Reading community honors mother killed in alleged domestic homicide

The murder woman in Reading continues to develop. Her son, accused of the crime, remains in custody out of state in Vermont. The 84 cats Andrea Hannafin was caring for before her murder are now... It was an emotional night here for Andrea's friends, family, and neighbors who were all here to support each other during this horrific tragedy. It's just amazing, just the community togetherness, that you can just really feel that support from one another. Hundreds gathered in Reading Wednesday night to honor Andrea Hannafin. I want to be here for her and her family because I just love her so much. Holly Gillette has been good friends with Andrea for more than a decade. We're all here together just to lean on one another. We're all telling stories about Andrea. It's just such a good time to just hear everybody else. We all know that she's such a loving person, but just to hear some of the other stories that other people know or how they met her. She was a hospice care person. She was a not a caregiver. She was a florist as well. So she just has so many stories to tell for so many people out there. The mother of three was found dead in her home about a week ago. Her son Ryan is expected to face charges for her murder. So when we experience moments like this that are shocking and not common in our community, that we know that we can rely on each other. Town leaders helped organize this vigil for Andrea. They also provided mental health resources for anyone who needs it. No amount of training or experience prepares you when the truly unthinkable happens in our town. We stand with you as you grieve this profound tragedy. From police to the school district, people from all over gathered to offer support, leaning on each other in prayer and song as this community promises to honor and remember Andrea for years to come. Middlesex County D.A. Marianne Ryan was also there as she continues to lead the investigation into Andrea's death. You never lose sight of the person at the heart of this, the loss to a family and to a community. Andrea's son Ryan was arrested in Vermont last week for her murder and the DA tells me tonight he is expected to be arraigned for her murder tomorrow at Woburn District Court. Live in Reading, I'm Lisa Pappas for your local station, Boston 25 News.