Authorities in Pennsylvania have identified the victims of a murder-suicide that occurred Tuesday night in Altoona and left five children parentless days before Christmas.
Authorities stated that 34-year-old Brooke Raia (neé Zimmerman) and 39-year-old Blase Raia were found dead of apparent gunshot wounds in their home on Dartmouth Lane in Blair County on Tuesday evening.
Officers responded to the 911 report around 7:30 p.m. and claim the deaths appear to have been related to a domestic violence incident based on evidence at the scene.
Logan Township Police Chief Dave Hoover said, “It appeared that Blase shot Brooke in the head with a handgun before he turned the gun on himself in the basement of their home. Four children were at the home during the incident and the fifth child called police when he returned home and discovered the scene.”
“The children are currently with Blair County Children, Youth, and Family Services and will be placed with family members,” Hoover added.
The investigation is ongoing and no further details have been reported at this time.
According to Blase Raia’s obituary in Altoona Mirror, he graduated from Altoona High School and worked as a machinist at the Juniata Locomotive Shop of Norfolk Southern.
Raia, who married Brooke Zimmerman in 2022, was a father to a daughter, Blakely, and two sons, Blase Jr and Brennan. He was stepfather to Kamden and Easton, who were Brooke Zimmerman’s sons from a previous relationship.
They were raising a family of five in Greenwood, Pennsylvania. They both loved racing, which brought a lot of energy to their relationship.
Blase Raia, who enjoyed motorcycles, drag racing, hunting, bowling, and spending time with his children, was described as a loving dad by neighbors and friends.
In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe initiative by Blase Raia’s racing friend to render financial assistance to the orphaned children has raised over $84,000. Donny Algieri, wrote:
“While I’m sure Christmas is the last thing on their minds they deserve our support, they need to know that both the racing community and their family stand behind them. Help me let these children know we are here for them.”
