September 16, 2025

82-Year-Old Woman Charged with Murder in Nursing Home Shooting

Hilton Head, September 16, 2025

News Summary

An 82-year-old woman has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting her husband, 81, in a nursing home. The incident at Preston Health Center shocked the local community, raising concerns about violence in such facilities. As investigations continue, authorities are clarifying motives while the accused awaits court proceedings.

Hilton Head, South Carolina – 82-Year-Old Woman Charged with Murder After Allegedly Shooting Husband in Nursing Home

Emergency responders pronounced 81-year-old Dennis Recker dead following a shooting incident at the Preston Health Center nursing home on September 12, 2025. His wife, Harriett Kay Recker, 82, has been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.

Authorities were alerted to the situation shortly before 11 a.m. when the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office received reports of shots fired at the facility located within the Cypress of Hilton Head retirement community. Dennis Recker was found at the scene and attempts by first responders to revive him were unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead at 11:26 a.m. on that day.

Harriett Kay Recker was discovered in the same room as her husband and was subsequently taken into custody. As of now, she remains at the Beaufort County Detention Center with no bond set as she awaits the decision of a circuit court judge regarding her case. Circuit court proceedings are scheduled to resume on September 22, 2025.

Details of the Incident

The Preston Health Center, where the shooting took place, has 58 beds and provides various levels of care, which include short-term, long-term, and memory care services. The specific circumstances and potential motive behind the alleged shooting remain unclear, and the investigation continues to progress as authorities gather more information.

Community Reaction

Local residents expressed shock at the tragic event, recalling Harriett as a kind and loving person based on their past interactions with her. The community’s response underscores the unexpected nature of such violence occurring within a nursing home environment.

Background of the Reckers

The Reckers relocated to Bluffton, South Carolina, in 2012, purchasing a home in the Sun City Hilton Head area. Prior to their move, the couple lived in Madison, Mississippi for approximately seven years. This history has raised further questions among residents and family about the couple’s life and recent changes.

Legal Proceedings

As Harriett awaits her court date, the legal implications of the incident could have lasting effects not just on herself but also on the local community and the Preston Health Center where the incident occurred. The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office has confirmed Dennis Recker’s identity and is involved in the ongoing investigation as details continue to unfold.

Summary of Key Facts

Victim: Dennis Recker, 81
Accused: Harriett Kay Recker, 82
Date of Incident: September 12, 2025
Location: Preston Health Center, The Cypress of Hilton Head
Charges: Murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime
Court Date: September 22, 2025
Community Reaction: Shocked residents described Harriett as kind
Status: Harriett remains in custody with no bond set

FAQ

Who was involved in the Hilton Head shooting?

The incident involved 81-year-old Dennis Recker, who was shot and killed, and his 82-year-old wife, Harriett Kay Recker, who has been charged with murder.

Where did the shooting occur?

The shooting took place at the Preston Health Center, located within The Cypress of Hilton Head retirement community.

What charges has Harriett Kay Recker faced?

Harriett has been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.

When is Harriett’s court date?

Circuit court proceedings regarding Harriett Kay Recker’s case are set to resume on September 22, 2025.

Is there any information on the potential motive for the shooting?

Police have not disclosed any potential motive for the shooting, and the investigation is ongoing.

Key Features of the Incident

Feature	Details
Victim	Dennis Recker (81)
Accused	Harriett Kay Recker (82)
Date of Incident	September 12, 2025
Location	Preston Health Center, The Cypress of Hilton Head
Charges	Murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime
Court Date	September 22, 2025
Status	Harriett remains in custody without bond

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Elderly Woman Charged in Fatal Shooting of Husband
82-Year-Old Woman Charged with Murder in Hilton Head Shooting
82-Year-Old Woman Arrested for Murder in Beaufort County
82-Year-Old Woman Charged with Murder After Fatal Shooting

Additional Resources

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.

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.

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