Massachusetts Man Charged with Murder and Arson in Parents’ Deaths

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — A Massachusetts man has been charged with murder and arson after allegedly beating his elderly parents and setting their home on fire, authorities said.

Darius Hazard, 44, was arrested following the deaths of his parents, 76-year-old Venture Hazard and 83-year-old Donald Hazard, who were found deceased in the living room of their burned residence on Monday morning, according to the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office.

Investigators said Hazard confessed to physically assaulting his parents inside their North Adams home, then pouring gasoline on the floor and igniting the fire before leaving the scene. Firefighters responding to the blaze around 7 a.m. discovered the victims, who were later determined by the medical examiner to have died from smoke inhalation.

Court documents revealed that Hazard told police he became “really, really angry” while helping his mother, who had mobility issues due to advanced arthritis and scoliosis, after she fell around 3 a.m. He admitted to losing his temper and assaulting both parents, including hitting them repeatedly and throwing objects. His father reportedly asked him to stop, which he eventually did before shoving both parents to the floor and striking them further.

Hazard then poured gasoline on the floor upstairs and in the living room, set the fire, and drove away, leaving his injured parents inside. He said the victims were calling out for help as he left.

Police took Hazard into custody at a Walmart parking lot, where he disclosed having a knife in his car and injuries consistent with an attempted self-harm. Hazard has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail at the Berkshire County House of Correction.

Authorities continue to investigate the case, which has drawn attention to the tragic circumstances surrounding the deaths of the elderly couple.