Police Launch Homicide Investigation in Reading
Reading police and the Middlesex District Attorney's office have launched an apparent homicide investigation after a 49-year-old woman was found dead inside her Center Avenue home with an apparent gunshot wound. Authorities identified the victim as Andria Hanafin. Emergency responders arrived at the scene around 12:38 a.m. following a 911 call, where she was pronounced dead. [1] [2]
Search for Person of Interest
Investigators are actively searching for the victim's 22-year-old son, Ryan Hanafin, as a person of interest in connection with the death. Officials stated he should be considered armed and dangerous and has a license to carry a gun that was suspended. Police are also looking for his vehicle, a black 2010 Dodge Charger with Massachusetts license plate 2PSY15, which was last seen driving on Interstate 93 toward Tewksbury. Members of the public who spot Hanafin or his vehicle are urged not to approach and to immediately call 911. [1] [2]
Timeline of Events and Family Details
Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan stated that investigators believe the incident is a case of domestic violence, noting there is no significant prior police history at the residence. The victim's husband reported leaving for work around 11 a.m. and returning at approximately 11 p.m. to find his wife dead in the kitchen. The couple's 13-year-old son was also at home during the incident and was unharmed. An autopsy is being conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. [1] [2]
Sources
- Reading police seeking 22-year-old in connection with mother’s death — 2026-10-08T12:18:21+00:00
- Reading mother found dead, police searching for her son as person of interest — 2026-10-08T07:20:31-04:00
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