New Hanover investigation: Detectives say husband and wife’s deaths were murder-suicide

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office now believes the deaths of a husband and wife found inside their Rowsgate Lane home were the result of a murder-suicide.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, detectives have determined through evidence gathered during the investigation that Tracey Parker Willetts fatally shot her husband, Stephen Larnell Willetts, before taking her own life.

The couple was found dead Thursday morning inside their home on Rowsgate Lane after New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a request from EMS. Authorities said both suffered apparent gunshot wounds.

Earlier in the investigation, officials said the incident appeared to be isolated and that there was no known threat to the community.

A Sheriff’s Office spokesman previously told WWAY that a smartwatch worn by one of the Willetts detected a fall and automatically called 911 after the alarm was not canceled, prompting the emergency response.

Neighbors and friends are remembering the couple for their involvement in the community.

Neighbor Wyatt Heartline described Stephen Willetts as one of the friendliest people in the neighborhood.

“One of the friendlier guys in our neighborhood, honestly, and he was always down to have a conversation,” Heartline said. “I really liked him and it’s just kind of horrifying what just happened.”

A friend of Tracey Willetts said she was someone who always wanted to do the right thing for people in her community and noted that Wednesday marked the couple’s 40th wedding anniversary.

The couple was also well known in the Wrightsville Beach paddleboarding community. Jared Covington, owner of Wrightsville SUP, said he had known Stephen and Tracey Willetts for more than a decade.

“We became like family, just sharing a love for being outside on the water, paddleboarding,” Covington said.

He remembered the couple as energetic, outgoing and devoted to one another.

The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains active and that additional information will be released as it becomes available.