The quiet town of Reading, Massachusetts was jolted awake early Thursday when 49-year-old Andria Hanafin was found shot dead inside her home. Her husband, Matthew Hanafin, discovered her body in the kitchen after returning from work and immediately called 911. Police are now searching for her 22-year-old son, Ryan Hanafin, who is wanted as a person of interest.
Responding officers arrived at the Center Avenue home around 12:38 a.m. and confirmed Andria had suffered a gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy is underway, but the official cause of death has not yet been determined.
Ryan was nowhere to be found when police arrived. Investigators believe he may be driving a black 2010 Dodge Charger with Massachusetts license plate 2PSY15. The car was last seen Wednesday evening traveling north on Interstate 93 toward Tewksbury. Authorities warn Ryan may be armed, as he holds a license to carry firearms, which police suspended Thursday morning.
Inside the home, the couple’s 13-year-old son was unharmed. He told police he last saw his mother alive around 5 p.m. before leaving with friends. When he returned later that night, he went straight to his room without checking in with her.
Officials say the case may involve domestic violence, though details remain unclear. The family had no significant history of police calls to the home. The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and Massachusetts State Police are working alongside Reading police to investigate.
Neighbors expressed shock at the news, describing the family as quiet and private. The sudden violence has left the community unsettled, with many worried about the search for Ryan and the possibility that he is armed.
Authorities are urging the public not to approach Ryan or his vehicle if spotted. Instead, they ask anyone with information to call 911 immediately. As of Thursday afternoon, Ryan remained unaccounted for, and no arrests had been made.
Reading, a suburban town about 15 miles northwest of Boston, is now grappling with the aftermath of a tragedy that has shaken its sense of safety.
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