Vermont State Police arrested 22-year-old Ryan Hanafin on Vermont Route 100 on Thursday afternoon, locating him as a person of interest in the shooting death of his mother, Andria Hanafin, in Reading, Massachusetts, the Boston Herald reported.
The Traffic Stop on Route 100
State troopers stopped a black Dodge Charger with Massachusetts registration 2PSY15 south of the Sugarbush Access Road at approximately 2:30 p.m. Thursday. Vermont State Police took Ryan Hanafin into custody without incident after authorities identified Warren, Vermont, as an area he frequented. Troopers transported him to the Berlin Barracks for processing.
The Discovery on Center Avenue
Reading Police officers discovered the body of 49-year-old Andria Hanafin in the kitchen of her 9 Center Ave. home shortly before 12:40 a.m. Thursday. Matthew Hanafin dialed 911 after returning home to find his wife dead from a gunshot wound. The couple’s 13-year-old child was also inside the house and reported last seeing Andria Hanafin at 5 p.m. Wednesday. Investigators noted that both Ryan Hanafin and his vehicle were missing from the property when emergency crews arrived.
The Investigation and Firearm Status
Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Reading Police Chief David Clark held a joint press conference at 10:30 a.m. Thursday to release the suspect’s identity and request public assistance. Authorities stated that Ryan Hanafin possessed an active license to carry firearms issued in 2024, which law enforcement suspended early Thursday morning. Chief Clark warned the public not to approach the 5-foot-10-inch former university student, designating him as potentially armed and dangerous during the manhunt.
Questions Surrounding the Reading Homicide
What was the timeline of the police response?
Reading Police arrived at the Center Avenue residence a little before 12:40 a.m. Thursday following a 911 call placed by Matthew Hanafin after he discovered his wife’s body in the kitchen.
What background details were released about the suspect?
Ryan Hanafin is 22 years old, stood out as a former area university student who left his job roughly six months prior, and held a license to carry firearms issued earlier in 2024.
How long has it been since the last murder in Reading?
Chief David Clark stated during the Thursday morning press conference that more than 13 years had passed since the town last recorded a murder.