Aaron Pennington still not found 1 year after wife killed in Massachusetts
GARDNER - The search continues one year later for Aaron Pennington, who vanished after police say he killed his wife inside the couple's Gardner, Massachusetts home.
Breanne Pennington murder
Breanne Pennington was fatally shot on October 22, 2023, inside her home on Cherry Street.
According to court records, the couple was having problems and Breanne, who was known to friends as Breezy, was planning to leave for Texas with her four young children before she was murdered.
Breanne's aunt, Brenda Hull, told WBZ the couple fought over FaceTime before Aaron returned from a trip. Breanne reached out to police on a Friday for help, Hull said, but then decided to stay in her home and decide what to do. On Saturday morning she was murdered.
"And here's where it's dicey. Breezy thought she was safe enough to stay in the home and think about it. If you're seeking help from law enforcement, you're not safe," Hull said. "The officer gave her her options, and she said let me think about it over the weekend. And she was gone."
Search for Aaron Pennington
A massive search began for Aaron Pennington the day his wife was killed. Police found his car in a wooded area off Kelton Street in Gardner the next night. An arrest warrant for murder was later issued.
Police and SWAT teams from around the state conducted an extensive search for Pennington that lasted more than a week before it was suspended.
Additional searches were conducted over the last year. Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early said the most recent one took place September 23 in the wooded area where Pennington's car was found.
"Your children are asking for you"
Hull says she has no indication whether Pennington is alive or dead, but she believes law enforcement should act like he is alive.
"Aaron, your children are asking for you. You've taken their mother and you've taken their father. So, the least you can do is let your children know where you are," Hull said in a direct plea to Pennington on Tuesday.
Police searches in Gardner
Early's office said police will continue searching in the Gardner area for Pennington using air and ground resources.
Pennington, a U.S. Air Force veteran, is described as a white man with blonde hair and blue eyes. He is about 6'2" tall and weighs about 175 pounds.
Anyone who sees Pennington is urged not to approach him as he is considered armed and dangerous.
Police are asking anyone with information to call the Worcester District Attorney's office at (508) 832-9124.
Reports of domestic violence
Several months after Breanne Pennington was killed, a vigil was held at Gardner City Hall to pay tribute to the young mother.
Her family said they hope Breanne's life can help save other victims of domestic violence.
"This is lethal. Domestic violence is lethal, " said Hull during the February vigil. "I don't want anyone to ever go through this again, ever, and if we can provide awareness and it saves a life, it's one less family going through this."
