Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, September 15, 2025
News Summary
In a shocking incident at Preston Health Center in Hilton Head Plantation, 82-year-old Harriett Kay Recker has been arrested for allegedly murdering her 81-year-old husband. The shooting occurred on a Friday morning, prompting a swift response from law enforcement. Medical aid was rendered, but the victim unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. Recker is currently held without bond as the investigation continues, raising concerns about safety in care facilities.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – An 82-year-old woman, Harriett Kay Recker, has been arrested and charged with the murder of her 81-year-old husband at the Preston Health Center, a skilled care facility located in Hilton Head Plantation. The incident unfolded around 10:30 a.m. on a Friday morning, when deputies from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office received reports of gunfire.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered Recker alongside her husband, who had sustained a gunshot wound. Despite the immediate lifesaving efforts from medical personnel, the victim succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Following the tragic event, Recker was taken into custody and is facing charges of murder as well as possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
Recker has been booked into the Beaufort County Jail without bond, and she awaits her first court appearance. The couple had recently moved into the Preston Health Center prior to the shooting. Neighbors reported hearing gunfire near the facility, which led to a substantial response from local authorities. As part of the investigation, an increased law enforcement presence was observed in the area.
The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office is in the process of notifying next of kin and will release the identity of the victim once that has been completed. The investigation remains active, with authorities still working to determine a motive for the shooting. While initial reports posed concerns, law enforcement has confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the surrounding community.
The Preston Health Center, where the incident occurred, is a 58-bed skilled care facility located at 87 Birdsong Way. It is known for providing upscale, resident-focused care to its elderly population. The nature of the incident has raised questions about safety and security within similar facilities, underscoring the need for vigilance in care environments.
As the investigation continues, the community remains in shock at the unfolding of such a violent act within the normally peaceful environment of a retirement and health care facility.
Incident Overview
- Location: Preston Health Center, Hilton Head Plantation
- Date: Recent Friday morning
- Charges: Murder, Possession of a weapon during a violent crime
- Status of Accused: Arrested and booked without bond
- Victim: 81-year-old husband of Harriett Kay Recker
- Circumstances: Report of gunfire leading to husband’s death
- Facility Information: 58-bed skilled care facility
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the shooting take place?
The shooting occurred at the Preston Health Center in Hilton Head Plantation, South Carolina.
What charges is Harriett Kay Recker facing?
She is facing charges of murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
Was there a threat to the community?
Authorities have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the broader community following the incident.
What is the Preston Health Center?
The Preston Health Center is a skilled care facility that focuses on providing upscale, resident-centered care to its elderly residents.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Murder |
| Suspect | Harriett Kay Recker, 82 |
| Victim | Recker’s 81-year-old husband |
| Location | Preston Health Center |
| Date and Time | Recent Friday at 10:30 a.m. |
| Status | Investigation ongoing |
| Charges Against Suspect | Murder, Possession of a weapon during a violent crime |
| Community Safety | No ongoing threat reported |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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82-Year-Old Woman Arrested for Murder at Assisted Living Facility
Additional Resources
- WTOC: 82-year-old woman in custody after shooting and killing her husband
- Wikipedia: Shooting
- Island Packet: Details about the shooting incident
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island shooting incident
- WSAV: Elderly woman arrested charged with murder in Hilton Head Island shooting
- Google Scholar: elderly violence domestic
- WJCL: Shooting on Birdsong Way
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Domestic violence
- Live 5 News: Woman arrested following fatal shooting at assisted living facility
- Google News: Hilton Head Island 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.
