South Carolina Woman, 82, Charged With Killing Husband After Leaving Notes Detailing Her Plan
HILTON HEAD, SOUTH CAROLINA – An 82-year-old woman accused of killing her husband at a Hilton Head assisted living facility allegedly planned the shooting in advance and left multiple notes describing her intentions, according to investigators.
Husband Fatally Shot at Hilton Head Facility
Authorities say Harriett Recker shot her husband, Dennis Recker, 81, on September 12 inside the Preston Health Center at The Cypress in Hilton Head, where he had been admitted just a day earlier for medical care.
Deputies with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office responded to the facility around 10:30 a.m. after reports of a shooting. When officers arrived, they found Dennis suffering from a gunshot wound as Harriett stood nearby.
A staff member told police they heard a loud noise, rushed to the room, and saw Harriett holding a revolver while Dennis clutched his chest. According to witnesses, he looked shocked and said, “She shot me.”
He received emergency treatment but later died of his injuries, officials said.
“I’m Just Not Strong Enough” — Notes Reveal Motive
Investigators say Recker’s alleged motive stemmed from the belief that she was no longer capable of caring for her husband.
According to court records, detectives found multiple handwritten notes — one in her purse, another at her home, and a similar message mailed to a neighbor — describing her emotional state and plan.
“To you all, this has just been too much for me,” one note read. “I so wish I could do it with the wonderful family we have, so many good friends. He can’t have a life without someone, and that someone can’t be me as I am just not strong enough or smart enough to do all this.”
Authorities say the writings clearly show the killing was premeditated.
Facing Murder Charge
Harriett Recker was charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, according to Beaufort County court records.
The case has been forwarded to a grand jury as prosecutors seek a formal indictment. It remains unclear what medical condition Dennis was being treated for at the time of the shooting.
The Preston Health Center, where the incident occurred, provides short- and long-term medical and memory care services for elderly patients.
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