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Andria Hanafin, 49, Found Dead in Reading, Massachusetts, Son Taken Into Custody in Vermont

Andria Hanafin, 49, was found dead from an apparent gunshot wound inside her home on Center Avenue in Reading, Massachusetts, early Thursday, October 8, 2026. Her husband, Matthew Hanafin, called 911 after discovering her body. Authorities initially sought her 22-year-old son, Ryan Hanafin, as a person of interest and warned the public he might be armed. According to later reports, Vermont State Police took Ryan into custody in Warren, Vermont, on Thursday afternoon. He was being held on a…

Korede Abdulsalam
- 2 min read
Andria Hanafin, 49, Found Dead in Reading, Massachusetts, Son Taken Into Custody in Vermont

### Andria Hanafin Remembered After Fatal Shooting in Reading, Massachusetts

Andria Hanafin, 49, was found dead inside her home in Reading, Massachusetts, early Thursday, October 8, 2026. Her death prompted a police investigation and a search for her 22-year-old son, Ryan Hanafin, who was initially identified as a person of interest.

According to authorities, Reading police received a 911 call at approximately 12:38 a.m. after Andria’s husband, Matthew Hanafin, returned from work and discovered her in the kitchen of their home at 9 Center Avenue.

Responding officers found Andria with an apparent gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

### Son Taken Into Custody in Vermont

Following the discovery, authorities searched for Ryan Hanafin, who was not at the family home when officers arrived. Police also sought a black 2010 Dodge Charger associated with him.

The vehicle was last reported traveling on Interstate 93 toward the Tewksbury area on Wednesday evening, October 7. Authorities warned the public not to approach Ryan if they encountered him and urged anyone with information to contact law enforcement.

Later reports confirmed that Vermont State Police located Ryan in Warren, Vermont, and took him into custody at approximately 2:30 p.m. Thursday.

According to local news reports, he was initially held on a fugitive-from-justice charge pending court proceedings. Authorities had not publicly confirmed whether he faced a separate charge in connection with his mother's death at the time of those reports.

The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Reading Police Department, and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the case. Officials have described the incident as an apparent homicide, and the circumstances remain under investigation.

### Community Remembers Andria Hanafin

News of Andria’s death has left family members, friends, and neighbors grieving. Reports from local media described her as a caring person who devoted time to helping others, including rescuing and fostering cats.

Friends remembered her generosity and willingness to help people in need. Her death has deeply affected those who knew her and the wider Reading community.

Andria was a mother of three. Reports indicated that one child was away at college, while her 13-year-old son was at home during the events surrounding the discovery. Authorities said the younger child was unharmed.

### Investigation Continues

Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding Andria’s death. Authorities have not publicly established a motive, and Ryan’s custody should not be treated as proof of responsibility for the shooting.

The case has drawn attention throughout Reading as residents await further information from investigators.

Andria Hanafin’s loved ones are left to remember her kindness, her care for others, and the relationships she built during her life. As the investigation proceeds, friends and neighbors continue to offer support to the family during a painful time.

Further updates about court proceedings and the investigation are expected from the relevant authorities.