Residents who want to host a vigil for a 30-year-old Gardner mother who was killed in her house are going to have to wait, according to city officials.
Several people have reached out to the city asking if they could hold a vigil for Breanne Pennington, who was found dead inside her home at 42 Cherry St. on Sunday, Oct. 22.
However, Mayor Michael Nicholson said right now is not the right time.
“As a person of faith myself, I appreciate the way that members of our community want to come together to pray for our neighbors and those impacted by these terrible events,” Nicholson said in a statement posted to the City of Gardner’s Facebook. “However, the police have a job to do, and we need to let them do it in the most effective and efficient way.”
Given the ongoing investigation and search for Breanne’s husband Aaron Pennington, Gardner police recommended that no vigils be held until it is safe to do so.
Therefore, the city will not approve any park permit applications for any public spaces for vigils until the investigation reaches an appropriate point, according to officials.
“Gardner has always been a community that has been there for our neighbors in times of trouble,” Nicholson continued. “However, these events need to be done at the appropriate time and in conjunction with those who are overseeing the investigation so that the event does not hinder the investigation or cause any additional safety concerns.”
Nicholson added that the city will plan a vigil “in the future at the appropriate time when the situation is no longer in an active state.”
The mayor also asked that residents stop posting police scanner transmissions on social media as it could tamper with the investigation.
The search for Aaron Pennington continues after authorities found his white BMW in the woods in Gardner near the Ashburnham line around 5 p.m. on Oct. 23. Police said this was the same vehicle involved in the death investigation of Breanne Pennington, Aaron’s wife.
Breanne Pennington, 30, of 42 Cherry St. was found dead inside a home at 42 Cherry St. around 9:14 a.m. on Oct. 22 after police were called for a reported disturbance, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr.’s office.
Four children, ages 2, 5, 7, and 9, were living in the home and had went to their neighbor’s house, Early said during a press conference Sunday night. Early said they are safe and in the custody of the Department of Children and Families.
Massachusetts State Police and Gardner police continue to search for Aaron Pennington. He is described as a white male with blonde hair, blue eyes, 6 feet 2 inches and around 175 pounds.
No one should approach Pennington as he should be considered armed and dangerous, according to Massachusetts State Police.
Anyone who sees Pennington or the suspected vehicle should call 911, Gardner police at 978-632-5600 or Massachusetts State Police at 508-829-8236.
The investigation into the death is ongoing by State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office and the Gardner Police Department.
