Hilton Head, September 13, 2025
News Summary
In a shocking incident at the Preston Health Center in Hilton Head, an 82-year-old woman was charged with murder after allegedly fatally shooting her 81-year-old husband. The incident occurred on Friday morning and has raised concerns about safety in assisted living facilities. The local community is reeling from the event, which has prompted discussions regarding security and well-being in such care environments. The investigation is ongoing, and the suspect is held without bond, awaiting her court appearance.
Hilton Head, South Carolina – 82-Year-Old Woman Charged with Murder After Fatally Shooting Husband at Care Facility
An 82-year-old woman, Harriet Kay Recker, has been charged with murder following a tragic shooting incident that occurred at the Preston Health Center, a skilled-care facility in Hilton Head Plantation. The incident unfolded on Friday morning when Recker allegedly shot her 81-year-old husband. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Recker was taken into custody and booked into the Beaufort County Jail later that afternoon.
The shooting was reported just before 11 a.m., prompting deputies to respond swiftly to the scene. Upon arrival, law enforcement officials discovered Recker with her husband in a patient’s room at the facility. Despite lifesaving efforts, the husband succumbed to his injuries at the site of the incident, which has since drawn significant attention from both local authorities and the community.
Law enforcement has charged Recker with murder as well as possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. Currently, she is being held without bond and is awaiting her first court appearance. The ongoing investigation has not revealed the identity of Recker’s husband, as the coroner’s office is yet to make an official announcement pending family notification.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the community following this incident. In a message relayed to residents, Chrissy Kristian, the community manager at the Preston Health Center, noted that Recker shot her husband in the torso and that the couple had “recently arrived” at the facility.
The Preston Health Center is a 58-bed skilled care facility that provides long-term rehabilitation and care to its residents. Located within the Hilton Head Plantation community, which has a population of approximately 10,000 residents—making up nearly a third of the island’s population—this incident has prompted discussions regarding security and safety in assisted living facilities.
As the investigation continues, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has emphasized the importance of understanding the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event. The community remains in shock as further details are awaited.
Details of the Incident
- Date: Friday morning
- Location: Preston Health Center, Hilton Head Plantation
- Victim: 81-year-old husband of Harriet Kay Recker
- Charges: Murder, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime
- Current Status: Held without bond, awaiting court appearance
About Preston Health Center
The Preston Health Center is designed to accommodate residents who require skilled nursing care. This facility plays an integral role in the Hilton Head Plantation community, making the recent incident especially shocking to its residents and their families.
Community Response
The Hilton Head Plantation community is composed of around 10,000 residents, creating a tight-knit atmosphere where incidents like this impact many. Community leaders and residents are likely to discuss this alarming event and its implications for safety in care facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges is Harriet Kay Recker facing?
Recker has been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The investigation by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is ongoing, with no immediate threat to the community.
Where did the incident occur?
The incident occurred at the Preston Health Center, a skilled-care facility located in Hilton Head Plantation.
What was the outcome for Recker’s husband?
Recker’s husband succumbed to his injuries at the scene following the shooting.
What is the Preston Health Center?
The Preston Health Center is a 58-bed skilled care facility serving residents in need of long-term rehabilitation and care.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Preston Health Center, Hilton Head Plantation |
| Age of Suspect | 82 years old |
| Age of Victim | 81 years old |
| Charges | Murder, Possession of a weapon during a violent crime |
| Status | Held without bond |
| Community Size | Approximately 10,000 residents |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
82-Year-Old Woman Charged with Murder on Hilton Head Island
82-Year-Old Woman Arrested for Murder at Assisted Living Facility
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Significant Improvements in SC READY Scores for Beaufort Area
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Beaufort County Officials Seek Public Help in Missing Person Cases
Student Detained After Bringing Firearm to Beaufort High School
Beaufort, South Carolina Features on Fox & Friends Tour
Increased Police Presence in Beaufort County Following Shooting
Additional Resources
- WSAV: Elderly Woman Arrested and Charged with Murder
- Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
- WTOC: 82-Year-Old Woman in Custody After Shooting
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island Shooting
- WJCL: Hilton Head Island Shooting Incident
- Google Scholar: Elderly Woman Charged with Murder
- ABC News 4: Elderly Woman Arrested for Husband’s Murder
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Murder
- Island Packet: Crime in Hilton Head
- Google News: Elderly Woman Murder Charge
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.
