Slain New Jersey therapist’s grad school roommate recounts friendship with couple during time in Boston

BOSTON – “I hope she was not miserable toward the end of things,” said Jennifer Payne, a close friend and former roommate of slain New Jersey therapist Brooke Hanlon.

Payne told Fox News Digital she’s known Hanlon since 2013. The two became very close friends while attending graduate school together at Northeastern University. They also were roommates for a few years in Boston.

Hanlon, a 35-year-old who had a baby last year, was found fatally stabbed inside her Chester, New Jersey home on June 6.

Brooke Hanlon, 35, was found stabbed to death inside her Chester, New Jersey home in June. Her longtime friend and former roommate, Jennifer Payne, is reeling from the tragedy. (Jennifer Payne)

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Payne learned about the death of her longtime friend when a news outlet called her weeks after investigators made their discovery.

Authorities have not yet named a possible suspect or person of interest in the ongoing homicide investigation.

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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.”

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Payne’s painful loss of her friend brings back numerous memories, including their post-grad trip to Europe she tells Fox News Digital.

Jennifer Payne, longtime friend to slain New Jersey mother, Brooke Hanlon, says the pair traveled to Europe together post graduation. (Jennifer Payne)

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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.

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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 Fox News Digital)

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.”

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Conor Hanlon leaves a residence in Massachusetts Thursday, July 9, 2026. (Rashid Umar Abbasi for Fox News Digital)

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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)

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Conor Hanlon has not been charged with any crime or wrongdoing.

Fox News Digital has made numerous attempts to reach him but calls have not been returned.