DOJO – A Massachusetts man has been charged with murdering his elderly parents after allegedly beating them, dousing their home with gasoline, and leaving them inside as the house went up in flames, according to investigators.
What happened?
Police say 44‑year‑old Darius Hazard attacked his parents — 76‑year‑old Venture Hazard and 83‑year‑old Donald Hazard — inside their North Adams home early Monday morning. According to the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office, Hazard allegedly grew angry around 3 a.m. after helping his parents when his mother, who suffered from severe arthritis and scoliosis, fell.
Court records say Hazard “snapped,” hitting both parents repeatedly and throwing objects, including a fan, at his father. He allegedly shoved them to the floor and continued striking them before grabbing a gasoline can.
Fire set while parents begged for help
Investigators say Hazard poured gasoline on the floors upstairs and in the living room, lit a match, and left the home. His parents were injured but alive as he fled.
According to court documents, Venture and Donald were heard desperately yelling, “Come back,” and “Help me, help us, we are in trouble.”
Neighbors later noticed smoke coming from the home around 6 a.m. and called 911. Firefighters found both parents dead in the living room. The medical examiner determined they died from smoke inhalation.
The arrest
Hazard reportedly drove away and attempted to stab himself before police later found him in a Walmart parking lot. Officers said he admitted knowing what happened, telling them, “I guess I snapped,” and that he had been overwhelmed with caring for his mother.
He suffered self‑inflicted injuries to his thigh and chest.
Hazard was arraigned on charges including arson and two counts of murder. He has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail.
Community reaction
Residents of North Adams described the family as long‑time community members.
“This is not like him at all,” one family friend told local news. “We just hope he gets the help he needs.”
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