A Connecticut man was arrested after allegedly stabbing his wife to death and shooting his mother-in-law in front of their young children. The incident took place on January 27, 2025, in New Britain, Connecticut, and resulted in the death of Bryana Raye, 30, and the shooting injury of her mother, who has not been publicly named. The tragic events unfolded when Bryana’s mother, during a phone call with a woman from Pennsylvania, expressed distress and asked her to call 911. The woman heard disturbing noises, including what sounded like gunshots, followed by a loud scuffle and screaming.
Authorities were alerted to the situation after Bryana’s mother reportedly told the woman, “He beat her, call 911.” The woman also heard Bryana scream, “No, Chris, don’t!” followed by the sounds of several loud bangs. Police responded to the scene and found Bryana’s mother wounded with a gunshot to the shoulder. Bryana was discovered in the bedroom, fatally stabbed multiple times. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The situation was witnessed by another family member who was in a separate room. This individual was playing video games when he heard the gunshot. He later told police that he saw Christopher Raye, 45, allegedly stabbing Bryana while on top of her with a bloody knife. The relative also reported that the couple’s two young children were present and “watching this happen.” Fearing for their safety, he took the children into another room before confronting Raye. He yelled at Raye to leave the house, which he did.
After fleeing the scene, Raye allegedly called a man who worked with him at his landscaping business. He reportedly told the man that he had done something “very un-normal” and described the situation as “something crazy happened.” Raye then turned off his cellphones, attempting to avoid detection.
Raye remained on the run for a day before being found walking down a road in New Britain. Police arrested him the following day, and he was charged with multiple serious offenses, including murder, first-degree assault with a firearm, and two counts of risk of injury to a child. He also faced charges of criminal possession of a firearm, criminal use of a weapon, and misdemeanor illegal discharge of a firearm. His bond was set at $1 million.
The two children, who were witnesses to the horrific events, were taken into protective custody. Their well-being remains a top priority for authorities. The crime, which took place in the presence of the children, has left the community shaken.
Raye is scheduled to appear in court for his arraignment on February 20, 2025. His arrest has brought attention to the devastating consequences of domestic violence, as well as the impact such events can have on young children who are caught in the middle of traumatic situations. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing and preventing domestic violence in order to protect vulnerable individuals, especially children, from experiencing such horrific events.
