A close friend and former roommate of slain New Jersey therapist Brooke Hanlon expressed her hope that Hanlon was not miserable toward the end of her life. Jennifer Payne, who has known Hanlon since 2013, shared her sentiments while reflecting on their long-standing friendship.
Payne and Hanlon became close friends while attending graduate school together at a university in Boston. They also shared a few years as roommates in the city, forming a strong bond that lasted until Hanlon's tragic death. Hanlon, 35, was a recent mother, having given birth to a baby last year.
The news of Hanlon's fatal stabbing inside her Chester, New Jersey home on June 6 came as a shock to Payne, who learned about the death through a news outlet weeks after investigators made the discovery. Payne described the pain of losing her longtime friend and the frustration of limited information in the ongoing homicide investigation.
The uncertainty surrounding Hanlon's death has been difficult for Payne, who said it keeps her on edge. The two friends shared many memories, including a post-grad trip to Europe that Payne fondly recalled. Payne also shared insights into Hanlon's relationship with her husband, Conor, whom she had known since before they started dating.
Payne described Conor as having a reserved nature, saying he didn't seem to have much personality and didn't appear very motivated. Despite numerous attempts to reach him, Conor Hanlon has not made a public statement about his wife's death and has not returned calls.
Conor Hanlon has not been charged with any crime or wrongdoing, but his wife's death remains a mystery. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities yet to name a possible suspect or person of interest.
