Fugitive Ryan Hanafin Waives Extradition After Mother Found Dead in Massachusetts Home

Ryan Hanafin, 22, who was arrested in Vermont on Thursday hours after his mother was found shot dead in their Reading, Massachusetts, home, has waived extradition and agreed to return to Massachusetts.

Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan stated that Hanafin was the subject of an interstate manhunt after his father discovered his wife, 49-year-old Andria Hanafin, deceased in their kitchen around 12:38 a.m. Thursday.

During a virtual hearing Friday afternoon, Hanafin confirmed he could hear the judge and understood the proceedings. He appeared wearing a blue protective covering. The judge explained that Hanafin was charged with felony crimes in Massachusetts and had the right to go through a formal governor's warrant process, which can be time-consuming. By waiving extradition, Hanafin relinquished his right to challenge the state's authority to hold him.

Hanafin, who stated he had not taken any drugs and had no mental conditions affecting his judgment, confirmed that waiving extradition was his voluntary choice. The judge set a status conference for the following Thursday to ensure Hanafin's transfer had been completed. The entire hearing lasted approximately four minutes.

Reading police have identified Hanafin as a person of interest, but authorities have not publicly disclosed the specific felony charges he will face. Vermont state troopers located Hanafin in Warren, Vermont, where he had known ties, and he was arrested without incident. His black Dodge Charger was reportedly the vehicle they were searching for.