READING, Mass. — A multi-state manhunt ended Wednesday afternoon when Vermont State Police arrested 22-year-old Ryan Hanafin in connection with the fatal shooting of his mother inside their Reading home.
Troopers stopped Hanafin without incident as he was driving near Warren and Sugarbush, Vermont.
The arrest followed the discovery of 49-year-old Andria Hanafin, who was found dead in the kitchen of her Center Avenue home around 12:30 a.m. Thursday. Her husband, Matthew Hanafin, discovered her body upon returning from work and immediately called 911. First responders confirmed she died from an apparent gunshot wound.
Authorities quickly designated Ryan Hanafin a person of interest after discovering he had left the residence. A public warning was issued because Hanafin held a active LTC (License to Carry) with multiple registered firearms. State officials suspended his license Thursday morning.
Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan characterized the incident as an alleged domestic violence dispute between mother and son.
The couple’s 13-year-old son was at home when police arrived but was uninjured; he had last seen his mother alive early Wednesday evening. Their adult daughter was away at college.
Police noted there was no history of prior disturbance calls to the home. Massachusetts State Police and Reading Police continue to process the scene, and formal charges against Ryan Hanafin are pending.
