Detectives: Wife shot husband before taking her own life in New Hanover Co. murder-suicide

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) - A New Hanover County couple’s deaths have been ruled a murder-suicide, with investigators saying the woman shot her husband before taking her own life.

Investigators with the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office identified the couple on Thursday, July 30, as Stephen Larnell Willetts and Tracey Parker Willetts.

Deputies responded to 5841 Rowsgate Lane on the morning of July 30 after EMS requested law enforcement. EMS had been called to the residence, reportedly after one of the victims’ smartwatches dialed 911, either from detecting a hard fall or a lack of pulse, but crews could not gain entry to the home.

When they arrived, deputies entered through an open garage door and found the couple dead inside. Each appeared to have gunshot wounds.

In an update Friday, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office shared the following:

Neighbor Andy Johnson told WECT on Thursday he regularly saw Stephen Willetts walking his dog in the Murrayville-area 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.”

Another neighbor, Wyatt Patrick, said he crossed paths with Stephen nearly every day.

“The neighborhood is thoroughly shocked,” Patrick said. “I’m a runner, and he’d often ask me how my progress is going, or walking our dogs and just a brief hello. He was consistent and one of the friendlier people I’ve met around here.”

Both neighbors said they had never met Tracey Willetts.

Investigators said the incident is believed to be isolated and that there is no known threat to the community. The investigation remains active, and the sheriff’s office said additional information will be released as it becomes available.