A Community Remembers Brooke Hanlon

Family, friends, and members of the Chester community are remembering Brooke Alexandra (Haggerty) Hanlon, a 35-year-old mother and child psychologist who was found stabbed to death in her home on Pottersville Road earlier this summer. More than two months after her death, her obituary was published, describing her as remembered for her "extraordinary kindness, friendship, loyalty, empathy, compassion, humility, and generosity."

Born in New York City, Hanlon moved with her family to Mendham in 1994 before eventually settling in Chester, according to the obituary. She earned several degrees in Psychology "with the goal of helping young children, teens, and adults living with mental health and family relationship challenges," and used her skills to help people both locally and abroad. Her obituary notes she provided services to underprivileged children in India, tutored a Spanish child during a study abroad in Spain, raised money to build schools in Uganda, and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, among other selfless commitments.

She later worked as a child and family therapist in Boston, where she met her future husband, James (Conor) Hanlon. In September 2023, the couple moved back to Chester, where she worked as a licensed mental health counselor for LifeStance Health in Bernardsville. In July 2025, they welcomed their daughter, Avery. "She loved her work, was a truly talented and dedicated therapist, and had tremendous compassion for all those she counseled," her obituary reads. "Brooke was a truly beautiful soul..."

Her sister Paige Haggerty called her the "sweetest, purest person I have ever known," and her father Joseph Haggerty said she was a child therapist who "really helped people." Chester Mayor Tim Drag expressed the community's sadness over the incident. Donations in her memory can be made to Shriners Hospitals or NAMI.

The Investigation

The Morris County Prosecutor's Office is investigating the case as a homicide. Brooke Hanlon was found dead in her home on June 6, but authorities took more than three weeks to release her identity. The medical examiner ruled her death a homicide from multiple sharp force injuries, though the full report was not complete as of Wednesday.

No suspect or person of interest has been named in the case. James Hanlon called 911 to report her death and has obtained an attorney. He has not been charged or accused of wrongdoing.

Husband Denies Involvement

On Friday, Conor Hanlon spoke publicly about his wife's death for the first time, denying any involvement while declining further comment due to the ongoing investigation. "My heart is totally shattered," he told the Daily Mail. A reporter asked him if he had any involvement in his wife's death, to which he said, "Of course not." He went on to say, "It's a tragedy."

Neighbors have observed Conor Hanlon making weekly stops at the Chester home since the death, usually staying from Thursday into Friday. They have seen his white Volvo SUV parked in the driveway during the day, but never overnight. During his visits, neighbors have witnessed him doing yard work outside the home on Pottersville Road. These observations have been noted in media coverage, though police have not commented on his movements or named him as a suspect.

Community on Edge

Neighbors say they remain on edge as law enforcement has yet to release any update in the case. One neighbor reported that local police knocked on doors about three weeks before the death, asking residents on Pottersville Road if everything was okay after a "911 call was made in the area." In July, a gun-owning neighbor said he was ready to defend his family and was looking over his shoulder more.

A $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest. Authorities have provided contact information for tips.