising questions about safety and security in such environments. The swift action by law enforcement highlights the seriousness of the situation, as residents often rely heavily on facilities like Cypress of Hilton Head for support and care.
As the investigation develops, more details will likely emerge regarding the relationship between Recker and her husband, as well as any potential motives for the violence. Such cases can evoke a range of emotions, particularly given the ages of those involved, and the nature of the incident emphasizes the complexities surrounding mental health and domestic relationships in later life.
Background Context
Assisted living facilities are designed to provide essential care and support for seniors, offering services that range from daily assistance to more comprehensive medical care. While the majority of these facilities operate without incident, cases like this serve as reminders of the potential issues that can arise in elder care settings. Violence, though rare, can occur, and it raises critical discussions about the adequacy of safeguards in place to protect both residents and staff.
As this case develops, community members are encouraged to remain informed and supportive of one another during this time of crisis.
FAQ
What charges has Harriett Kay Recker been arrested on?
Recker has been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
Where did the shooting incident occur?
The incident occurred at the Preston Health Center at the Cypress of Hilton Head in Beaufort County, South Carolina.
What happened to Recker’s husband?
Recker’s husband sustained a gunshot wound and unfortunately died despite lifesaving efforts.
Is there an ongoing threat to the community?
Authorities have confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the broader community.
Is the investigation still active?
Yes, the investigation into the shooting remains active.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: 5th Suspect in Burton Murder Case Transferred
- Wikipedia: Assisted Living
- WYFF4: South Carolina Deadly Shooting at Nursing Home
- Google Search: Shooting at Nursing Home
- WTOC: Search Underway for Armed Suspect in Burton Homicide
- Google Scholar: Elder Care Safety
- ABC News 4: 82-Year-Old Woman Arrested for Husband’s Murder
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Elder Violence
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.
