Investigators believe a Wilmington-area woman fatally shot her husband before dying by suicide inside their New Hanover County home.
WILMINGTON, N.C. — A smartwatch’s automated emergency call led first responders to a New Hanover County home where a husband and wife were found fatally shot, authorities said.
The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office identified the couple as Stephen Larnell Willetts and Tracey Parker Willetts. Deputies found them inside their Rowsgate Lane home early July 30 after emergency medical workers requested help from law enforcement. Investigators later said evidence indicated Tracey Willetts fatally shot her husband before dying by suicide. The agency said the investigation remained active and that additional information would be released when available.
Emergency services were sent to the residence after a smartwatch worn by one of the couple automatically contacted 911, according to the Sheriff’s Office and local news reports. Investigators said the device may have detected a hard fall or the absence of a pulse. The exact condition that triggered the alert has not been publicly confirmed.
Medical workers arrived at the home but received no response at the door. Deputies were called to assist and reached the property at about 2:26 a.m., according to information provided by the Sheriff’s Office. They found an open garage door, entered the residence and discovered Stephen and Tracey Willetts with apparent gunshot wounds.
Authorities initially described the case as a death investigation and said the incident appeared to be isolated, with no known danger to people living nearby. The following day, the Sheriff’s Office said detectives believed the deaths were a murder-suicide based on evidence collected during the investigation. Officials did not publicly describe that evidence or identify a possible motive.
Friends said the couple had recently returned from a trip marking their 40th wedding anniversary. Social media posts reviewed by news organizations indicated that they celebrated the anniversary July 29, the day before they were found. Authorities have not said the anniversary had any connection to the deaths.
Neighbors remembered Stephen Willetts as a friendly and active member of the community who often walked his dog and stopped to speak with people living nearby. Residents told local news outlets that he was a retired Army service member and participated in the Wrightsville Beach-area paddleboarding community.
A lifelong friend told WWAY that Stephen and Tracey Willetts should be remembered as compassionate people who helped others. Another neighbor told WECT that Stephen Willetts was physically active and frequently spoke with him about their shared military experience. Community members said the deaths left the neighborhood shocked.
Relatives and local reports said Stephen Willetts had also worked as an emergency medical technician. A family member wrote that the couple had endured the deaths of their two sons in separate years. Investigators have not linked those family losses to the shootings, and no such connection has been established.
The Sheriff’s Office had not announced a motive, released further investigative findings or identified another person as being involved as of Aug. 6. The agency said detectives continued to investigate the circumstances surrounding both deaths.
Author note: Last updated August 6, 2026.