Hilton Head Island, September 16, 2025

News Summary

An 82-year-old woman, Harriett Kay Recker, has been charged with the murder of her husband, Dennis Recker, following a shooting incident at a nursing home. The tragic event took place at the Preston Health Center, leaving the community in shock. As authorities investigate the situation, the suspect remains in custody without bond, awaiting her court appearance. The circumstances surrounding the shooting, including a possible motive, have not been disclosed. Residents reflect on the couple’s reputation as caring individuals, adding to the community’s disbelief.

Hilton Head Island

Authorities have charged 82-year-old Harriett Kay Recker with murder following the fatal shooting of her husband, Dennis Recker, 81, in a nursing home on Hilton Head Island. The incident took place on September 12, 2025, at the Preston Health Center, a 58-bed facility located within the Cypress of Hilton Head retirement community.

Dennis Recker was pronounced dead at 11:26 a.m. from a gunshot wound. First responders attempted to save his life but were unsuccessful. Harriett Kay Recker was located inside her husband’s room at the facility and was subsequently arrested.

Following the shooting, she has been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. As of Monday afternoon, she remains in custody at the Beaufort County Jail without bond, awaiting her first court appearance. Due to the serious nature of the charges, her bond will need to be set by a circuit court judge, with the next court session scheduled for September 22.

Incident Details

The shooting incident was reported to local law enforcement around 10:30 a.m. on the morning of the incident. Police have not disclosed a possible motive for the shooting, leaving the community in shock.

Residents and neighbors described Harriett as a caring individual who had dedicated herself to looking after others, further deepening the shock over the events. The Recker couple had been living in Bluffton, South Carolina, since 2012, and prior to that, they spent approximately seven years in Madison, Mississippi.

Facility Background

The Preston Health Center offers various healthcare services including short-term and long-term care as well as specialized memory care for residents. The facility is a part of The Cypress of Hilton Head, which is situated within a gated neighborhood known as Hilton Head Plantation. The community is known for its serene environment suitable for retirees.

Community Reaction

The tragic nature of this incident has resonated throughout the community, with neighbors expressing disbelief at how the shooting could occur involving a couple known for their care and affection towards others. Both Dennis and Harriett Recker were regarded as respected members of their neighborhood.

What’s Next?

The legal proceedings will proceed following the upcoming circuit court session where critical decisions, such as bond settings, will take place. As the community processes this incident, many seek further clarification and understanding of what led to such a violent act.

Summary

• Incident: Harriett Kay Recker charged with murder
• Victim: Dennis Recker, 81, pronounced dead on September 12, 2025
• Location: Preston Health Center, Hilton Head Island
• Wife’s Age: 82 years old
• Charges: Murder and weapon possession
• Custody: Harriett Recker held without bond
• Court Date: September 22, 2025

FAQ

Key Features of the Incident

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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: Hilton Head Nursing Home Shooting
• WTOC: 82-Year-Old Woman in Custody After Shooting
• WJCL: Hilton Head Island Shooting
• WSAV: Elderly Woman Arrested
• Google Search: Hilton Head Island shooting

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.