North Carolina couple discovered dead in apparent murder-suicide after 40th anniversary
Police say Stephen and Tracey Willetts were found shot dead in their Wilmington home, with investigators concluding the wife killed her husband before taking her own life.
Authorities responded to an early-morning emergency call at the home of Stephen and Tracey Willetts in Wilmington, North Carolina, after a smartwatch detected a fall and triggered a 911 alert. Both 65-year-old spouses were found dead from gunshot wounds, and detectives believe the incident was a murder-suicide in which Tracey shot Stephen before turning the gun on herself. The couple had just marked their 40th wedding anniversary and were active members of the Wrightsville Beach paddle-boarding scene.
A neighbor identified Stephen as a retired Army serviceman. Their social media profiles highlighted a shared love of paddleboarding, and a relative posted condolences, noting the loss of their two sons in the early 2010s. The investigation remains open, with the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office continuing to gather evidence.
Why it matters
The case highlights a tragic domestic incident in a close-knit community, raising concerns about mental health and gun safety.
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