Gardner, MA – In a chilling incident that has shaken the local community, Aaron Pennington, a Massachusetts father of four, is suspected of fatally shooting his wife, Breanne “Breezy” Pennington, and fleeing their home, leaving their young children alone with their deceased mother. The disturbing case, which dates back to October 22, 2023, remains unresolved as Pennington continues to evade capture.
The Tragic Events of October 2023
According to Brenda Hull, the victim’s aunt who raised Breanne, Aaron Pennington allegedly shot his 30-year-old wife three times in the back of the head while she was asleep. Before escaping, he locked eyes with his 9-year-old daughter, the eldest among the four children aged 2, 5, 7, and 9. Reportedly, Pennington barricaded the bedroom door with a dresser, climbed out a window, and left the children to deal with the aftermath.
“He looked his daughter in her eyes as he drove off, knowing he was leaving her responsible for four children with a dead mother,” Hull told Fox News Digital.
Manhunt and Current Status
After the murder, state police recovered Pennington’s white BMW at Camp Collier, a Boy Scouts campground, but he has never been apprehended despite an extensive manhunt involving aerial surveillance and K-9 units. Authorities describe him as a 6-foot-2-inch tall White male with blond hair and blue eyes, though his aunt believes he may have changed his appearance since the crime.
- Pennington is considered armed and dangerous.
- Police urge anyone who sees him to call 911.
- Information can also be reported to Worcester County District Attorney’s Office at 508-832-9124 or Gardner police at 978-632-5600.
Family and Community Impact
The Penningtons were members of the Mormon church, and it was church members who found Breezy’s body after forcing open the bedroom door. Hull disputes early reports suggesting the children heard their mother crying, explaining that the nature of her injuries would have made that impossible. She suspects the voice the children heard belonged to Aaron Pennington.
Hull shared insights into Aaron’s troubled past, noting his history of mental illness and volatile behavior, including previous attempts to evade responsibility by claiming mental health issues. She also cited a suspicious lack of suicide notes in his detailed journals, despite police finding possible notes on his phone.
“There’s no planning in a murder-suicide, right? The only reason you need to be 10 steps ahead is because you’re gonna run,” Hull said. “Before the slaying, he talked about living off the grid, and I believe that’s what he’s doing now.”
Ongoing Investigation and Search Efforts
Authorities have maintained a continuous search in the region, focusing especially around Camp Collier and local trails. The aunt emphasized the possibility that Pennington may have used nearby rail lines or wilderness routes to escape detection.
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For more detailed updates on this case and similar ongoing investigations, visit the original Fox News report here.
A Plea for Closure and Justice
Brenda Hull expressed a heartfelt message for Pennington, urging him to surrender for the sake of their children, who still ask about him and hold onto memories of their father. The community remains hopeful for justice and the safe recovery of the fugitive dad.
What Happens Next?
- The search for Aaron Pennington continues with no current leads disclosed by state police.
- Authorities remain vigilant and request public assistance.
- The case highlights important concerns about domestic violence and fugitive apprehensions.
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