A husband and wife were discovered dead in their home in Wilmington, North Carolina. Authorities suspect a murder-suicide. Stephen Larnell Willetts and Tracey Parker Willetts were both shot, with evidence indicating that Tracey may have shot Stephen before taking her own life.
The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office reported responding to an EMS call following an alert from a smartwatch. The watch registered a fall and called 911 when the alarm was not dismissed. Stephen and Tracey had recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary, according to their social media profiles.
The couple was well-known in the Wrightsville Beach paddleboarding community. Several images on social media highlighted their passion for the sport. A neighbor mentioned that Stephen Willetts was a retired Army veteran. Tracey had connections with many in the area, including family members. Her second cousin, Fuller Royal, shared on social media about the losses they endured, mentioning that the couple lost their two sons between 2013 and 2014.
The investigation by the sheriff’s office remains active. The community is still coming to terms with the tragedy, remembering the Willets as active and social figures.