Massachusetts police have launched a major manhunt after a husband allegedly shot his wife in the face, killing her.
Police were searching for Aaron Pennington, 33, in connection with the death of Breanne “Breezy” Pennington, 30, in Gardner.
According to a criminal complaint, the 30-year-old was found by police in an upstairs bedroom on Sunday morning with an apparent gunshot wound to the face.
The discovery came after the couple’s four children – aged two, five, seven and nine – ran to a neighbor’s house at around 9.14am.
Aaron Pennington, 33, is accused of fatally shooting his wife before fleeing their Massachusetts home
Breanne “Breezy” Pennington, 30, was found with a gunshot wound to the face
The 33-year-old veteran’s BMW was found abandoned in a wooded area near the town of Gardner
“Four children came to her home scared because they could not find their father and their mother was crying in her bedroom,” a police officer said.
“The four children were known to be living with their parents at 42 Cherry Street in the town of Gardner. The children also stated that their father’s vehicle was no longer in the driveway of the home.
Responding officers found the mother of four in an upstairs bedroom with an apparent gunshot wound to the face.
Three shell casings were found in the bedroom, but no weapons were found in the house.
The complaint also accuses Pennington of illegally possessing a firearm without a license to carry it.
A surveillance video showed the 33-year-old fleeing in a white BMW sedan at 8:50 a.m. on Sunday. The car was later found abandoned in a wooded area near Gardner.
Investigators said the couple had been struggling with marital problems “for some time” and that Breanne had planned to move to Texas with the children to escape her husband.
It was known that she had a weapon at home for protection, police said.
The couple have four young children who fled to a neighbor’s house after the attack, claiming their mother was “crying in her bedroom.”
Aaron Pennington is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm without possession of a firearm
They also noted that Pennington had been struggling with “mental health issues” and had threatened suicide.
The four siblings were placed in the care of the state Department of Children and Families.
In a Facebook post from 2016, the US veteran thanked his wife for everything she did for the family.
“You have the most selfless attitude and are so committed to making us happy,” he wrote.
“We appreciate you as the hardest working mother and wife out there. ‘You are truly amazing!’
He praised her for always being patient and setting a good example for her children.
After news of her death broke, social media was flooded with posts commemorating Breanne’s life.
Police report that the couple had been struggling with marital problems “for some time.”
Aaron Pennington (left) is considered armed and dangerous
Several women mentioned that they knew her from an online group for expectant mothers.
“Imagine my shock when I scrolled and said to myself, ‘That looks like Breezy’s husband, what happened?’ Only to find out he murdered her and ran away,” one woman wrote.
“I am absolutely SICK about this and thinking about her four precious babies.” “Breezy Pennington was an amazing mother, a hilarious friend and a truly sweet soul.”
“I’m hurt, sad, frustrated, angry and most of all confused why someone would have to take someone else’s life because they’re unhappy,” another friend wrote.
“We all want justice for you and only the best for your four beautiful children who we all know you loved so much.”
Pennington is described as white, six feet tall, with blonde hair and blue eyes. He is armed and dangerous and police have told people not to approach him.