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Son Charged with Arson After Parents Found Dead in Burning North Adams Home

On Nov. 24, Venture Hazard, 76, and Donald Hazard, 83, were found dead in their North Adams home after a fire. Police arrested their son, 44-year-old Darius Hazard, and charged him with arson; he has pleaded not guilty. Court documents allege he assaulted his parents, poured gasoline on the first floor and set the blaze, and that he heard their cries for help as he fled. Neighbors and friends expressed shock and said the family had long-standing ties to the community.

11:50 PM, 11/29/2025Society
Son Charged with Arson After Parents Found Dead in Burning North Adams Home

A 44-year-old man has been charged after his elderly parents were found dead in their burning North Adams, Massachusetts, home on Nov. 24.

Police identified the victims as Venture Hazard, 76, and Donald Hazard, 83. Authorities arrested their son, Darius Hazard, later that day and charged him with one count of arson. He has pleaded not guilty to the arson charge.

According to a police probable cause report, officers allege Darius told investigators he assaulted his parents, then poured gasoline on the first floor and set the house on fire before fleeing. He reportedly said he had been struggling to care for his mother, who suffered from advanced arthritis and scoliosis, and that the incident began after he and his father were helping her following a fall.

The report also states that as he left the home after igniting the blaze, he could hear his parents calling for help, shouting, "come back" and "help me, help us, we are in trouble." Neighbors reported seeing smoke and called emergency services; officers who entered the residence found Venture and Donald Hazard deceased in the living room.

Investigators later located and arrested Darius at his workplace after coworkers said he had not shown up for a scheduled shift. It was not immediately clear whether he had retained legal counsel to speak on his behalf.

Community reaction

Friends and neighbors expressed shock and sorrow. One longtime resident described the Hazard family as a "pillar" of the community and urged people not to rush to judgment. A family friend said he hopes Darius "gets the help he needs" and that investigators can provide answers to explain the tragedy.

“The entire family, Darius included, have been a pillar in this community for many decades… Everyone knows them. Everyone loved them.”

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and the fire. No additional charges have been announced at this time.

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