Hilton Head, September 14, 2025
News Summary
In a shocking incident at the Preston Health Center, Harriett Kay Recker, an 82-year-old woman, was arrested for the shooting death of her husband, aged 81. The shooting occurred at around 10:30 a.m., prompting emergency responders to rush to the scene. Despite life-saving efforts, the husband succumbed to his injuries. Recker is charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and the investigation is ongoing as authorities seek to understand the motives behind this tragic event.
Hilton Head, South Carolina: 82-Year-Old Woman Arrested for Shooting Death of Her Husband at Assisted Living Facility
Harriett Kay Recker, an 82-year-old woman from Sun City, South Carolina, has been arrested in connection with the shooting death of her 81-year-old husband. The incident occurred on Friday at the Preston Health Center, which is part of the Cypress of Hilton Head assisted living facility.
Police responded to reports of gunfire at around 10:30 a.m. on Friday. Upon arrival at the facility, deputies discovered Recker alongside her husband, who had sustained an apparent gunshot wound. Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures but unfortunately, the husband succumbed to his injuries.
Recker is currently facing charges that include murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. She is being held at the Beaufort County Detention Center while the investigation continues. The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office has yet to release the identity of the deceased husband.
According to a community manager, it has been confirmed that the suspect shot her husband in the torso. The couple had recently arrived at the assisted living facility, raising questions within the community regarding the motivations behind the tragic event.
The Hilton Head Plantation neighborhood, where the incident took place, is home to approximately 10,000 residents, making up nearly one-third of Hilton Head Island’s total population. As of Friday afternoon, authorities have not determined a motive for the shooting, and the ongoing investigation is actively seeking further information.
The community is in shock following the incident. Family, friends, and residents are coming to terms with the loss of a life and raising concerns about safety in assisted living facilities. The Cypress of Hilton Head facility has not released an official statement regarding the incident.
With the pandemic impacting social interactions, many families have opted for assisted living to provide care for elderly relatives. The events of Friday have highlighted the complexities and challenges many families face in these environments.
The local police department has reported that they will be conducting a thorough investigation into all elements surrounding the shooting, promising to keep the public updated as more details emerge.
Background Information
The Preston Health Center is a facility aimed at providing a supportive environment for elderly individuals who require assistance with daily activities. The Cypress of Hilton Head community is known for its diverse population and has numerous programs in place to enhance the quality of life for its residents. The circumstances of this tragic incident serve as a reminder of the fragility of relationships and the unforeseen consequences that can arise in caregiving situations.
FAQ
What happened in the assisted living facility in Hilton Head?
An 82-year-old woman named Harriett Kay Recker was arrested for the shooting death of her 81-year-old husband at the Preston Health Center, part of the Cypress of Hilton Head assisted living facility.
What charges is Harriett Kay Recker facing?
Recker is facing charges of murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
When did the incident occur?
The incident occurred on Friday at around 10:30 a.m.
Has the identity of the deceased husband been revealed?
No, the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office has not yet released the identity of the deceased.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not disclosed a motive for the shooting as of Friday afternoon.
Where is the incident located?
The incident took place within the Cypress of Hilton Head assisted living facility, located in the Hilton Head Plantation neighborhood.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Harriett Kay Recker, 82 |
| Victim | Unnamed 81-year-old husband |
| Location | Preston Health Center, Cypress of Hilton Head, Hilton Head, SC |
| Date | Friday |
| Time | 10:30 a.m. |
| Charges | Murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime |
| Status | Held at Beaufort County Detention Center, investigation ongoing |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Woman arrested following fatal shooting at Beaufort Co. assisted living facility
- Wikipedia: Assisted Living
- WSAV: Elderly woman arrested in Hilton Head Island shooting
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island shooting
- News Nation: Woman, 82, killed husband inside care facility, police say
- Google Scholar: elderly care facility incidents
- Island Packet: Local crime news
- Encyclopedia Britannica: elderly care
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