Woman Arrested Following Fatal Shooting at Beaufort County Assisted Living Facility
BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. — Authorities say an 82-year-old woman has been arrested following a fatal shooting Friday morning at a Beaufort County assisted living facility.
According to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a report of shots fired at the Preston Health Center at the Cypress of Hilton Head, located on the 80 block of Birdsong Way.
When deputies arrived, they found Harriett Kay Recker, 82, of Sun City, inside a patient’s room along with her 81-year-old spouse, who was suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite lifesaving efforts by deputies and medical staff, the man succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Recker was taken into custody without incident and is now facing charges of murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. She is being held at the Beaufort County Detention Center.
Authorities have not released the name of the victim, pending notification of next of kin. The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office is expected to confirm his identity in the coming days.
Investigators are still working to determine the circumstances that led to the shooting. Officials have not commented on a possible motive but confirmed that the case remains an active investigation.
The Preston Health Center, part of the Cypress of Hilton Head retirement community, provides long-term and assisted living care. Staff members are said to be cooperating fully with law enforcement as they review the incident.