Hilton Head, South Carolina, September 16, 2025
News Summary
Harriett Kay Recker, 82, has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting her husband, Dennis Recker, at their assisted living facility in Hilton Head. The incident occurred at the Preston Health Center, where deputies found Dennis with a gunshot wound. Emergency efforts were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead shortly after. Harriett is also facing charges of possession of a weapon during a violent crime. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting is ongoing, raising safety concerns in caregiving environments.
Hilton Head, South Carolina – An 82-year-old woman, Harriett Kay Recker, has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting her husband, Dennis Recker, at their assisted living facility. The tragic incident occurred at the Preston Health Center within the Cypress of Hilton Head on Friday morning, September 12.
According to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, deputies received a call reporting the situation around 10:30 a.m. Upon their arrival, they discovered Harriett next to her 81-year-old husband, who was found with an apparent gunshot wound in his room. Despite emergency efforts by the deputies, Dennis Recker was pronounced dead shortly before 11:30 a.m.
Harriett Kay Recker has been charged with murder and also faces an additional charge of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. Following the incident, she was taken into custody and is currently being held at the Beaufort County Detention Center. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting is ongoing, as authorities work to gather more details regarding the events leading to the tragic outcome.
The shooting occurred in the 80 block of Birdsong Way at the Preston Health Center, a facility designed to offer assistance and care for elderly residents. This incident is particularly alarming for the community, as it highlights safety concerns within such caregiving environments.
While both individuals were living at the assisted living center, the specifics surrounding the argument or situation that led to the shooting have not been made public. The involvement of firearms in incidents of domestic violence often raises questions about the accessibility of weapons to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, especially those who may be in contentious situations within shared living spaces.
As the investigation unfolds, more information is anticipated from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office. Community members may seek reassurance from facility management regarding safety measures, as well as resources available to ensure the well-being of all residents in assisted living arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Harriett Kay Recker and her husband?
Harriett Kay Recker, an 82-year-old woman, is accused of shooting her husband, Dennis Recker, at a South Carolina assisted living facility, leading to his fatal injuries.
What charges has Harriett Kay Recker faced?
Harriett is charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
Where did the incident occur?
The incident occurred at the Preston Health Center at the Cypress of Hilton Head, specifically in the 80 block of Birdsong Way.
What is the status of the investigation?
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the incident and gathering additional details.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Preston Health Center, Cypress of Hilton Head |
| Principal Individuals | Harriett Kay Recker, Dennis Recker |
| Charges | Murder, Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime |
| Date of Incident | September 12, 2023 |
| Investigating Body | Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office |
| Status | Investigation Ongoing |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WBTV: Deputies charge 82-year-old after husband killed at Hilton Head assisted living facility
- NewsNation: Woman, 82, killed husband inside care facility, police say
- Live 5 News: Woman arrested following fatal shooting at Beaufort Co. assisted living facility
- WLTX: Fatal shooting on Haygood Road in Richland County
- WYFF4: South Carolina deadly shooting at nursing home
- Wikipedia: Assisted living
- Google Search: Nursing home safety concerns
- Google Scholar: Elderly domestic violence
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Domestic violence
- Google News: Hilton Head 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.
