Hilton Head Island, September 13, 2025
News Summary
An 82-year-old woman, Harriett Kay Recker, has been charged with murder after fatally shooting her 81-year-old husband at the Preston Health Center on Hilton Head Island. The incident occurred during Thursday morning, leading to a swift response from law enforcement and emergency services. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities assuring the community that there is no ongoing threat. Security concerns have risen regarding violence in skilled care facilities as the case unfolds.
Hilton Head Island
An 82-year-old woman has been charged with murder following the fatal shooting of her husband inside a skilled care facility on Hilton Head Island. The incident occurred at the Preston Health Center, located at 87 Birdsong Way, around 10:30 a.m. on Thursday morning.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of shots fired and arrived on the scene to find Harriett Kay Recker alongside her husband, who is an 81-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to the torso. Paramedics attempted lifesaving measures, but the man succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.
As a result of the shooting, Harriett Kay Recker has been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. She is currently in custody at the Beaufort County Detention Center.
The identity of the deceased individual will be released by the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office after notifying the next of kin. There are no ongoing threats to the larger community as authorities have assured residents that the incident is contained.
The investigation into the shooting is still underway, and law enforcement officials have indicated an increased police presence around the area. They are advising the public to avoid the vicinity while the investigation proceeds.
The Preston Health Center is described as a 58-bed, upscale skilled-care facility, focusing on resident care. The couple had moved into the center shortly before the tragic incident occurred. The resemblance of the case to any potential motives has not yet been disclosed by authorities in their updates.
As the investigation continues, both the local community and authorities remain on alert as they seek to uncover the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Key Details
- Incident Location: Preston Health Center, Hilton Head Island
- Date and Time: Thursday morning at around 10:30 a.m.
- Charges: Murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime
- Status: Harriett Kay Recker held at Beaufort County Detention Center
- Investigation: Ongoing, no threat to broader community
Background Context
The Preston Health Center is a facility that caters to individuals requiring skilled care, with a focus on a high standard of resident care. The relevance of this tragic incident has sparked concern within the local community as they navigate the implications of violence within such facilities.
This case continues to raise questions about security in care environments and the potential for violence among residents. Both local law enforcement and facility management are working collaboratively to enhance safety measures in light of the incident.
FAQ
What happened at the Preston Health Center?
An 82-year-old woman fatally shot her husband at the facility, leading to her arrest on charges of murder.
What charges has Harriett Kay Recker faced?
She has been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
Is the community safe after the incident?
Authorities have confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the broader community following the shooting.
When will the deceased be identified?
The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office will release the name of the deceased after notifying the next of kin.
What does the Preston Health Center offer?
The Preston Health Center is a 58-bed upscale skilled-care facility focused on providing comprehensive resident care.
Chart of Key Features
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Preston Health Center, Hilton Head Island |
| Charges Against | Harriett Kay Recker |
| Time of Incident | 10:30 a.m. Thursday |
| Victim Age | 81 years old |
| Facility Type | Skilled Care Facility |
| Number of Beds | 58 Beds |
| Current Status | Investigation Ongoing |
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Tragic Shooting on Hilton Head Island
- Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
- WJCL: Hilton Head Island Birdsong Way Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hilton Head Island
- WTOC: Shooting Incident on Hilton Head Island
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
