A 22-year-old Massachusetts man is facing a murder charge in connection with the fatal shooting of his mother after an alleged family dispute involving her rescue cats and his employment, according to court records and authorities.
Ryan Hanafin was arrested in Vermont on October 8, 2026, after investigators began searching for him following the death of his mother, 49-year-old Andria Hanafin, at their home in Reading, Massachusetts. A murder arrest warrant was subsequently issued, and he also faces several firearm-related charges.
The investigation began shortly after midnight Thursday, when Andria’s husband, Matthew Hanafin, returned home from work and discovered her body in the kitchen of the family’s Center Avenue residence. He called 911 at approximately 12:38 a.m. Responding officers found that she had suffered an apparent gunshot wound, and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Dispute reportedly involved rescue cats and employment
Court documents describe tensions between Ryan and his parents before the shooting. Andria worked as a veterinary technician and was known for fostering rescue cats. Investigators reported finding approximately 20 to 30 cats and kittens roaming inside the home.
According to the police account, disagreements over the animals had become a recurring source of conflict between mother and son.
Andria reportedly spoke with her husband on Wednesday evening about another argument with Ryan and told him she wanted their adult son to move out. Matthew had also confronted Ryan about finding employment and encouraged him to get a job and make progress toward independence.
Investigators believe the shooting occurred sometime Wednesday evening, although the precise timing has not been publicly established.
Alleged Snapchat message became part of the investigation
Authorities also examined messages Ryan allegedly sent to a friend after the suspected shooting.
According to court records described in reporting on the case, the friend told investigators that Ryan sent a Snapchat message referring to having killed his mother. The message reportedly used joking language to describe the alleged violence.
The communication became a significant part of the investigation as authorities worked to establish what happened inside the family home.
Investigators have not established every detail surrounding the shooting publicly, and the allegations will be addressed through the criminal proceedings.
Police recovered 19 firearms from the home
The investigation also raised questions about the number of guns inside the residence. Police reported finding 19 firearms in Ryan’s bedroom.
Court records indicate that Ryan had previously worked at a gun shop and held a Massachusetts license to carry a firearm. Authorities suspended his license after Andria’s death.
In addition to the murder charge, he faces firearm-related allegations, including 15 counts involving the improper storage of large-capacity firearms where a minor could potentially access them and a charge related to possessing an untraceable firearm. He also faces an assault and battery charge involving a dangerous weapon.
The firearm allegations are separate from the murder case and remain subject to the legal process.
Arrest in Vermont and return to Massachusetts
After discovering Andria’s body, investigators determined that Ryan and his vehicle were missing. Police sought help locating him as they investigated the circumstances of her death.
Vermont State Police eventually located him in Warren, Vermont, on October 8 and took him into custody during a traffic stop. His arrest ended the search that had followed the discovery of his mother’s body.
Ryan appeared remotely before a Vermont court on October 9 and waived his right to formal extradition, allowing authorities to proceed with returning him to Massachusetts to face the charges. He was held without bail on a fugitive-from-justice charge while awaiting his transfer.
The case is being investigated by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Reading police and Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the district attorney’s office.
Andria’s death has left her family and community facing a difficult loss. She was known for her work with animals and her efforts to care for rescue cats.
The criminal case remains ongoing. Ryan Hanafin is accused of the killing, and the allegations have not been established as facts through a criminal trial.
