GREENWOOD, PA – A Pennsylvania couple lost their lives in a tragic murder-suicide incident that occurred days before Christmas, leaving their five children tragically orphaned. Police reported Blase Raia, 39, shot his wife Brooke Raia, 34, before turning the gun on himself.
Logan Township Police Chief Dave Hoover confirmed the incident happened around 7 p.m. in the basement of the couple’s Greenwood home. Four of their children were home during the occurrence, while their eldest child discovered the bodies of his parents shortly after returning from work.
In the wake of the harrowing event, their children- Blakely, Blase Jr., Brennan, Kamden, and Easton- were released into the custody of other family members. Kamden and Easton are Brooke’s children from a prior relationship.
The incident sent waves of shock through their community, where both were well-known and widely respected. Blase Raia worked as a machinist at the Juniata Locomotive Shop of Norfolk Southern, remembered as a friendly and passionate worker. Similarly, Brooke Raia was employed at a local chiropractor’s office and the Amazon warehouse in Altoona, and enjoyed notable regard.
The couple, who wed in 2022, were deeply integrated into the racing community, with Brooke’s father a prominent motorcycle racer turned announcer, and Blase a racing enthusiast. This communal bond has resulted in the community rallying significant support for their orphaned children. As of now, the fundraising efforts to aid the children have already surpassed $56,000.