A Massachusetts man has been arrested after his elderly parents were found dead in a burning home earlier this week, in a tragedy that has shaken their North Adams community.
Authorities say Venture Hazard, 76, and Donald Hazard, 83, were killed early Monday morning, Nov. 24, inside their residence. Their 44-year-old son, Darius Hazard, was later taken into custody. Police say Darius admitted to assaulting his parents, pouring gasoline on the first floor, and setting the home on fire before fleeing.
Darius has been charged with murder and arson and has pleaded not guilty, according to court records. It’s not yet clear if he has legal representation commenting on his behalf.
In a probable cause report, Darius reportedly told investigators he had been struggling to care for his mother, who suffered from advanced arthritis and scoliosis. Police say he became agitated while helping his mother after a fall, which led to the attack.
As he left the home, Darius allegedly told police he could hear his parents begging for help, yelling, “come back” and “help me, help us, we are in trouble,” court documents show.
Neighbors noticed smoke rising from the home and called emergency personnel. Officers found Venture and Donald Hazard dead in the living room.
Police later tracked Darius to his workplace, where coworkers said he hadn’t shown up—a behavior they said was unusual. He was arrested without incident.
The shocking case has left the tight-knit community reeling. Resident Jamie Lynn King told News 10, “The entire family, Darius included, have been a pillar in this community for many decades. Everyone knows them. Everyone loved them. Don’t just judge a book by the shortest words you’ve heard because there’s got to be a lot for it to have happened the way it did.”
Family friend Nate Shoot added, “I just hope he gets the help he needs, and we get answers, because this is not like him at all.”
Guess he could not wait for the inheritance
He looks like a basement dweller