Tragic Murder-Suicide Shocks Wilmington Community: The Story of Stephen and Tracey Willetts
A couple was discovered dead in their home in Wilmington, North Carolina, in what investigators suspect to be a murder-suicide. Stephen Larnell Willetts and Tracey Parker Willetts were found shot inside their residence. The New Hanover County Sheriff's Office indicated that evidence points to the wife fatally shooting her husband before taking her own life.
Deputies responded to an emergency call early in the morning after one of the Willetts' smartwatches detected a fall and automatically contacted 911. The couple had recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary, as seen on their Facebook profiles. They were known in the Wrightsville Beach paddleboarding community and appeared to enjoy the activity.
A neighbor mentioned that Stephen Willetts was a retired Army member. Fuller Royal, who claimed to be Tracey Willetts' second cousin, described Stephen as a lifelong friend and a dedicated EMT. The couple had experienced the loss of their two sons within a year of each other between 2013 and 2014, as shared in a social media post by Royal.
The investigation into the incident is currently active and ongoing. The tragic event has left many in shock and mourning, with the community expressing their condolences and prayers for the Willetts family during this difficult time.