Heartless son allegedly beat his parents, set house on fire — then left them for dead as they begged him to ‘help’
A disturbing case unfolded in North Adams when a 44‑year‑old son is accused of violently assaulting his ailing parents, setting their farmhouse on fire, and then running away—while his elders screamed for him to “come back” and “help us.”
Police arrested Darius Hazard on murder and arson charges after they found his mother, Venture (76), and father, Donald (83), lifeless in the living room of their charred home. The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office confirmed the discovery with a Facebook post.
According to court filings, Hazard told investigators he “snapped” while helping his mother—who struggled with advanced arthritis and scoliosis—after she fell around 3 a.m. He then pushed both parents to the floor, struck them with objects, and even hurled a fan at his father, who begged him to stop.
The alleged killer poured gasoline on the first floor, ignited the house, and fled as his parents shouted for help. Neighbors noticed smoke later that day and alerted authorities, who found the couple dead inside the kitchen. Both died from smoke inhalation, the Medical Examiner’s office ruled.
Hazard was later nabbed at a Walmart parking lot and taken into custody. Residents, who had known the Hazard family as long‑time community pillars, expressed disbelief, describing the son’s alleged attack as unimaginable and far outside his character.
In court, Hazard pleaded not guilty, admitting he “snapped” and assaulted his parents. His defense highlighted his learning disability. He remains held without bail at the Berkshire County House of Correction and is scheduled for a December 29 hearing.
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