Woman allegedly said she feared son charged in her killing

By the Editorial Team · Friday, October 16, 2026

Ryan M. Hanafin, a 22-year-old from Reading, was held without bail after pleading not guilty to murdering his mother, Andria Hanafin, following a dispute at their home. Prosecutors cited his flight risk due to evidence including incriminating messages and his apprehension in Vermont, with a follow-up court date set for November 10.

WOBURN, Mass. — A 22-year-old man from Reading was ordered held without bail Thursday following his arraignment on charges related to the fatal shooting of his mother at their home last week. Ryan M. Hanafin pleaded not guilty in Woburn District Court to murder and weapons offenses in connection with the Oct. 8 death of 49-year-old Andria Hanafin.

Prosecutors said Andria Hanafin had confided in a friend that she feared her son and was concerned about potential retaliation due to his possession of firearms. The family had reportedly been involved in an ongoing dispute over the number of cats living in the household, according to Assistant District Attorney Carrie Spiros.

On the day of the incident, Hanafin’s 13-year-old brother was asleep at the home on Center Avenue when their father, Matthew Hanafin, returned from work in Billerica and discovered Andria Hanafin’s body. Emergency responders found her body cold to the touch, indicating she had been deceased for some time, and she had sustained a gunshot wound to the head.

Investigation findings presented by prosecutors included communications sent by Ryan Hanafin to a cousin via Snapchat, in which he allegedly made statements indicating responsibility for the shooting, using both English and Spanish terms for mother. Spiros noted that Ryan Hanafin referred to his mother as "madre" in these messages.

Authorities also revealed that Ryan Hanafin fled the area following the incident and was subsequently located and apprehended in Vermont, where the family had vacationed the previous summer. He waived extradition and was returned to Massachusetts to face charges.

During Thursday’s court proceeding, prosecutors characterized Hanafin as a significant flight risk and requested that bail be denied. Woburn District Court Judge Jason Chan agreed and ordered that Hanafin remain in custody. Hanafin stood silently in court dressed in a green shirt, while his public defender, Carolyn I. McGowan, declined to comment on the case.

Several family members and friends attended the hearing but left shortly after it concluded. Authorities have indicated there was no prior police involvement with the family and no documented mental health issues.

Ryan Hanafin is scheduled to appear again in court on Nov. 10.

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