Summary (tl;dr)

Ryan Hanafin is currently a person of interest in the apparent homicide of his mother, Andria Hanafin, who was found shot dead in her Reading, Massachusetts, home. Authorities are actively searching for him and caution the public that he may be armed and dangerous.

Essential Background

Andria Hanafin, 49, was found deceased in the kitchen of her Center Avenue home in Reading, Massachusetts, by her husband, Matthew Hanafin, who called 911 around 12:30 a.m. on Thursday. The couple's 13-year-old son was also present in the home but was unharmed. Andria's older son, Ryan Hanafin, was not at home when police arrived, and his car was also missing.

The Full Story

Police and the Middlesex District Attorney's office are investigating the death of Andria Hanafin as an apparent homicide. Her 22-year-old son, Ryan Hanafin, has been identified as a person of interest in the case. Investigators determined that Andria Hanafin was shot to death. Ryan Hanafin legally owns several guns and had a license to carry a firearm, which Reading police suspended on Thursday morning. District Attorney Marian Ryan characterized the incident as a tragic situation of alleged domestic violence. Authorities are actively searching for Ryan Hanafin, who was last seen driving a black 2010 Dodge Charger with Massachusetts license plate 2PSY15 toward Tewksbury, Massachusetts, around 7:25 p.m. on Wednesday. The public has been advised not to approach him if spotted, but to immediately contact 911, as he is considered potentially armed and dangerous.

Why It Matters

This incident is trending due to its serious nature as an alleged domestic violence homicide and the ongoing search for a potentially armed individual. The case highlights concerns about gun presence in homes during disputes and the safety of the community while a person of interest remains at large. The involvement of local police and the Middlesex District Attorney underscores the significant public safety implications and the urgency of the investigation.

Geographic Location

• Center Avenue, Reading, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States (location where Andria Hanafin was found dead)
• Reading, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States (location of police department involved in the investigation and where Ryan Hanafin's firearm license was suspended)
• Tewksbury, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States (direction Ryan Hanafin was last seen driving)