A North Carolina couple was found dead from apparent gunshot wounds in their Wilmington home, in what investigators are calling a murder-suicide. The New Hanover County Sheriff's Office responded to an emergency call early Thursday morning.
Deputies believe that Tracey Parker Willetts fatally shot her husband, Stephen Larnell Willetts, before ending her own life. The incident is believed to have occurred one day after the couple celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary, according to their social media profiles.
A smartwatch belonging to one of the Willetts' reportedly detected a fall and automatically called 911 after the alarm was not canceled. This prompted the emergency response that led investigators to the couple's home.
Stephen Willetts, 65, was retired from the Army, according to a neighbor. The couple was known in the Wrightsville Beach paddleboarding community and appeared to be avid paddleboarders, based on photos shared on social media.
Fuller Royal, who identified himself as Tracey Willetts' second cousin, posted on social media that Stephen Willetts was a lifelong friend and a devoted EMT. Royal's post also stated that the couple had lost both of their sons within a year of each other between 2013 and 2014, adding that he prayed they were reunited with their children.
The investigation into the deaths is active and ongoing.