A 39-year-old man from Greenwood, Pennsylvania fatally shot his 34-year-old wife before taking his own life on Tuesday, December 19, 2023.

The fatal incident, which followed a brief argument,  took place around 7 p.m. in the basement of their Greenwood home. 

Logan Township Police Chief Dave Hoover said that Blase Raia, the husband, shot Brooke Raia in the head during the dispute. Shortly thereafter, he turned the gun on himself. The couple had married in 2022.

At the time of the incident, four of their younger children were at home. Their eldest child, returning home from work just thirty minutes later, discovered the bodies of his parents. 

The children, a daughter named Blakely and sons Blase Jr., Brennan, Kamden, and Easton, were taken into the care of other family members following the incident. Brooke’s children, Kamden and Easton, were from a previous relationship.

The Raia family was well-regarded in their community. Blase worked as a machinist at the Juniata Locomotive Shop of Norfolk Southern and was remembered by a retired colleague, Jim Patterson, as a “nice guy” and a “good worker.” Brooke was employed at a local chiropractic office and also worked at an Amazon warehouse in Altoona.

Both Blase and Brooke were active in the racing community. Brooke’s father was a renowned motorcycle racer and a speedway announcer, while Blase pursued drag racing as a hobby. 

Their involvement in this community led to a significant outpouring of support after the incident, with more than $56,000 raised for the children’s welfare. 

Family friend and neighbor, Candy Holliday, who is fundraising for Blase’s funeral, remarked that he “loved his children more than anything in this world.”

Police investigations are ongoing, with the motive still undetermined. Investigators are exploring whether any third parties were involved.