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- calendar_today October 15, 2026
Reading Man Accused in Mother's Shooting Held Without Bail
Ryan Hanafin, a 22-year-old from Reading, Massachusetts, was ordered held without bail on Thursday, October 15, 2026, after pleading not guilty to charges including first-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of his mother, Andria Hanafin. The court appearance at Woburn District Court followed his arrest in Vermont after the incident earlier this month.
Incident Details and Prosecutor Allegations
Prosecutors allege that Ryan Hanafin shot his 49-year-old mother in the family's Center Avenue home following a dispute about the number of cats living in the house. Assistant District Attorney Carrie Spiros told the court that Ryan and his mother had ongoing disagreements over Andria’s practice of fostering "many, many cats"—a fact corroborated by the discovery of more than 80 cats inside the home after Andria’s death.
Events Leading Up to the Fatal Shooting
According to Spiros, Andria Hanafin had recently confided to a friend her fear that her eldest son might retaliate against her, as he owned firearms. On the evening of October 7, Matthew Hanafin, Andria’s husband, last spoke to his wife by phone. During this conversation, Andria mentioned she had been arguing with Ryan and wanted him to move out of the home.
Surveillance video reportedly captured Ryan Hanafin’s Dodge Charger leaving the neighborhood at about 6:59 p.m. Later, he was seen purchasing gas and a beverage at a Cumberland Farms in Wakefield before getting onto the highway and heading north.
Investigation, Arrest, and Weapons Discovery
Matthew Hanafin returned home early on October 8 to find his wife deceased in the kitchen and Ryan missing, prompting a 911 call at 12:38 a.m. Later that day, Vermont State Police spotted Ryan, who was taken into custody. A search of his car revealed a rifle and thousands of rounds of ammunition. At home, investigators found 19 firearms—some unregistered and improperly stored—and a gun safe containing an untraceable "ghost gun." Spiros indicated that Ryan Hanafin had a license to carry and legally owned 10 firearms, but the remaining weapons were unsecured, and two appeared to be missing.
Snapchat Messages and Additional Charges
Spiros also told the court that Ryan Hanafin had sent message via Snapchat to both his cousin and a friend around the time of the fatal shooting. In one message, Hanafin allegedly referred to his mother, saying he "blew madre to pieces." In another, he reportedly claimed to have "blew her s—t smooth off." These messages were cited by the prosecution as evidence of his involvement.
Arraignment, Legal Proceedings, and Future Court Dates
During Thursday’s arraignment, a not-guilty plea was entered on Ryan Hanafin’s behalf. He faces multiple charges across two separate court dockets, including first-degree murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and an array of firearms-related offenses. Assistant District Attorney Spiros argued Hanafin is a "severe flight risk" due to the weapons stockpile and his attempt to leave the state. Public defender Carolyn McGowan did not seek bail but asked the court to set detention without prejudice. Judge Jason Chan agreed to impound probable cause statements, citing concerns about the safety of witnesses and sensitive details in the documents.
If convicted of first-degree murder, Ryan Hanafin could face life in prison without parole. His next court date is set for November 10.
Source: boston.com.
