Police find car in search for Aaron Pennington, man suspected of murdering wife in Gardner home
GARDNER - Massachusetts State Police have located a car belonging to 33-year-old Aaron Pennington, the man wanted following the weekend murder of his wife Breanne in their Gardner home.
The Worcester County District Attorney's Office confirmed Monday that 30-year-old Breanne Pennington was the woman found dead in the couple's house on Cherry Street Sunday morning.
State Police said Pennington may have a gun and "should be considered armed and dangerous." They described him as white, six-feet, two-inches tall, weighing about 175 pounds. He has blonde hair and blue eyes.
Police found Pennington's white 2013 BMW 320 around 5 p.m. Monday in the woods on the Gardner-Ashburnham line. Pennington was not with the car, which was in a muddy area of Camp Collier, a Boy Scout camp in Gardner.
A shelter-in-place message was sent to residents on Kelton Street in Gardner around 6 p.m. and was lifted at 10 p.m.
"Police are asking all residents of the Kelton Street area to remain in their homes and avoid going out," the message said. "A search and investigation is ongoing in that area for a suspected felon who is considered armed and dangerous."
Residents were also asked to stay inside on Wheeler Street, Raymond Street and Stone Street.
"I am scared. My daughter is home," said Melissa Zirkle who lives down the street from where the car was found.
Her daughter is home alone and told her that police approached her to get in the house.
"It's kind of petrifying to be honest with you. Like I said it is fairly quiet around here. People are friendly. You hardly ever see the cops on this road," said Zirkle.
According to court documents, the couple's four children went to a neighbor's house for help Sunday morning because they couldn't find their father and said their mother was crying in her bedroom.
When police arrived at the family's home, they found Breanne Pennington had died after being shot in the face.
Neighbors told WBZ-TV that Pennington was an Air Force veteran. Investigators added he has a history of mental health issues.
According to court documents, the couple had been dealing with marital issues "for quite some time" and Breanne Pennington had planned to move to Texas with the children.
All four of the couple's children are now in the care of the Department of Children and Families.
If you see Aaron Pennington, you're urged to call 911 immediately and do not approach him.
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson said in a statement Monday that while several people have reached out to the city about holding a vigil, no permits will be issued for safety reasons with Pennington still at large.
"Gardner has always been a community that has been there for our neighbors in times of trouble, however, these events need to be done at the appropriate time and in conjunction with those who are overseeing the investigation so that the event does not hinder the investigation or cause any additional safety concerns," Nicholson said.