A murder-suicide investigation is underway in Wilmington, North Carolina, after a couple was found dead in their home on Thursday, a day after their 40th wedding anniversary. Authorities believe Tracey Parker Willetts fatally shot her husband, Stephen Larnell Willetts, before taking her own life.
Deputies with the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office responded to the home early Thursday morning after a smartwatch worn by one of the individuals detected a fall and automatically called 911. Emergency responders gained entry to the residence through a garage door. Both Tracey and Stephen Willetts were pronounced dead at the scene.
A motive for the incident remains unclear. However, a family member revealed that the couple had endured significant personal tragedy in recent years. Fuller Royal, identified as Tracey's second cousin, stated in a Facebook post that the couple lost their son, Zack, in 2013, and their other son, Colby, the following year. The causes of the sons' deaths were not specified.
Stephen Willetts was remembered by neighbors as a friendly and conversational individual. Wyatt Heartline, a neighbor, described him as someone who was always willing to chat, noting, "He was consistent and one of the friendliest people I've met around here." Another neighbor, Andy Johnson, mentioned that Stephen, a retired Army veteran and former EMT, would often discuss their shared military experience.
Friends of Tracey Willetts described her as someone dedicated to doing the right thing for her community. The couple was also known within the local paddleboarding community. Jared Covington, owner of Wrightsville SUP, who had known the Willetts for over a decade, described them as energetic, outgoing, and devoted to each other, stating they had become like family through their shared love of being on the water.