Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, September 16, 2025

News Summary

Harriett Kay Recker, an 82-year-old woman, has been charged with murder for allegedly shooting her husband, Dennis Recker, at an assisted living facility in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The tragic incident occurred at the Preston Health Center, where authorities found Dennis with a gunshot wound. Despite attempts by first responders to save him, he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. Harriett has been arrested and remains in custody, as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – Murder Charges Filed Against 82-Year-Old Woman for Allegedly Killing Husband

An 82-year-old woman, Harriett Kay Recker, faces murder charges after allegedly shooting her husband, Dennis Recker, at an assisted living facility in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The incident took place at the Preston Health Center within the Cypress of Hilton Head, a skilled care facility.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office was alerted about the shooting shortly after 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 12, 2025. Deputies arrived at the scene to find Harriett alongside her husband, who was discovered with an apparent gunshot wound. Despite the first responders’ efforts to save him, Dennis was pronounced dead at 11:26 a.m.

Following the tragic incident, Harriett Kay Recker was charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. She was promptly arrested and booked into the Beaufort County Jail on the same day. As of Monday afternoon, she remained in custody, awaiting a bond hearing scheduled for September 22, 2025. A circuit court judge will determine her bond amount.

Facility Details and Resident Background

The Preston Health Center is a skilled care facility that accommodates 58 beds, offering various services including short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, and memory care. This facility is situated within the larger gated neighborhood of Hilton Head Plantation.

Harriett and Dennis Recker had made Bluffton their home since 2012, after relocating from Madison, Mississippi, where they had resided for about seven years. Known by neighbors as a kind and loving individual, the allegations of murder have left the local community in shock.

Investigation Status

The authorities have not yet disclosed a motive for the shooting, and the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident continues. More details may emerge as court proceedings and inquiries develop in the coming weeks.

Conclusion

This distressing event raises numerous questions and has undoubtedly affected residents of the assisted living facility and the greater Hilton Head Island community. As the investigation unfolds, updates will provide further context regarding the allegations and the Recker family’s situation.

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Additional Resources

• Island Packet
• Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
• Post and Courier
• Google Search: Hilton Head Island shooting
• WTOC
• Google Scholar: Hilton Head Island crime
• WJCL
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hilton Head
• WYFF4
• Google News: Hilton Head Island shooting 2025

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.