Blase Raia and Brooke Zimmerman Died by Fatal Gunshot Wounds, Murder-Suicide Suspected

Pennsylvania: Greenwood Couple Died in Apparent Murder-Suicide A Greenwood couple died of gunshot wounds on Tuesday evening, December 19, 2023, in an apparent murder-suicide in Blair County, Pennsylvania, according to Logan Township Police Chief Dave Hoover. Police identified the victims as 30-year-old Blas Raia and 34-year-old Brooke Zimmerman.

Pennsylvania: Greenwood Couple Died in Apparent Murder-Suicide

A Greenwood couple died of gunshot wounds on Tuesday evening, December 19, 2023, in an apparent murder-suicide in Blair County, Pennsylvania, according to Logan Township Police Chief Dave Hoover. Police identified the victims as 30-year-old Blasé Raia and 34-year-old Brooke Zimmerman.

What happened to Blasé Raia and Brooke Zimmerman?

According to Logan Township Police Chief Hoover, Blasé shot Brooke in the head with a handgun and then shot himself in the head in the basement of their home on the 600 block of South Dartmouth Lane around 7:30 p.m. Police say that based on the evidence collected from the scene, the incident seems to have stemmed from a domestic situation.

Investigation revealed that four of their five children were at home during the incident. A fifth child returned home from work nearly half an hour after the heart-wrenching incident unfolded. Police were called to the scene at 7:30 p.m.

An investigation is underway to learn more about the circumstances which led to the horrific crime. Police will release further details once they have concluded the investigation. Police assured the residents that it was an isolated incident and there was no threat to the public.

Who were Blasé Raia and Brooke Zimmerman?

Blasé Raia, 39, was known in the community as a hardworking machinist at the Juniata Locomotive Shop of Norfolk Southern. Jim Parson, a retired employee and colleague of Raia, described him as a “nice guy” and “a good worker” who was well-liked by his peers. He also had a knack for racing and participated in junior dragsters and advanced to higher-level ecno dragsters.

Brooke Raia (nee Zimmerman), 34, was an employee at a local chiropractic office. She had a background in racing. Her father was a renowned motorcycle racer and regional speedway announcer. Her father’s career influenced her, and she developed an appreciation for the sport. Blasé and Brooke shared this interest for high-speed pursuit.

The community’s support

The tight-knit community has rallied behind their orphaned children. Blair County Children, Youth, and Family Services have taken steps to ensure the children’s well-being in light of this tragedy, placing them with family members or crisis workers from UPMC Altoona for support after the harrowing incident.

A GoFundMe page has been established to support the children. It is a testament to the community’s solidarity and support towards the surviving family. Over 26,000 dollars have been raised to help the children navigate this crucial time after the loss of both of their parents.

Source: uptospeedjournalism.com

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