Hilton Head Island, September 17, 2025
News Summary
An 82-year-old woman, Harriett Kay Recker, has been charged with murder following the fatal shooting of her 81-year-old husband at a nursing home in Hilton Head Island. The tragic incident took place at the Preston Health Center, leading to his death shortly after the shooting. Friends expressed disbelief at the charges, as investigations continue into the couple’s background and the circumstances surrounding the event. The community is left in shock as more details unfold.
Hilton Head Island
An 82-year-old woman has been charged with murder following the fatal shooting of her husband at a nursing home in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Harriett Kay Recker was charged after the tragic incident involving her 81-year-old husband, Dennis Recker, at the Preston Health Center on September 12, 2025, around 10:30 a.m.
Emergency responders reported to the scene shortly after the shooting, but Dennis Recker was pronounced dead at 11:26 a.m. Harriett was subsequently charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. She is currently in custody at the Beaufort County Jail, awaiting a bond hearing that has been scheduled by a circuit court judge for September 15, 2025.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation following reports of gunfire within the facility, which provides skilled care services for residents. The Preston Health Center accommodates up to 58 patients, offering various levels of care, including short-term, long-term, and memory care services.
As of now, officials have not disclosed the motive behind the shooting. Friends and acquaintances of Harriett expressed disbelief at the incident, recalling her as a loving and caring person. The community is left in shock as details unfold around this distressing event.
Background Information
The Recker couple had lived in the Bluffton area since 2012, having previously resided in Madison, Mississippi. This incident significantly impacts the local community, raising concerns about safety and the well-being of residents within care facilities. The ongoing investigation aims to provide clarity on the circumstances that led to this tragic event.
The case highlights critical issues surrounding elderly care and the mental health challenges faced by individuals in such facilities. As the investigation continues, more information may be released regarding the events leading up to the shooting and the Recker’s life prior to the incident.
Investigation Status
The investigation conducted by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is ongoing, and further updates are expected. Authorities are working to gather more details surrounding the shooting and the relationship dynamics between Harriett and Dennis Recker.
Summary of Key Events
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Shooting Incident | September 12, 2025 | Harriett Kay Recker charged with murder after her husband, Dennis Recker, shot. |
| Emergency Response | September 12, 2025 | Dennis Recker pronounced dead at 11:26 a.m. |
| Charge Filed | September 12, 2025 | Harriett charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. |
| Bond Hearing | September 15, 2025 | Upcoming hearing for Harriett in Beaufort County Jail. |
FAQ
What charges were filed against Harriett Kay Recker?
Harriett Kay Recker was charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
When did the shooting occur?
The shooting occurred on September 12, 2025, around 10:30 a.m.
What is the Preston Health Center?
The Preston Health Center is a 58-bed skilled care facility located in Hilton Head, offering short-term, long-term, and memory care services.
Is there an investigation ongoing?
Yes, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an ongoing investigation into the incident.
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Additional Resources
- WJCL: Hilton Head Island Shooting Incident
- Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
- WRAL: 82-Year-Old Charged with Murder
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island murder news
- WBTV: Deputies Charge 82-Year-Old
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hilton Head Island
- WAFB: Woman Charged with Murder
- Google News: Hilton Head Island shooting
- WTOC: 82-Year-Old Woman in Custody
- Google Scholar: Elderly Care Issues
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.
