GARDNER, MASSACHUSETTES: Aaron Pennington is a 33-year-old US veteran, who is currently the subject of a manhunt by law enforcement authorities after his 30-year-old wife Breanne Pennington was found dead in their Massachusetts residence on Sunday, October 22, with an apparent gunshot wound to her face.

Pennington is described as "armed and dangerous" by authorities, and he is believed to be operating a white BMW 320.

How did the tragic discovery unfold?

The incident came to light when the couple's four young children, aged 2, 5, 7, and 9, sought help from a neighbor, reporting their mother's distress and their inability to locate their father.

"Four children came over to her house scared because they could not find their father and their mother was in her bedroom crying,” a trooper reportedly wrote an application for a criminal complaint obtained by WCVB.

“The four children were known to reside with their parents at 42 Cherry Street in the city of Gardner. The children also stated that their father’s vehicle was no longer in the residence’s driveway.”

What led to the shooting incident?

Investigative documents indicate that the couple had been facing "marital issues for quite some time." It was also revealed that Breanne had been planning to relocate to Texas with her children in an effort to distance herself from her husband, as reported by the police documents.

The documents also highlight the fact that Breanne kept a firearm at home for her protection. Additionally, it was noted that Pennington had been dealing with "mental issues and had threatened suicide.”

The four children have been placed in the custody of the state Department of Children and Families, according to the Telegram and Gazette.

Authorities launch manhunt for armed suspect

Furthermore, the investigation revealed the presence of three shell casings in the bedroom. However, the weapon itself was not located at the scene.

The US veteran is now the subject of an extensive manhunt involving multiple law enforcement agencies. “Pennington may be armed with a firearm. He should be considered armed and dangerous,” police stated.

So far, the suspect has been charged with possession of a firearm without a license to carry, according to the Telegram & Gazette.

In the latest developments, Gardner police issued a shelter-in-place order for residents living in the vicinity of a heavily wooded area, as reported by The Gardner News.