James Conor Hanlon, 36, has broken his silence weeks after his wife, Brooke Haggerty Hanlon, 35, was found stabbed to death in their Chester Township, New Jersey, home. Brooke Hanlon, a psychotherapist and mother to their young daughter, Avery, was discovered on June 6.
Conor Hanlon told the Daily Mail in an exclusive interview that his "heart is totally shattered" by the tragedy. When asked about community rumors suggesting his involvement in his wife's death, he responded, "Of course not," adding that he could not comment further due to the "ongoing investigation."
His absence from public view in the weeks following the murder fueled speculation in the affluent horse country community. Neighbors told the Daily Mail that law enforcement provided minimal information initially, stating there was no public danger, but later began soliciting questions, increasing community unease. "What is going on? Nobody will tell us anything," one resident commented.
Brooke Hanlon's car remained parked in the driveway for weeks after her death, as did Conor Hanlon's vehicle. His car reappeared about a month ago, and he has been seen at the couple's home, tending to the yard. He was also reportedly seen in the Boston area, where his family resides.
Conor Hanlon has been seen removing items from the garage and performing yard work at the Pottersville Road residence. He and Brooke had previously lived at her parents' estate before moving into their own home in 2024. Conor has not been seen at his in-laws' home.
Brooke Hanlon, the daughter of a prominent pharmaceutical attorney, was found deceased in the upstairs bedroom of the home she shared with her husband and daughter. The 911 call released last month captured Conor Hanlon's distraught reaction upon discovering his wife's body, with him exclaiming, "I just found my wife!….She's not breathing or conscious... Oh my God there's a laceration in there!"
During the call, Hanlon frantically requested CPR and an ambulance. He can be heard attempting to administer chest compressions while expressing disbelief and grief, saying, "what the f**k happened." First responders arrived shortly after.
The couple, who married in June 2021, moved to Chester, Brooke's hometown, approximately two years ago. Prior to moving, they met in Boston, Conor Hanlon's native city. Brooke Hanlon worked as a licensed professional counselor specializing in children, adolescents, and families. She held degrees from Wake Forest University and Northeastern University.
The Morris County Prosecutor's Office has released few details regarding the murder investigation. Brooke Hanlon was not officially identified as the victim until after her identity was reported by the Daily Mail on June 26. The prosecutor's office has not been returning media calls.
In late June, Brooke's father, Joseph Haggerty, indicated that he and his wife were caring for their granddaughter, Avery, and seemed uncertain of Conor Hanlon's whereabouts at the time. Neighbors reported seeing Conor Hanlon at the property on the morning of the murder. Multiple attempts to reach Conor Hanlon by neighbors via text following the discovery of his wife's body have gone unanswered.