WAPPINGER, N.Y.The suspect in a fatal Wappinger house fire has been charged with new crimes after authorities identified the victims and said that he killed them before setting their house on fire.
The 78 Marlorville Road fire on January 26 claimed the lives of Paul and Jo-Ann Hait, ages 63 and 65, according to the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office. The suspect, Mr. Buda, is accused by investigators of killing the couple and their dog before igniting the fire. Although they did not elaborate, officials said that Buda was aware of the victims.
Buda is now facing increased accusations, which include first-degree murder, two instances of second-degree murder, severe cruelty to animals, and first-degree arson, after being detained once more on January 31 after an investigation.
He was remanded to the Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center without bail after being arraigned in Town of Wappinger Court.
Investigators are requesting that anyone who was in the vicinity of Marlorville Road on the evening of January 26 or who has information get in touch with them.
