Manhunt Underway After Massachusetts Mother Is Found Dead in Kitchen

By Andrew Powell (/journals/andrew-powell)

Massachusetts police are searching for a 22-year-old man after his mother was found dead from a gunshot wound inside their Reading home early Thursday morning. Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said police received a 911 call at about 12:38 a.m. after the woman’s husband returned to the Center Avenue residence and discovered her body in the kitchen, according to Fox News. Ryan identified the victim as 49-year-old Andria Hanafin. Her husband, 48-year-old Matthew Hanafin, made the emergency call, according to the district attorney. The couple’s 13-year-old child was also inside the home when the woman was found, authorities said. Investigators have identified the couple’s older son, 22-year-old Ryan Hanafin, as a person of interest. Police are now searching for him and have warned that he could be armed and dangerous. Hanafin is described as 5 feet, 10 inches tall, with shoulder-length straight blond hair, a mustache and glasses. Police have released a photograph of him as they work to locate him. Authorities also believe Hanafin may be driving a black 2010 Dodge Charger with Massachusetts license plate 2PSY15. District Attorney Ryan said there had been “no significant history” of police calls involving the family’s home before the shooting. Investigators have also spoken with the younger son, who told police he had been out with friends until roughly 9 p.m. Wednesday. He said 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, according to Ryan. Reading Police Chief David J. Clark urged residents not to approach Hanafin if they spot him or the vehicle believed to be associated with him. “By all means, please do not approach him,” Clark said, urging anyone who sees Hanafin or the Dodge Charger to call 911 or contact local police. Authorities have not announced an arrest, and the investigation remains active. Police continue to search for Hanafin as investigators work to determine what happened inside the Reading home. This is a developing story. Watch the video below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FN5iUzkek4M