Ryan Hanafin, 22, is the subject of a manhunt in Massachusetts after his mother, Andria Hanafin, 49, was found dead from a gunshot wound inside her Reading home early Thursday. Police say Hanafin may be driving a black 2010 Dodge Charger and should be considered potentially armed and dangerous. Investigators are urging the public not to approach him and to call 911 with any information. Authorities have identified him as a person of interest, not as a charged suspect, while the investigation continues.
Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said Reading police received a call at approximately 12:38 a.m. Thursday from Matthew Hanafin, 48, who had returned to the family’s Center Avenue home and found his wife dead in the kitchen.
| 1) | Discovery of the fatal shooting |
| 2) | Ryan Hanafin identified as a person of interest |
| 3) | Vehicle and public safety warning |
| 4) | Family timeline under investigation |
| 5) | How residents should respond |
Discovery of the fatal shooting
Andria Hanafin was found dead in the kitchen of the family’s home on Center Avenue in Reading, Massachusetts, shortly after midnight on Thursday, October 8, 2026. Her husband, Matthew Hanafin, made the emergency call after returning home and discovering her body. Authorities said she died from a gunshot wound.
A 13-year-old child was also present in the home, according to the Middlesex district attorney. Investigators have not publicly described the circumstances of the shooting beyond the information provided during the briefing. The death remains under investigation as police work to establish what happened inside the residence and when.
Ryan Hanafin identified as a person of interest
Ryan Hanafin, the couple’s 22-year-old older son, has been identified as a person of interest in his mother’s death. Police have not announced criminal charges against him. Authorities released an image showing a man described as approximately 5 feet, 10 inches tall, with shoulder-length straight blond hair, a mustache and glasses.
The district attorney said there had been no significant history of police calls to the family home. Investigators are seeking Hanafin to question him as they continue examining the fatal shooting and his possible whereabouts after the incident.
Vehicle and public safety warning
Police believe Hanafin may be driving a black 2010 Dodge Charger with Massachusetts license plate 2PSY15. Reading Police Chief David J. Clark said the man should be considered potentially armed and dangerous, and authorities urged anyone who sees him or the vehicle to avoid contact.
“By all means, please do not approach him,” Clark said. “Please contact 911, the local police department, whatever, if you see the vehicle or come across him. We are urging people to stay safe and not put themselves in danger.”
Family timeline under investigation
According to the district attorney, the younger son had been out with friends until approximately 9 p.m. Wednesday. He told investigators that he went directly to his bedroom after returning home and did not see his mother.
Matthew Hanafin told investigators he had not spoken with his older son since Wednesday morning. Police are reviewing these accounts as they establish the family’s movements and determine when the shooting occurred. Officials have not released additional details about a possible motive or the weapon.
How residents should respond
Authorities are asking residents in Reading and surrounding communities to remain alert and report sightings immediately. Anyone who sees Ryan Hanafin or the described Dodge Charger should call 911 and provide the location, direction of travel and other useful details if it is safe to do so.
Police specifically cautioned the public against attempting to stop, follow or confront Hanafin. The search remains active, and officials said the case is developing as detectives collect evidence and speak with witnesses.
| No. | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Andria Hanafin was found fatally shot in her Reading kitchen early Thursday. |
| 2 | Her 22-year-old son, Ryan Hanafin, is a person of interest. |
| 3 | Police believe he may be driving a black 2010 Dodge Charger with plate 2PSY15. |
| 4 | Authorities describe him as potentially armed and dangerous. |
| 5 | The public should call 911 and avoid approaching him. |
Summary
The investigation into the death of Andria Hanafin remains active in Reading, while police search for her son, Ryan Hanafin. Authorities have released identifying and vehicle information to help locate him, but they have not announced charges or a motive. Officials continue to emphasize that members of the public should not intervene and should instead contact emergency services with any information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is police seeking?
Police are seeking Ryan Hanafin, 22, who has been identified as a person of interest in the death of his mother, Andria Hanafin.
Where was Andria Hanafin found?
She was found dead from a gunshot wound in the kitchen of her family’s home on Center Avenue in Reading, Massachusetts.
What should someone do if they see him?
Authorities say people should not approach or confront him. They should call 911 and report the sighting to police.
