Pennsylvania Liquor Control Enforcement colleagues were killed in a knife attack on Montour Trail

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – His colleagues are remembering the off-duty Pennsylvania State Police alcohol control officer killed in a stabbing on Montour Trail in Moon Township.

Benjamin Brallier was out walking the path when police said a stranger fatally stabbed him Monday. His colleagues now mourn the loss of a man they valued so much.

“Just a good friend to all of us. So, yes, we will miss him dearly, without a doubt,” said Wayne Wright, Pennsylvania State Police Alcohol Control Agent.

They can't believe 44-year-old Brailler is dead.

“He was in the office that morning. We had an office pizza party,” said Pennsylvania State Police Agent Tim Zundel. “We hung out, had some lunch and then there were a lot of people in the office having a good chat.”

On Monday, Brailler was unemployed and went running on the Montour Trail, which was unusual for him. Police believe Monday's fatal attack may have been accidental.

“He is a husband, father of two little girls and a public servant who served his community. He was a recruiter for his agency,” said Allegheny County Police Deputy Commissioner Victor Joseph.

Anthony Quesen has been charged with murder in connection with the fatal stabbing. Investigators said he told police they were homeless.

According to the criminal complaint, the suspect stabbed Brailler multiple times.

“The stab wounds are to his upper body, front and back,” Joseph said. “He probably has defensive wounds on his hands. There were numerous stab wounds. It was a very brutal attack.”

When police arrived at the scene, they found a bicycle and a bag. They initially thought they belonged to the victim, but learned from Quesen's mother that they belonged to the suspect.

Court documents say there was a trail of blood from Brailler's body to the yellow bike and the bag was not far away. Quesen was nowhere to be found, but was later taken into custody. Sources told KDKA-TV that the suspect's parents were cooperating with law enforcement and said their son was behaviorally challenged, had behavioral problems and was homeless.

Brailler's colleagues understand that tragedy is part of the job, but this feels different.

“Willing to do anything for anyone,” Wright said. “He always was. Super talented when it came to everything.”

Lt. Amanda Selden, commander of the Pennsylvania State Police Liquor Control Enforcement Western Division, said Brailler was “a remarkable man who touched the lives of many. A dedicated public servant, he excelled as a recruiter and inspired others to serve with the same passion and integrity he embodied.”

Brailler leaves behind a wife and two daughters.

“We are pulling together as a family and hope to get Ben's family through this crisis,” said Sgt. Christopher Balcik of the Pennsylvania State Police Liquor Control Enforcement.

Who is Anthony Quesen?

Monday's fatal attack wasn't Quesen's first run-in with the law.

Last June, they were charged with a violent robbery and evading arrest at Point State Park in downtown Pittsburgh. According to the criminal complaint, the 25-year-old told police his name was Antonia Kaseim, but later gave the last name Quesen.

Court documents show District Judge Xander Orenstein set a non-monetary bond but revoked it last December when Quesen failed to show up for hearings.

The presidential judge withdrew Orenstein from his arraignment hearing earlier this year amid scrutiny of his non-cash bail decisions.

KDKA-TV asked Orenstein Tuesday why they didn't grant bail in the case.

“Please direct all media inquiries to the court administration,” Orenstein said. “I do not comment on ongoing cases, as has been my policy from the beginning.”

Court spokesman Joe Asturi also did not comment. He said the judge handles landlord/tenant, civil, traffic and criminal cases.

Law enforcement and court sources question why the suspect was not held accountable last year.