Man Accused of Killing Mother After Argument Over 84 Foster Cats

A Massachusetts man, Ryan Hanafin, 22, has been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of his mother, Andria Hanafin, 49. The fatal dispute allegedly occurred after an argument over the large number of cats his mother was fostering.

Andria Hanafin’s body was discovered by her husband, Matthew Hanafin, around midnight on Oct. 8. Prosecutors revealed that the deadly argument erupted after Ryan Hanafin clashed with his mother, a veterinary technician, over the approximately 84 felines being housed at their home. These cats were subsequently transferred to an MSPCA-Angell shelter.

According to court documents, Ryan Hanafin last saw his father on the morning of Oct. 7, when he was reportedly told to find employment. Later that evening, Andria Hanafin communicated to her husband her desire for their son to move out.

Following the alleged shooting, Ryan Hanafin is accused of sending a Snapchat message to a cousin stating, “blew madre to pieces” and “blew her [expletive] smooth off.” He then fled to Vermont, where he was apprehended on Oct. 8.

Police discovered more than 19 firearms in Ryan Hanafin’s bedroom, which they described as being in “hoarding conditions.” He faces additional charges because 15 of these firearms were not secured. Andria Hanafin’s 13-year-old son was also present in the home at the time of the incident.

A vigil for Andria Hanafin, remembered as a caring neighbor, drew over 100 community members. Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan spoke at the event, acknowledging the trauma such events inflict on individuals and first responders.

Ryan Hanafin pleaded not guilty to the charges and is scheduled to appear in court again on Nov. 10.