A community in Massachusetts has been left reeling after a 44-year-old man was charged with murdering his elderly parents, whom he allegedly beat and left to die in a house fire he set himself.
A Tragic Discovery in North Adams
Police have charged Darius Hazard with two counts of murder and one count of arson following the deaths of his parents, 76-year-old Venture Hazard and 83-year-old Donald Hazard. The incident occurred at the family's home in North Adams on November 24.
According to court documents, the tragedy began when Hazard grew agitated while he and his father were assisting his mother, who had suffered a fall. It is alleged that he physically assaulted both of his parents, leaving them incapacitated on the floor.
The Alleged Arson and Fleeing the Scene
Authorities state that after the assault, Hazard poured gasoline throughout the first floor of the property. He then allegedly lit the fuel with a match, setting the home ablaze before fleeing the scene in his vehicle.
Disturbingly, Hazard reportedly told police that he heard his parents screaming and begging for help as he left. Court records indicate he heard them cry out, "come back" and "help me, help us, we are in trouble."
The fire was only discovered when neighbours noticed smoke coming from the house and raised the alarm. Emergency services later found the couple deceased in their front room.
Community Shock and a Defendant's Plea
The subsequent arrest of Darius Hazard has sent shockwaves through the local community, where the Hazard family was widely respected. Neighbours described the entire family, including Darius, as "pillars of the community."
One neighbour, Jamie Lynn King, told reporters, "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."
Another family friend, Nate Shoot, expressed his disbelief, stating that the allegations were "not like him at all" and that he hoped Hazard would get the help he needs.
Hazard was not immediately apprehended. Police initially searched for him at his workplace, finding he had not turned up for his shift. He was eventually arrested after being spotted inside a Walmart.
During his arraignment, Darius Hazard pleaded not guilty to the arson charge. News outlets have reported that he had been struggling to cope with the burden of his mother's advanced arthritis and scoliosis.
