Son Arrested for Allegedly Attacking Elderly Parents and Arson

A man has been taken into custody in Massachusetts, accused of violently assaulting his elderly parents and then igniting their home before fleeing. This shocking incident unfolded despite the desperate pleas from his parents for help.

Darius Hazard, 44, faces charges of murder and arson after police discovered the bodies of his mother, Venture, 76, who had arthritis, and his father, Donald, 83, in their burned home in North Adams. These details were released by the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office.

Court documents reveal that Hazard allegedly claimed he was assisting his mother after a fall around 3 a.m. when things turned violent. Prosecutors recounted that he pushed his parents to the ground, struck them repeatedly, and hurled objects, including a fan, at his father during the attack.

According to authorities, Hazard then spread gasoline throughout the first floor and set the house ablaze, leaving his parents trapped inside as they cried for help. It wasn’t until several hours later that neighbors noticed smoke and called the fire department, who later found the elderly couple deceased inside.

The Chief Medical Examiner reported that both parents died from smoke inhalation. Hazard was ultimately apprehended in a Walmart parking lot.

Residents expressed disbelief over the incident, noting that the Hazard family had a reputation for supporting the community over the years. One local remarked on the tragedy, emphasizing the loss felt, especially around Thanksgiving. “I can’t even imagine,” Jamie Lynn King said, reflecting on the family’s sudden loss.

King added that Hazard had a learning disability, which contributed to the community’s shock. He has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody without bail, with a court appearance scheduled for December 29th.