Police in Massachusetts are searching for a 22-year-old man who may be driving a black Dodge Charger after his mother was found fatally shot inside her kitchen early Thursday morning.
Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said Reading police were called at approximately 12:38 a.m. Thursday. The victim’s husband had returned to the family’s Center Avenue home and discovered his wife dead in the kitchen, according to remarks from a news briefing carried by local media.
Ryan identified the caller as 48-year-old Matthew Hanafin and the victim as his 49-year-old wife, Andria Hanafin. The couple’s 13-year-old child was also inside the residence, she said.
Reading, Massachusetts, police released an image of Ryan Hanafin, 22, who is a person of interest in the death of his mother. Andria Hanafin was found dead from a gunshot wound in her kitchen at about 12:38 a.m. Thursday, October 8, 2026. Authorities are asking anyone who spots him to call 911 and not approach him. He may be armed and dangerous. (Reading Police Department)
Investigators have identified the couple’s older son, 22-year-old Ryan Hanafin, as a person of interest. Police are actively searching for him.
Hanafin is approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall. In the photograph released by police, he has straight, shoulder-length blond hair, a mustache and glasses.
Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan speaks during a press briefing on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
The district attorney said police had no record of a “significant history” of calls involving the Hanafin residence.
Authorities believe Ryan Hanafin may be operating a black 2010 Dodge Charger bearing Massachusetts license plate 2PSY15.
According to Ryan, the younger son had been out with friends until roughly 9 p.m. After returning home, he told investigators, he went straight to his bedroom and did not see his mother.
Matthew Hanafin told police he had not spoken with Ryan since Wednesday morning, the district attorney said.
Reading Police Chief David J. Clark emphasized that although Ryan Hanafin has been named a person of interest, he should be regarded as “potentially armed and dangerous.” Anyone who sees Hanafin or the suspected vehicle should immediately call 911.
“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.”
This is a developing story.
