Massachusetts Man Charged with Murder and Arson in Parents’ Deaths
A Massachusetts man is facing murder and arson charges after allegedly assaulting his elderly parents, setting their home ablaze, and abandoning them inside as they pleaded for help. The tragic incident unfolded in North Adams on Monday, resulting in the deaths of Venture Hazard, 76, and Donald Hazard, 83.
North Adams Arson Investigation
Darius Hazard, 44, confessed to authorities that he physically attacked his parents within their home before dousing the residence with gasoline and igniting it. Investigators state he then fled the scene, leaving his parents trapped in the burning structure. Firefighters responding to the blaze at approximately 7 a.m. discovered both victims deceased in the living room. The medical examiner determined the cause of death to be smoke inhalation.
According to the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office, the suspect was apprehended at a Walmart parking lot. During the arrest, officers discovered a knife in his vehicle, and Hazard admitted to a prior self-inflicted stabbing attempt, sustaining injuries to his thigh and chest.
“I Guess I Snapped”
Court documents, as reported by WNYT, reveal Hazard told officers he became overwhelmed with anger while assisting his father in caring for his mother, who suffered from advanced arthritis and scoliosis and had difficulty walking. The incident began around 3 a.m. when his mother fell. “I guess I snapped,” he reportedly stated.
The suspect allegedly engaged in a violent outburst, repeatedly hitting and yelling at his parents. Despite his father’s pleas to stop, Hazard continued the assault, shoving both parents to the floor and striking them with various objects, including a fan. He then proceeded to pour gasoline throughout the upstairs and living room areas, setting the house on fire before leaving his parents inside.
As he drove away, Hazard recounted hearing his parents desperately calling out for help, yelling, “come back” and “help me, help us, we are in trouble.”
Prior History of Anger
Hazard acknowledged to police that while he had experienced bouts of anger in the past, resulting in yelling and property damage, this marked the first instance of physical violence towards his parents.
He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is currently being held without bail at the Berkshire County House of Correction, as reported by News 10. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to this devastating tragedy.
