Couple found dead in New Hanover County home remembered as investigation continues

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office has identified the two people found dead during an investigation at a residence on Rowsgate Lane early Thursday.

According to the sheriff’s office, the deceased have been identified as Stephen Larnell Willetts and Tracey Parker Willetts. Investigators said both individuals appeared to have suffered gunshot wounds.

A spokesman for the Sheriff’s Office said a smart watch worn by one of the Willetts detected a fall, and when the person didn’t deactivate the alarm, it automatically called 911.

Neighbor Wyatt Heartline said Steven was always a kind man and would often strike up a conversation while walking down the street.

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

A friend of Tracey’s described her as someone who always wanted to do the right thing for people in her community.

The friend also said Wednesday was the Willetts’ 40th anniversary.

Beyond their neighborhood, Steven and Tracy Willetts were well known in the Wrightsville Beach paddleboarding community.

Jared Covington, owner of Wrightsville SUP, said he had known the couple for more than a decade after meeting them through the local paddleboarding community.

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

Covington said the couple’s personalities made them unforgettable.

“There was never a dull moment with both of them around,” he said. “Tracey always had a story to tell. She was so animated. She was a boss. She was always fired up about something. And Steve was always there, right by her side, just laughing and pitching in and telling the story — sometimes laughing at her, sometimes laughing with her.”

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