In a shocking incident in Connecticut, a New Britain man, Christopher Raye, 45, has been arrested this week for allegedly murdering his wife, Bryana Raye, 30, and critically injuring his mother-in-law in the presence of their two children.
Raye faces multiple charges including murder, first-degree assault with a firearm, illegal discharge of a firearm, criminal possession of a firearm, criminal use of a weapon, and two counts of risk of injury to a minor, as reported by the Hartford Courant.
According to the New Britain Police Department, Raye was apprehended late Tuesday while walking along the Berlin Turnpike.
An affidavit reveals that police responded to a distress call made just before 3 a.m. by a woman in Pennsylvania, a friend of Bryana Raye’s mother. She reported that the couple was experiencing difficulties and that they were away from home with their children.
While on the phone, the family returned home. The woman overheard what sounded like physical altercations and heard Bryana Raye pleading, “No, Chris, no, don’t,” followed by several loud bangs.
A family member, who was gaming in the house at the time, reported to the woman that there was blood and bullets everywhere.
Upon police arrival, he was found holding a spent bullet casing and explained that Bryana Raye’s mother had expressed fears for her daughter’s safety. He recounted witnessing Christopher Raye stabbing Bryana with a bloody knife while her mother lay on the floor with a gunshot wound.
He managed to usher the young children into another room, calling for Raye to leave the apartment. Raye complied and later spoke to the woman in Pennsylvania using Bryana’s mother’s phone.
Reportedly, the mother is in critical condition, while Bryana Raye was pronounced dead at the scene, having sustained stab wounds to her neck and torso.
Investigators indicated that surveillance footage revealed a black Chevrolet Silverado, registered to Raye, leaving the driveway around the time of the incident. Attempts to track Raye’s cell phones were unsuccessful as he had turned them off.
During the search, police discovered another truck owned by Raye for his landscaping business. A man inside revealed that Raye had called him in tears, confessing to committing something “very unnormal” and that “something crazy happened.” Raye reportedly expressed feelings of despair, saying he “couldn’t live anymore.”
Christopher Raye’s mother arrived around 4 a.m., stating that he had called her to indicate he was “in trouble,” but did not clarify what he had done.
Authorities have not disclosed whether the weapons used in the attacks have been recovered. However, it was confirmed that Raye is a convicted felon, prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Raye made his initial court appearance on Wednesday, where he was issued a $1 million bond, as reported by WVIT.
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[Feature image: Christopher Raye/New Britain Police Department]
