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- calendar_today October 9, 2026
Suspect in Reading Shooting Appears in Vermont Court
Ryan Hanafin, a 22-year-old man from Reading, Massachusetts, was arrested on Thursday in connection with the death of his mother and has now appeared in a Vermont court. The arrest follows an intensive manhunt involving multiple law enforcement agencies after Hanafin's mother, identified as Andria Hanafin, was found dead in a Reading home.
Details of the Incident
According to the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office, Reading Police responded to a 911 call at approximately 12:38 a.m. on Thursday. The call reported that the body of a 49-year-old woman had been found inside a residence on Center Avenue in Reading. Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim was later identified as Andria Hanafin.
Law Enforcement Response and Manhunt
After the discovery of the body, local and state law enforcement initiated a search for Ryan Hanafin. Massachusetts State Police notified Vermont State Police at around 12:15 p.m. Thursday with information that Hanafin might be in Vermont. Vermont State Police began operations near Warren, Vermont, an area Hanafin was believed to frequent, to locate the suspect.
The Arrest on Vermont Route 100
At approximately 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Vermont State Police troopers located Hanafin driving on Vermont Route 100. With assistance from the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, officers conducted a motor vehicle stop and took Hanafin into custody without incident. There were no reports of injury or resistance during the arrest.
Charges, Extradition, and Court Appearance
Ryan Hanafin faces several weapons charges, according to officials. He appeared in a Vermont court on Friday, where he waived extradition proceedings. Hanafin is now set to return to Massachusetts to face legal proceedings in connection with the death of his mother. The investigation remains ongoing, with Massachusetts and Vermont authorities working in cooperation.
Summary of Law Enforcement Efforts
The arrest of Hanafin underscores the extensive cooperation between Reading Police, Massachusetts State Police, Vermont State Police, and the Washington County Sheriff’s Department. Their coordinated efforts were instrumental in quickly tracking down and apprehending the suspect after a day-long manhunt.
Source: whdh.com.
