Over $56K raised for five children as Pennsylvania parents Blase and Brooke Raia die in murder-suicide
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
GREENWOOD, PENNSLYVANIA: The victims of an alleged murder-suicide that took place in Blair County on Tuesday, December 19, have been identified by Logan Township police.
Brooke Raia, 34, and Blase Raia, 39, were discovered dead inside a residence on South Dartmouth Lane with gunshot wounds, according to authorities. The incident is reported to have originated from a domestic altercation, as stated by the police.
What did police find at scene of Brooke and Blase Raia's murder-suicide?
Law enforcement responded to a call they received at 7.30 pm, reaching the crime scene. The Logan Township Police Chief Dave Hoover stated that the deaths seem to be linked to a domestic violence incident, based on the evidence found.
According to Hoover, it appeared that Blase shot Brooke in the head with a handgun before turning the gun on himself in the basement of their home on Block 600 of South Dartmouth Lane.
Four children were reportedly present in the house at the time of the incident, and a fifth child contacted the authorities when he discovered what happened upon returning home from work about half an hour after the horrific act.
According to Jim Patterson, a retired Norfolk Southern employee, Blase was employed as a machinist at the Juniata Locomotive Shop of Norfolk Southern. Patterson said, “He was a nice guy, a good worker. He seemed well liked by his fellow workers,” as per The Altoona Mirror.
Hoover mentioned that Blair County Children, Youth, and Family Services have arranged for the children to be placed with family members.
GoFundMe support for Pennsylvania couple’s children
A person named Donny Algieri on GoFundMe posted a comprehensive message, urging everyone to contribute funds for the five children.
In the message, he claimed, “Hi, my name is Donny Algieri and i am a racer who raced with Blase. i am organizing this collection for Blase & Brookes 5 children who tragically lost both of their parents 5 days before Christmas.”
Algieri added, “While im sure Christmas is the last thing on their minds they deserve our support, they need to know that both the racing community & their family stands behind them.”
He concluded, “Help me let these children know we are here for them. I know times are hard for people especially around this time of the year, but anything will help. So please if you can donate please do. Thank you and god bless.”
As of Sunday, December 24, the fundraiser garnered over $56,000 with the involvement of 687 contributors. Numerous individuals have shared heartfelt messages for the family of the couple, expressing their wishes for GoFundMe to continue providing support to the orphaned children.
