Hilton Head Island, September 14, 2025
News Summary
An 82-year-old woman, Harriett Kay Recker, has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting her 81-year-old husband at the Preston Health Center. The incident occurred during the morning hours, leading to the victim’s death despite efforts to save him. Recker is awaiting legal proceedings, while the community has been assured there is no ongoing threat. The event raises significant concerns regarding safety and mental health within elder care facilities.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – An 82-year-old woman named Harriett Kay Recker has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting her 81-year-old husband at the Preston Health Center on September 12, 2025. The incident occurred at approximately 10:30 a.m. when local authorities received a report of gunfire within the facility located at 87 Birdsong Way.
Upon arrival, deputies discovered Recker in her husband’s room, where he was found suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite immediate lifesaving efforts by law enforcement, the victim succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter. The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office is currently withholding the victim’s name pending notification of next of kin.
Recker has been charged not only with murder but also with possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. She is being held at the Beaufort County Detention Center awaiting further legal proceedings. Increased law enforcement presence was noted in the area following the incident; however, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office stated that there was no ongoing threat to the community.
Located on Hilton Head Island, the Preston Health Center is a 58-bed Medicare-certified facility providing short-term, long-term, and memory care services to its residents. Recker is reported to be a resident of Sun City in Bluffton, South Carolina.
Updates about the shooting were communicated to the public throughout the day, indicating an ongoing investigation and coordinated effort by local law enforcement to ensure community safety. The incident has drawn attention to issues surrounding elder care facilities and violence, particularly the psychological strain on individuals facing long-term illnesses and the impact on caregivers.
Background Context
The shooting incident raises concerns regarding elder health care dynamics, especially when it comes to residents facing mental health challenges or severe health crises. The Preston Health Center, like many facilities dedicated to caring for the elderly, aims to provide not only medical care but also support systems for the emotional well-being of both residents and their families. However, events like this illustrate serious issues that can arise in such environments.
Research indicates that elderly individuals sometimes face unspeakable stressors, often leading to critical incidents that attract law enforcement attention. Incidents in health care facilities have prompted discussions around better supervision, caregiver support resources, and emergency response protocols to safeguard the well-being of both residents and staff.
The Beaufort County community is advised to remain vigilant and can contact local authorities if they have concerns about care facilities in the area, as measures to enhance safety and awareness continue to be a top priority.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened in Hilton Head Island?
An 82-year-old woman was arrested for allegedly shooting her 81-year-old husband at a local health care facility.
Where did the incident take place?
The incident occurred at the Preston Health Center located at 87 Birdsong Way, Hilton Head Island.
Are there any charges against the shooter?
Yes, Harriett Kay Recker has been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
Was the community in danger after the incident?
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that there was no ongoing threat to the community following the incident.
What is the Preston Health Center?
The Preston Health Center is a 58-bed Medicare-certified facility providing long-term, short-term, and memory care services.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | September 12, 2025 |
| Location | Preston Health Center, Hilton Head Island |
| Charges | Murder, Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime |
| Victim’s Age | 81 years old |
| Suspect’s Age | 82 years old |
| Facility Type | Medicare-certified, Elder Care Facility |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
82-Year-Old Woman Charged with Murder in Shooting Incident
82-Year-Old Woman Charged with Murder on Hilton Head Island
Missing Bluffton Man Found Safe After Quick Response
Beaufort County Sheriff Locates Missing Man with Dementia
Beaufort County Law Enforcement Raises Concerns Over Investigations
Additional Resources
- WTOC: One Injured, One in Custody after Shooting on Hilton Head Island
- Wikipedia: Preston Health Center
- WSAV: Elderly Woman Arrested Charged with Murder in Hilton Head Island Shooting
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island Shooting
- Island Packet: Hilton Head Island Shooting Incident
- Google Scholar: Elder Violence in Health Care Facilities
- WJCL: Hilton Head Island Birdsong Way Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Elder Care Facilities
- Live 5 News: Woman Arrested Following Fatal Shooting at Beaufort Co. Assisted Living Facility
- Google News: Hilton Head 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.
