Crime & Safety
'It's A Tragedy,': Brooke Hanlon's Husband Speaks Out After Mysterious Killing, Report Says
It's been nearly three months since the psychologist was found stabbed to death in her home, and no suspects have been announced.
CHESTER, NJ — Nearly three months after his wife, Brooke Hanlon, was found stabbed to death in their home, James "Conor" Hanlon has spoken out about the slaying, according to a Daily Mail report.
“My heart is totally shattered,” James told the outlet. "It's a tragedy."
The Daily Mail asked James about whether he's been considered a suspect in the crime, to which he said: "Of course not."
Find out what's happening in Mendham-Chesterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Morris County Prosecutors, the lead investigators of this case, have not indicated in anyway that James may be responsible at this time. In fact, prosecutors have revealed no indication that they have any suspect at all.
Background
Find out what's happening in Mendham-Chesterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
More than three months after Brooke was found stabbed to death in her Chester home on Pottersville Road, authorities and residents are still looking for answers.
An autopsy conducted by the Morris County Medical Examiner's Office determined the cause of death was multiple sharp force injuries. The manner of death was ruled a homicide.
The medical examiner's full report was not yet complete as of Aug. 12, according to the Morris County Prosecutor's Office.
Related: Chester Mother, Wife, Psychologist Remembered After Mysterious Slaying
Authorities were slow to release the identity of the victim, waiting more than three weeks to provide her name. Even now, details on the slaying, including potential suspects and a murder weapon, are scarce, despite Patch's several inquiries to law enforcement.
No arrests have been announced at this time.
What is known is that Brooke's husband, James, was the one who called 911 to report her death.
Related — 'There's Blood Everywhere': Husband’s 911 Call After Finding NJ Woman’s Bloody Body Released
According to Fox News Digital, James Hanlon has been in communication with Morris County authorities and has obtained an attorney.
Brooke's family has spoken out to several outlets, including her sister, Paige Haggerty, who told Fox that Brooke was the "sweetest, purest person that I have ever known in my entire life."
"Everything that I know, I have learned from her," Haggerty added. "I've never lived without her. She taught me everything."
"She was remarkable in every way. She was also very, very good at her job," Hanlon's father, Joseph Haggerty, told the Daily Mail. "She was a child therapist and really helped people."
"Our community was saddened to learn of Saturday’s incident," Chester Mayor Tim Drag said days after the slaying. "Our thoughts are with the victim’s family, friends, and all those affected by this tragedy."
Reward For Information
With no leads announced and details remaining scarce, the Chester Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff's Office, and the Morris County Prosecutor's Office are turning to the public for help.
Law enforcement is seeking "the public’s assistance with providing any information concerning the death of Brooke Hanlon or suspicious activity observed in the area of Pottersville Road."
The sheriff's office is offering a $1,000 award for information that could lead to an arrest.
Anyone with information that could help officials investigate Hanlon's death can contact the following:
- Morris County Prosecutor's Office: 973-285-6200, prosecutor@co.morris.nj.us
- Chester Police Department: 908-879-5514
- Morris County Sheriff's CRIMESTOPPERS: (973) COP-CALL, 1-800-SHERIFF, or fill out this anonymous online form.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.