A North Carolina couple was found dead in an apparent murder-suicide just one day after they celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary.
The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Stephen Larnell Willetts and Tracey Parker Willetts were found dead in their home in New Hanover County, North Carolina, on the morning of Thursday, July 30.
“Based on the evidence gathered during the investigation, detectives believe this to be a murder-suicide in which the wife fatally shot her husband before taking her own life,” NHCSO said in a statement shared via social media on Friday, July 31. “The investigation remains active, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.”
The sheriff’s office added that it was believed to be an “isolated incident” and there was “no known threat to the community.”
Authorities reported to the home after one of the victims’ smartwatches dialed 911 after the device detected that they either fell or there was a lack of pulse, according to WECT.
The tragedy took place shortly after the couple celebrated 40 years of marriage. A friend confirmed to WWAY that the couple celebrated their anniversary on Wednesday, July 29, while she also said that Tracey was someone who always wanted to do the right thing for the members of her community.
Meanwhile, a neighbor told the outlet that Stephen was always friendly. “One of the friendlier guys in our neighborhood, honestly, and he was always down to have a conversation,” neighbor Wyatt Heartline said. “I really liked him and it’s just kind of horrifying what just happened.”
Fellow neighbor Andy Johnson told WECT that Stephen was a former service member and that he was often seen walking the couple’s dog around the neighborhood.
“He’s retired Army,” Johnson said. “I was in the Army myself, so we spent a lot of time talking in the afternoons and stuff as he came by. He was very physically fit. He was into paddle boarding. It’s just a sad situation.”
The couple was actively involved in the Wrightsville Beach paddleboarding community, where they became close with Wrightsville SUP owner Jared Covington.
Covington told WWAY that he got to know Stephen and Tracey well over the past decade. “We became like family, just sharing a love for being outside on the water, paddleboarding,” he said.
He added that the couple was energetic, outgoing and devoted to each other.
Police have not shared a potential motive in the shootings. The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to Us’ request for comment regarding the investigation into the case.
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