Search for Gardner murder suspect Aaron Pennington suspended
GARDNER – Massachusetts State Police have suspended their search for 33-year-old Aaron Pennington, who is accused in the shooting death of his wife Breanne inside their Gardner home last month.
Breanne Pennington was killed on October 22.
"It's been exhaustive with no result," said Breanne Pennington's aunt, Brenda Hull.
Most recently, investigators searched Lake Wampanoag, near where Pennington's vehicle was found abandoned and less than 5 miles away from his Gardner home but police said they found no evidence of the suspect and now the Massachusetts State Police are pausing search efforts and reassessing future plans.
"Until we find a body, I'm going to assume he's alive," said Hull. She said the couple met in a singles church group in their home state of California and she believes Aaron Pennington's heading there.
"You have to consider other possibilities. And as long as you're not, you're losing time," said Hull.
WBZ TV asked retired FBI special Agent Jennifer Coffindaffer if a trip cross-country is likely for Pennington.
"If he's alive, they will find him. There will be information that is brought forth from people who spot him, his relatives and friends, bank information, cellular information," said Coffindaffer, who explained if a nationwide search was underway, police would have issued a federal search warrant. "However, I have not seen any information that a UFAB was issued."
Which means Pennington is likely still in New England.
"Now that they have said, alright, we've stopped, we're going to reassess, maybe there's more intelligence related to this. Particularly, are they looking in the wrong area or is he perhaps alive but I don't think it's very probable," said Coffindafer.
WBZ TV reached out to State Police for more details on the investigation strategy moving forward. They would not comment but they did say will continue periodic searches of the Gardner area are asking neighbors to remain vigilant.
Pennington is described as a White man with blonde hair and blue eyes. He is about 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs about 175 pounds.
