Overview
- Darius Hazard, 44, faces murder and arson charges after his parents, Venture, 76, and Donald, 83, were found dead in their North Adams home.
- Probable-cause filings state he told police he assaulted his parents, poured gasoline on the first floor, ignited the house, and left.
- The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined both victims died from smoke inhalation after firefighters discovered them in the living room.
- Court documents quote Hazard saying he “snapped” during the night while helping his mother, who had advanced arthritis and scoliosis, and that he heard pleas of “come back” and “help us.”
- He was arrested later that day in a Walmart parking lot, pleaded not guilty in district court, and prosecutors and community members have publicly addressed the case and its impact.