Illinois couple Amy Blaise, Dan Blaise identified in murder-suicide
An Illinois couple died on Friday night in an apparent murder-suicide, authorities say, now identifying the couple as Amy Smith Blaise, 43, and husband Daniel Blaise.
The investigation revealed that Daniel fired multiple rounds inside the residence, before firing a round that shot his wife, sources confirmed to the press.
Dan and Amy Blaise photo via Facebook
Amy’s death was ruled a homicide, Daniel Blaise, 42, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Coroner Michael “Junior” Burke said.
Authorities added that one of the couple’s children was inside the residence during the incident, but was not physically injured.
Amy was a third and fourth grade special education teacher at Jonesboro Elementary School. This was her second year teaching at the school.
Friends of Amy’s posted on her Facebook page after hearing about her death, shocked by her passing and calling for prayers and support.
A lifelong friend of Amy Blaise, Tammy Samples, said Amy Blaise had an unforgettable personality.
“Everybody would smile when she talked to them — Because she made you smile,” Samples said to KFVS 12. “That was just the type of person she was.”
Samples and Amy Blaise became friends in kindergarten and remained friends for more than 30 years.
“She had a deep faith in god,” Samples said. “She loved her family. And if Amy loved you, she loved you very very much.”
