Gardner Manhunt Continues: Wife Found Shot Dead, Search Intensifies
The search for Aaron Pennington, a Gardner man suspected of killing his wife, Breanne Pennington, in their home on Sunday morning, has entered its fifth day. Massachusetts State Police are leaving no stone unturned as they deploy divers to search Lake Wampanoag near where Pennington’s car was discovered in the woods.
Despite extensive efforts, including searches conducted by multiple law enforcement units and a large-scale search of the area surrounding the lake, Aaron Pennington remains at large as of Friday, October 27th.
The horrific incident unfolded when officers arrived at the Pennington’s residence and discovered Breanne Pennington, 30, shot dead in the face. Disturbingly, their four young children, aged 2, 5, 7, and 9, were present at the scene, seeking refuge with their neighbor after discovering their mother’s body and being unable to locate their father.
Authorities have since intensified their efforts, focusing their attention on Lake Wampanoag, which is close to where Aaron Pennington’s vehicle, a white 2013 BMW sedan, was found earlier this week. The lake area is now being methodically searched by the state police dive team, marine unit, and state environmental police.
It is worth noting that although divers have been deployed to the lake, there is currently no specific information suggesting that Aaron Pennington is in the water. Law enforcement officials are leaving no stone unturned and are exploring all possibilities in their ongoing search for the suspect.
Background investigations have revealed several concerning details about the couple’s relationship. Court documents indicate that Breanne Pennington desired to move to Texas with her children, expressing a desire to separate from her husband. The investigators have also discovered that the couple had been experiencing marital issues for a while, with Aaron Pennington exhibiting long-standing mental health concerns and making suicidal threats.
According to an arrest warrant, authorities uncovered disturbing information on Aaron Pennington’s phone. A note was discovered, timestamped at 7:04 p.m. on Saturday, October 21st, which read, Don’t say anything. Be quiet. If she wakes up just say you’re getting nasal spray. The note continued with chilling instructions: Get on the side of the bed — very close proximity to the head. Put a hole in her head.
The discovery of this evidence raised alarm bells and prompted law enforcement to issue a search warrant for the couple’s home. However, no firearms were found during the search, although three spent shell casings were discovered in the bedroom where Breanne Pennington was found.
Authorities are now expanding their investigation to determine Aaron Pennington’s potential connections and activities since the incident. They are actively collaborating with the U.S. Air Force to gather relevant information, as Pennington was on active duty until 2022 and subsequently transferred to the Air Force Reserves.
The community remains on high alert as the manhunt continues. Investigators are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any sightings or suspicious activities potentially linked to Aaron Pennington.
As the search intensifies, our thoughts are with the Pennington family during this devastating time. The authorities are working tirelessly to bring Aaron Pennington to justice, providing closure for the grieving family and a sense of safety for the community.
