Manhunt Continues for Suspect Following Shooting Death of Wife in Gardner

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
25/10/2023 22h33

Police in Central Massachusetts remain steadfast in their ongoing search for 33-year-old Aaron Pennington, who is wanted in connection with the shooting death of his wife, Breanne Pennington, 30. The tragic incident occurred at the couple's residence in Gardner on Sunday morning, prompting their four young children to seek help from a neighbor.

After days of tireless searching, authorities discovered Pennington's car deep in the woods of Collier Camp in Gardner on Monday at 5 p.m. This significant development led police to intensify their efforts on Wednesday, with a team of state troopers venturing into unexplored areas along Kelton Road. The expansive search area spans 400 acres, and law enforcement remains vigilant on the ground and from the air via helicopter.

As an Air Force veteran, concerns arise about Pennington's ability to survive in the wilderness and elude capture due to his training. Worcester County District Attorney Joe Early issued a plea to residents on Tuesday, urging anyone with trail cameras or video footage from their homes to provide it to the police. The focus is on obtaining any potential evidence in the Old County area of Ashburnham extending to Route 101.

Emphasizing the potential danger, law enforcement cautions the public that Pennington may be armed and dangerous. A criminal complaint filed on Sunday states that Pennington unlawfully possessed a firearm without a license to carry. According to court documents, the couple's four children sought help from a neighbor at around 9:14 a.m. on Sunday, reporting that their mother was in distress and their father was missing. Upon officers' arrival at their home on Cherry Street, they discovered Breanne Pennington in an upstairs bedroom with a gunshot wound to her face. No weapons were found at the residence, but three shell casings were recovered from the bedroom.

Close friends of Breanne Pennington revealed that the couple had long-standing marital issues, and she had planned to relocate to Texas with their children. Aaron Pennington, who reportedly suffered from mental health issues and had made threats of suicide, was aware of her intentions. Although Breanne possessed a firearm for protection, neither she nor Aaron had a license to carry.

Surveillance footage indicates that Aaron Pennington departed from the residence in a white BMW sedan at 8:50 a.m. on Sunday. Initially bearing a Massachusetts Veteran plate, the vehicle's license plate may have been switched to either a Texas or California tag.

In light of the circumstances, friends and neighbors express shock and devastation. Chelsea Lowe, Breanne Pennington's high school friend, fondly remembers her as a devoted mother and wife, emphasizing that she did not deserve such a tragic end.

Aaron Pennington, a white male with blonde hair and blue eyes, stands at 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs approximately 175 pounds. He remains at large, and police consider him armed and dangerous. As the manhunt persists, the Massachusetts State Police and Gardner Police Department urge the public to immediately report any sightings or information related to Pennington to assist in his swift apprehension.

As the community grapples with grief and fear, investigators remain determined to bring justice for Breanne Pennington and her devastated family. The four children are in the care of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families while authorities work tirelessly towards resolution in this tragic case.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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