NEW BRITAIN, CT – A man was arrested on Tuesday night for allegedly murdering his wife and shooting another woman in New Britain early Monday morning. The suspect, 46-year-old Christopher Raye, was apprehended with help from Meriden and Berlin police.
On Monday, around 3 a.m., New Britain officers responded to a domestic violence-related disturbance on Prospect Street. Upon arrival, they found 30-year-old Bryana Raye unresponsive on the floor inside her home. Despite efforts by New Britain EMS, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities determined she had been fatally stabbed.
Bryana Raye was a beloved nurse at a hospital in New Britain, where she was known as a cherished staff member. The hospital expressed its deep sympathy, saying, “Our hearts go out to her family, and she will be in our thoughts as we continue the work she was so dedicated to.”
A second woman, who had suffered an apparent gunshot wound, was also found and transported to a nearby hospital. She remains in critical condition.
Following the attack, Christopher Raye fled the scene but was located the next evening walking along the Berlin Turnpike. Police quickly arrested him after a warrant was signed for his capture. Raye faces charges including murder, assault with a firearm, illegal discharge of a firearm, and criminal possession of a firearm.
His bond has been set at $1,000,000, which his public defender noted he would be unable to pay.
A man attending Raye’s court appearance described him as a close friend, expressing that Raye had been distraught after fleeing, claiming he had done something “unnormal” and could not live anymore. Police also spoke with a family friend who revealed Bryana had been concerned that something violent might happen due to Christopher’s behavior.
Several neighbors commented on the tragic incident, noting a history of issues on the street. “There’s a lot of issues on this street,” said Aurora Figueroa, a New Britain resident.
The investigation is ongoing, with assistance from the Connecticut State Police and the New Britain State’s Attorney’s Office. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Lt. James Krolikowski at 860-826-3131.