Hilton Head Island, September 13, 2025
News Summary
An 82-year-old woman has been charged with murder after fatally shooting her husband at a care facility on Hilton Head Island. The incident occurred at the Preston Health Center, where the victim succumbed to his injuries despite medical efforts. Authorities confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the community following the incident and emphasized the ongoing investigation. Increased law enforcement presence is being implemented as the safety of the residents remains a priority.
Hilton Head Island
An 82-year-old woman has been charged with murder after she fatally shot her husband in a care facility on Hilton Head Island on September 12, 2025. Harriett Kay Recker, a resident of Sun City, has been taken into custody and faces additional charges of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
The incident occurred at approximately 10:30 a.m. inside the Preston Health Center, a skilled care residence located at 87 Birdsong Way. Recker’s husband, who was 81 years old, sustained a gunshot wound to the torso and succumbed to his injuries despite the lifesaving efforts of responding medics.
Law enforcement officials have stated that no further threats to the community exist following the shooting and confirmed that there was only one person involved in the occurrence. The identity of the deceased has not been disclosed pending notification of next of kin.
As a precaution, there will be an increased law enforcement presence in the Preston Health Center area during the ongoing investigation into the incident. Community manager Chrissy Kristian has informed residents about the shooting and emphasized the unfortunate nature of the event.
Preston Health Center is a 58-bed facility that specializes in providing high-quality care in an upscale environment. Recker has been placed in the custody of the Beaufort County Detention Center following her arrest, and the investigation remains active as more information is expected to be released.
This incident has raised concerns among residents and families within the facility. Preston Health Center is known for its focus on quality care, and the shocking nature of the event has undoubtedly affected the community.
As investigations are ongoing, authorities continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of individuals receiving care at the facility and the surrounding neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at the Preston Health Center on September 12, 2025?
An 82-year-old woman, Harriett Kay Recker, was charged with murder after fatally shooting her 81-year-old husband inside the Preston Health Center. The incident took place at approximately 10:30 a.m.
Is there a threat to the community after the shooting?
Authorities have stated that there is no threat to the community following the incident, and only one person was involved.
What measures are in place for safety after the incident?
There will be an increased law enforcement presence in and around the Preston Health Center as a precaution during the ongoing investigation.
What is the Preston Health Center?
The Preston Health Center is a 58-bed facility that specializes in providing high-quality care in an upscale environment for its residents.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | September 12, 2025 |
| Location | Preston Health Center, 87 Birdsong Way, Hilton Head Island |
| Accused | Harriett Kay Recker, 82 |
| Victim | Recker’s 81-year-old husband |
| Charges | Murder, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime |
| Response | Increased law enforcement presence, ongoing investigation |
| Facility Type | Skilled care facility with 58 beds |
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: One injured, one in custody after shooting on Hilton Head Island
- Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
- WSAV: Elderly woman arrested charged with murder in Hilton Head Island shooting
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island shooting 2025
- Island Packet: Local crime reports
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hilton Head Island
- WJCL: Hilton Head Island Birdsong Way shooting
- Google News: Hilton Head Island shooting
- Live 5 News: Woman arrested following fatal shooting at Beaufort Co. assisted living facility
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.
