Man Accused of Killing Mother After Dispute Over 84 Foster Cats

A 22-year-old man is accused of fatally shooting his mother in their Massachusetts home after a dispute over the large number of foster cats she cared for. The suspect, Ryan Hanafin, then allegedly sent disturbing text messages to a cousin, stating he had "blew madre to pieces" and "blew her s*** smooth off," according to investigators.

Andria Hanafin, 49, was discovered dead in her Reading residence, approximately 14 miles north of Boston, in the early hours of October 8. Investigators later found a total of 84 cats inside the home, which were subsequently taken to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Prosecutors indicated that Andria and her son frequently argued due to his dislike of the number of foster cats his mother was housing. A friend of Andria's had previously reported that she feared retaliation from her son and believed he had "ruined her life."

Ryan's father, Matthew, returned home from a 12-hour shift shortly after midnight to find his wife fatally shot and lying in a pool of blood. Andria was pronounced dead at the scene by Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan.

Matthew Hanafin reportedly told his son on the morning before the killing that he should "get a job and do something" with his life. Andria had also spoken to her husband that same evening, expressing her desire for their son to move out of the house.

Authorities stated that Ryan Hanafin was last employed six months prior at a gun shop and had previously attended a local university. The family has three children; a 13-year-old was reportedly home when the 911 call was made, and a daughter was away at college.

Following the shooting, Ryan Hanafin fled the residence, initiating an extensive manhunt. He was located in Vermont driving a 2010 black Dodge Charger and was returned to Reading. Investigators found thousands of rounds of ammunition in his vehicle.

He faces charges of first-degree murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. During a search of the home, authorities discovered 19 firearms, including a ghost gun, and a 3D printer in his room.

Hanafin is being held without bail on the murder charge and faces a $5,000 bail for an untraceable firearm charge. He pleaded not guilty to all charges during his initial appearance in Woburn District Court and is scheduled to return to court on November 10. His attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.