PA State Police Officer Stabbed To Death: Latest Info

MOON TOWNSHIP, PA — A fundraising effort is underway to assist the family of the off-duty Pennsylvania State Police liquor control enforcement officer who was slain Monday while jogging on the Montour Trail.

Benjamin Brallier, of Coraopolis, 44, was found with stab wounds around 3 p.m. along the Mountour Trail near the 1900 block of Hassam Road. He was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police on Tuesday arrested a homeless man, Anthony Quesen, 25, and charged him with criminal homicide in connection with Brallier's death. Police found Quesen about a third of a mile from the crime scene on Monday, with cuts on his hands and blood stains on his clothes.

Quesen is being held in the Allegheny County Jail. He faces a preliminary hearing on Nov. 1.

Brallier is survived by his wife, Sarah, and two daughters. Valerie Blochberger, a friend of Sarah Brallier, established a GoFundMe page to raise money for the family.

"While Sarah is an extremely strong woman, there will be many hardships that arise as she navigates the months to come," Blochberger said. "These funds will ensure that Sarah and her girls can navigate those hardships a little easier."

As of Wednesday morning, more than $42,000 had been raised.

Funeral arrangements for Brallier have not yet been released.