Murder of New Jersey Therapist Leaves Friends and Family Reeling

BOSTON – “I hope she wasn’t as miserable in the end,” Jennifer Payne, a close friend and former roommate of murdered New Jersey therapist Brooke Hanlon, expressed sadly.

Payne recounted to Fox News Digital that her friendship with Hanlon dates back to 2013 when they were both in graduate school at Northeastern University. They shared a close bond and even lived together for several years in Boston.

Hanlon, who was 35 and had given birth last year, was found fatally stabbed in her Chester, New Jersey home on June 6.

Payne said she got the shocking news regarding her friend only weeks later, after media outlets reached out following the investigation.

As of now, authorities have not identified any suspects or persons of interest in the ongoing investigation.

Commenting on the limited information circulating about the case, Payne mentioned, “Everything is complicated and we don’t know, so we’re always holding our breath.”

Reflecting on their friendship, Payne recalled traveling to Europe with Hanlon soon after graduation, a memory that is both cherished and painful now.

Payne shared that during their time together, Hanlon and her husband, Connor, would often socialize in groups, sometimes even including Connor’s family. The Hanlons were originally from the Brighton area of Boston.

Interestingly, Payne described Connor Hanlon as somewhat reserved. “He didn’t have much personality. I didn’t think he was very motivated,” she remarked, candidly reflecting on their interactions.

Connor has not yet publicly addressed his wife’s tragic passing and remains out of the public eye. Despite efforts to reach him, Fox News Digital’s attempts went unanswered.

As this tragedy unfolds, Jennifer Payne is attempting to keep Hanlon’s memory alive, hoping to honor her friend’s legacy amidst the grief and confusion.