Woman found dead inside Gardner home identified, authorities still searching for Aaron Pennington

GARDNER, Mass. — As a manhunt for her husband continued Monday, authorities identified the woman found dead inside a Gardner home on Sunday, with four young children inside the home who are now in state custody.

Breanne Pennington, 30, lived at the white Colonial home at 42 Cherry St., Worcester County District Attorney Joe Early said Monday.

Aaron Pennington, 33, who was identified by family members as her husband and whose last known address is that same white Colonial, is wanted for questioning in connection with her death, which state police are calling a homicide.

He should be considered armed and dangerous and may be armed with a firearm, according to Early and state police.

Aaron Pennington is believed to be driving a white BMW 320 sedan with a Massachusetts Veterans plate No. 8A30. State police said he may have attached one of two other registrations to the BMW: Texas plate DTZ3103 or California plate 6CWN728.

Later Monday, authorities found a white BMW sedan believed to belong to Aaron Pennington in a wooded area in Gardner, about three miles from the couple’s home. Residents in the Kelton Street neighborhood were asked to shelter-in-place as investigators combed the wooded area.

“We’re concerned. Everyone should be on alert,” Early told reporters on Sunday night.

Authorities described Aaron Pennington as a white male with blonde hair, and blue eyes, standing 6 feet, 2 inches tall, and weighing approximately 175 pounds.

Anyone who sees him or this BMW is urged not to approach him and to call 911 immediately, state police said.

Officers were called to a large, white Colonial at 42 Cherry St. around 9 a.m. Sunday. When officers arrived, they found Breanne Pennington dead inside. Four young children, ages 2, 5, 7, and 9, were also found inside the home and are now safe and in state custody, Early said.

A neighbor told Boston 25 that Aaron Pennington was often seen playing with the children outside the home.

According to city property records, Aaron Pennington co-owns the house with Breanna Pennington, and bought the home in June 2022.

Pennington’s Facebook page identifies him as a member of the U.S. Air Force and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

State police detectives assigned to Early’s office and Gardner Police are investigating.

Anyone with information about Pennington’s whereabouts is asked to call Massachusetts State Police at 508-829-8236 or Gardner Police at 978-632-5600.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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