Ryan Hanafin, a 22-year-old man from Massachusetts, was arrested in Vermont on Thursday after his mother, Andria Hanafin, 49, was found shot dead in her kitchen. The incident occurred early Thursday morning when his father, Matthew Hanafin, returned home around 12:38 a.m. and discovered the body, according to Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan. Following his arrest, Hanafin waived extradition and agreed to return to Massachusetts to face charges.
During a brief virtual court hearing, Hanafin confirmed his understanding of the proceedings and expressed his desire to waive the formal governor’s warrant process, which would have delayed his return. The judge explained that by waiving extradition, Hanafin was giving up his right to challenge the extradition process.
The judge also inquired about Hanafin's mental state and whether he had taken any drugs, to which he replied negatively. The timing of his return to Massachusetts remains unclear, but a status conference has been scheduled for next Thursday to ensure the transfer is completed.
As of now, Reading police have labeled Hanafin a person of interest, and the specific felony charges he faces have not been publicly disclosed. Authorities had been searching for Hanafin's black Dodge Charger in Warren, Vermont, where he has known connections, before locating and arresting him without incident.