BOSTON – “I hope she was not miserable toward the end of things,” expressed Jennifer Payne, who shared a close friendship and once a home with Brooke Hanlon, a therapist tragically murdered in New Jersey.
Payne has known Hanlon since 2013. Their bond grew stronger during their time together at Northeastern University’s graduate school, eventually leading them to become roommates in Boston, where their friendship flourished over the years.
The somber discovery of Hanlon’s fate came on June 6, when the 35-year-old new mother was found fatally stabbed in her Chester, New Jersey residence.
The shocking incident that claimed the life of Brooke Hanlon has left her inner circle devastated. As one of Hanlon’s closest companions, Jennifer Payne, reflected on the loss of her beloved friend and roommate, she shared her ongoing distress at the unexpected and violent tragedy. (Photo courtesy of Jennifer Payne)
Payne recounted the moment she learned of Hanlon’s death. A call from a news outlet several weeks after the grim discovery informed Payne, shaking her world and deepening the sorrow over her friend’s untimely loss.
Authorities have not yet named a possible suspect or person of interest in the ongoing homicide investigation.
Speaking about the limited release of information in the case, Payne said, “The whole complexity of it all—and not knowing—keeps you on bated breath all the time.”
Payne’s painful loss of her friend brings back numerous memories, including their post-grad trip to Europe she tells News Media.
Jennifer Payne, longtime friend to slain New Jersey mother, Brooke Hanlon, says the pair traveled to Europe together post graduation. (Jennifer Payne)
While Brooke and her husband, Conor, were dating, Payne said the group often hung out together and sometimes Conor’s family members would join. The Hanlon family is from Boston’s Brighton neighborhood.
Conor Hanlon leaves a residence in Massachusetts Thursday, July 9, 2026. Hanlon is the widower of Brooke Hanlon, who was found dead in their home in New Jersey in June. (Rashid Umar Abbasi for News Media)
Conor had a reserved nature about him when she knew him, Payne said.
“He just didn’t really have much personality. I didn’t think he was very motivated.”
Conor Hanlon leaves a residence in Massachusetts Thursday, July 9, 2026. (Rashid Umar Abbasi for News Media)
Conor has yet to make a public statement about the death of his wife.
Jennifer Payne, longtime friend and former roommate of slain New Jersey mother, Brooke Hanlon says she wants to keep her friend’s legacy alive. (Jennifer Payne)
Brooke Hanlon was found stabbed to death in her Chester, New Jersey home. Her longtime friend, Jennifer Payne says she got the devastating news when a news organization reached out to her. (Jennifer Payne)
Conor Hanlon has not been charged with any crime or wrongdoing.
News Media has made numerous attempts to reach him but calls have not been returned.