Manhunt Underway for 'Armed and Dangerous' Son in Massachusetts Mother's Death
Authorities are searching for Ryan Hanafin, 22, after his mother was found fatally shot in their Reading home.
Authorities have launched an urgent manhunt for a 22-year-old man described as 'armed and dangerous' in connection with the fatal shooting of his mother in Reading, Massachusetts. The victim, Andria Hanafin, 49, was discovered dead in the kitchen of her home early Thursday morning.
Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan identified Ryan Hanafin, the victim's son, as a person of interest in the case during a press conference. Police are urging the public to exercise extreme caution if they encounter him, as he may be armed.
Ryan Hanafin is believed to be driving a 2010 black Dodge Charger with Massachusetts license plate 2PSY15. His legal gun license, which had been active, was suspended on Thursday morning after the shooting was discovered. The weapon used in the shooting has not yet been located.
The victim was found by her husband, Matthew Hanafin, when he returned home from a 12-hour work shift. Police were called to the residence shortly before 1 a.m. on Thursday. Andria Hanafin was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators are treating the incident as a domestic violence situation, though District Attorney Ryan noted it may not fit the typical definition.
Authorities believe the shooting stemmed from a dispute between the mother and son. "It is a moment of reflection about the presence of guns in a home," Ryan stated. "It is shocking. It is tragic."
The Hanafin family has three children. The youngest, a 13-year-old, was present in the home when the 911 call was made. An older daughter was away at college at the time of the incident.
Matthew Hanafin informed police that he had not seen his son Ryan since Wednesday morning. Ryan Hanafin was last employed approximately six months ago and had previously attended a local university, according to the Boston Globe. He is described as potentially 'armed and dangerous'.
Reading Police Chief David Clark indicated that residents in the Reading area should anticipate a significant police presence as the investigation and search for the suspect continue. "We are looking to find out what happened at that home last night," Clark said. "We certainly don't want a tragedy to be compounded by anything else."