Authorities in South Carolina say an elderly woman has been charged with murder after her husband was fatally shot at an assisted living facility in Hilton Head.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office reported that 82-year-old Harriett Kay Recker was arrested on Friday after deputies responded to a shooting at the Preston Health Center at the Cypress, a senior care community. Officers arrived at the facility around 10:30 a.m. to find 81-year-old Dennis Recker suffering from gunshot wounds inside one of the rooms. His wife was reportedly present “alongside her spouse” when deputies entered.
Emergency responders attempted to treat Dennis at the scene, but he later died from his injuries. The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office formally identified him on Monday after his family was notified.
Investigators did not immediately provide a motive for the shooting, and authorities have not clarified whether Harriett or Dennis was a patient at the Preston Health Center. The facility offers both short- and long-term health care, including specialized memory care for residents living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Officials emphasized that there was no ongoing threat to the public and described the incident as isolated. The sheriff’s office confirmed that Harriett Recker was charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. She was booked into the Beaufort County Detention Center and is being held without bond.
Court records show that Harriett was scheduled to appear for arraignment on Monday. She remains listed on the detention center’s inmate roster. Authorities have not released additional details regarding what may have led up to the fatal shooting, but the investigation is ongoing.
The case has drawn attention both locally and beyond, as it involves a couple in their eighties and took place within the confines of a retirement community. While tragic incidents occur across age groups, it is rare for cases of violent crime to involve elderly spouses in such settings.
For the community of Hilton Head, the shooting raises questions about the safety and well-being of residents in assisted living and health care facilities. While law enforcement has assured the public that this was an isolated incident, the investigation will likely focus on understanding the circumstances leading up to the shooting, the couple’s relationship, and whether health issues may have played a role.
As of now, Harriett Recker remains in custody, and prosecutors are expected to pursue the case as a homicide. The sheriff’s office has asked for patience as investigators work to piece together what happened in the hours before the shooting.
The Preston Health Center, where the tragedy occurred, has not released a public statement regarding the incident. Families with loved ones in the facility are looking to authorities for updates, while the broader community awaits further answers.
This case highlights the complexities that can arise in elder care environments and underscores how even in secure facilities, unforeseen and tragic acts of violence can occur.
