Hilton Head, South Carolina, September 24, 2025
News Summary
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office confirmed no shooting occurred on Hilton Head, dismissing online rumors. On September 23, false reports circulated on social media, prompting officials to clarify the information. Although there were two separate shooting incidents at Walmart in Beaufort, police confirmed no injuries reported on Hilton Head. Additionally, a murder case involving an elderly woman and her husband is under investigation. The sheriff’s office urges the community to rely on verified information.
Hilton Head, South Carolina – The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that there were no reports of a shooting on Hilton Head, debunking recent online rumors. Law enforcement officials stated that no officers had been injured, despite anxieties stemming from misleading information circulating on social media.
On September 23, the sheriff’s office issued a media advisory addressing the false reports that had emerged through the ‘Safety Alerts’ feature on the Nextdoor platform. A post claimed that a police officer was shot near Beach City Road and that the suspect had fled into the woods, leading to confusion and concern among residents. However, the sheriff’s office clarified this information was entirely false.
Additionally, there were unverified online reports referring to a shooting incident at Walmart that the sheriff’s office stated was also inaccurate. Officials emphasized that they would promptly notify residents through official channels if there were any confirmed threats to public safety. The sheriff’s office urged the community to refrain from disseminating unverified information and to rely on official sources for accurate updates.
On the evening of September 23, police did respond to two separate shooting incidents at Walmart in Beaufort, not on Hilton Head. Approximately three gunshots were reported shortly before 5 p.m., linked to a road rage incident, but no suspects were identified at that time. A second incident occurred around 7:40 p.m., with approximately four gunshots reported from the same parking lot. This shooting was connected to a previous situation outside Beaufort police’s jurisdiction.
John Michael Findlay, a 52-year-old man, was identified as the shooter who targeted a victim’s vehicle. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries in this incident. Findlay’s 20-year-old son was arrested for allegedly assaulting the vehicle’s driver and damaging the property. Findlay faces multiple charges, including discharging firearms within city limits and two counts of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, both felonies. He has been issued cash bonds totaling $51,087.50, but remains in custody as of noon Tuesday without having posted bail. His son has been released on personal recognizance bonds totaling $3,212.50.
In a separate incident, an 82-year-old woman named Harriett Kay Recker was arrested for the murder of her husband, Dennis Recker, who died from a gunshot wound on September 12. This incident transpired at the Preston Health Center on Hilton Head. Dennis Recker, who was 81 years old, succumbed to his injuries despite the lifesaving efforts of medical responders. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is currently handling the investigation related to this shooting death.
Summary of Key Incidents
- No shooting reported on Hilton Head, contrary to online claims.
- Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office confirmed no law enforcement injuries.
- Police responded to two shooting incidents at Walmart in Beaufort.
- John Michael Findlay identified as shooter; multiple charges filed.
- Harriett Kay Recker charged with murder in her husband’s death.
FAQ Section
Were there any shootings reported on Hilton Head?
There have been no reports of a shooting on Hilton Head, according to officials.
What was the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office response to the rumors?
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office issued a media advisory regarding the false reports.
What incidents occurred at Walmart in Beaufort?
On the evening of September 23, police responded to two separate shooting incidents at Walmart in Beaufort, not on Hilton Head.
What charges were filed against John Michael Findlay?
Findlay was charged with discharging firearms within city limits and two counts of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, a felony.
What happened regarding the murder case on Hilton Head?
An 82-year-old woman, Harriett Kay Recker, was arrested for the murder of her husband, Dennis Recker, who died from a gunshot wound on September 12.
Key Features of Incident Reports
| Incident | Date | Location | Details | Charges | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shooting Rumors | September 23 | Hilton Head | False reports of officer shooting | None | Debunked |
| Walmart Shooting 1 | September 23 | Walmart, Beaufort | Three gunshots related to road rage | None | Investigation ongoing |
| Walmart Shooting 2 | September 23 | Walmart, Beaufort | Four gunshots, linked to earlier incident | John Michael Findlay – multiple charges | In custody |
| Murder Case | September 12 | Preston Health Center, Hilton Head | Death of Dennis Recker | Harriett Kay Recker – murder | In custody |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
False Reports of Police Shooting on Hilton Head Island
Six Charged in Shooting Death of Woman in Lancaster County
Incident at Haywood Mall Causes Lockdown and Panic
Rock Hill Police Dispel Serial Killer Myths
Rock Hill Police Respond to Serial Killer Rumors
Bluffton on High Alert Amid Social Media Threats Targeting Local Schools
Persisting Threats Compel Intense Vigilance in School Districts across Upstate and Western North Carolina
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: No Officers Shot on Hilton Head
- Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
- WTOC: No Police Officers Shot on Hilton Head
- Google Search: Hilton Head shooting
- Island Packet: 82-Year-Old Charged in Shooting Death
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shooting Incidents
- WSAV: Elderly Woman Charged with Murder
- Google News: Hilton Head Island crime
- WBTV: Deputies Charge 82-Year-Old Woman
- Google Scholar: Hilton Head shooting
- Bluffton Today: 82-Year-Old Charged with Murder
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.
