The husband and wife were found with gunshot wounds after an automated emergency call led responders to their home.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY, N.C. — Detectives believe a woman fatally shot her husband before taking her own life inside their Rowsgate Lane home, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office said in an update to its investigation.
Investigators identified the couple as Stephen Larnell Willetts and Tracey Parker Willetts. Deputies found them dead early July 30 after emergency medical crews requested law enforcement assistance at the residence. Both appeared to have suffered gunshot wounds.
The Sheriff’s Office said evidence gathered during the investigation led detectives to classify the deaths as a murder-suicide. Investigators believe Tracey Willetts shot Stephen Willetts and then died by suicide. Authorities have not publicly described the evidence supporting that finding.
The investigation remains active, and officials have not announced a motive. No information has been released indicating what may have happened before the shootings or whether investigators recovered a message or other record that explained the circumstances.
Emergency responders were sent to the home after a smartwatch worn by one of the couple automatically contacted 911, according to law enforcement accounts provided to local news organizations. The device reportedly detected an emergency and placed the call when its alert was not canceled.
Emergency medical crews could not enter the residence when they arrived and requested help from the Sheriff’s Office. Deputies entered the property and found both people dead. Authorities said there was no sign of forced entry at the home.
The Sheriff’s Office said early in the investigation that the deaths appeared to be an isolated event and that there was no known continuing threat to nearby residents. Officials have not reported that another person was involved.
Neighbors described Stephen Willetts as friendly and active in the community. Some recalled seeing him regularly while he walked his dog or spent time outdoors. Friends also said the couple had been part of the Wrightsville Beach paddleboarding community for more than a decade.
Investigators have not released autopsy findings or a detailed timeline of the deaths. The Sheriff’s Office said additional information would be made public as it becomes available.
Author note: Last updated August 1, 2026.