A male suspect has been taken into custody for allegedly setting fire to his residence, resulting in the tragic deaths of his 74-year-old grandmother, her caregiver, and a woman with cerebral palsy. Brayden Blake faces charges of murder and arson following the incident at a location on East Anderson Road near Bloomington, as reported by Indiana law enforcement. Responding to multiple emergency calls, police found the house ablaze and a vehicle crashed into the garage.
Upon arrival, authorities discovered burned individuals, including an 18-year-old female who managed to escape the burning home, while two deceased victims were found inside the residence. One of the survivors was identified as 53-year-old Paula Anderson, whose daughter, Kristine Rowan, a cerebral palsy patient, was among those found dead along with Mary Blake, 74.
Following a search operation, Blake, who sustained significant burn injuries, was located in a wooded area near the property with the assistance of drones and tracking dogs. The investigation revealed a plastic petrol can near the dining area and evidence of flammable liquid in the living room. Blake received medical treatment and was later traced to Avon, Indiana, by State Police and US Marshals.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office stated that Blake was hospitalized for an extended period due to his injuries and was monitored by their personnel during his stay at Eskenazi Hospital. However, Blake was discharged without notifying law enforcement, prompting an immediate search effort by the sheriff’s office upon discovering his release. Subsequently, Blake was arrested and charged with three counts of murder, three counts of murder in conjunction with arson, and one count of arson on April 13.
During a court appearance, Blake informed Judge Darcie Fawcett that he lacked financial resources and assets, leading to his designation as indigent and the assignment of a public defender who had represented him in previous legal matters. Blake remains in custody awaiting a hearing scheduled for April 20.
