Massachusetts Mother Found Shot Dead at Home; Son Arrested in Vermont

A Massachusetts mother, Andria Hanafin, was found shot to death inside her Reading home early Thursday morning, prompting an extensive manhunt that concluded with her son's arrest in Vermont. The Reading Police Department reported that Hanafin was discovered with an apparent gunshot wound in her kitchen at approximately 12:38 a.m. Her husband, Matthew Hanafin, found his 49-year-old wife upon returning home from work and immediately contacted emergency services.

Andria Hanafin, a mother of three, was pronounced dead at the scene. According to Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan, the couple's youngest son, 13, was present in the home. He told investigators he last saw his mother around 5 p.m. before leaving with friends, returning at 9 p.m. and going directly to his room. The district attorney noted that there was no prior police contact with the family related to this incident.

Authorities identified the couple's 22-year-old son, Ryan Hanafin, as a suspect. He was missing from the residence along with his 2010 black Dodge Charger. An alert was issued for Ryan Hanafin and his vehicle in connection with the homicide investigation.

Officials confirmed that Ryan Hanafin legally owned several firearms, and his license to carry was suspended on the morning of the incident. The motive behind the killing has not been disclosed, and authorities stated that Ryan Hanafin has no known mental health issues.

Massachusetts police alerted the Vermont State Police that Ryan Hanafin might be in the Warren, Vermont area, approximately 170 miles northwest of Reading. Vermont State Police located his Dodge Charger and initiated a traffic stop at 2:30 p.m., leading to his apprehension.

Ryan Hanafin was taken into custody and charged as a fugitive of justice. He is being held without bail at the Northeast Regional Correctional Facility in Vermont and is scheduled for arraignment on Friday afternoon.

Family and friends remembered Andria Hanafin as a caring individual. Heather Gagliardi, a family friend, described her on a fundraising page as someone with a "heart of gold" who genuinely cared for others and was always willing to help those in need. Hanafin's third child, a daughter, was away at college at the time of the incident. Images from the investigation show Andria Hanafin and Ryan Hanafin, as well as the suspect's vehicle.