Man killed his in-laws and their dog, set home on fire: Cops
Inset: Robert J. Buda (Dutchess County Sheriff

Inset: Robert J. Buda (Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office). Background: The home that Buda allegedly set on fire after killing his in-laws (Google Maps).

A 34-year-old man in New York has been arrested for allegedly killing his in-laws and their dog before setting the couple’s house on fire.

Last week, Robert J. Buda was apprehended and charged with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder for the deaths of Paul Hait and Jo-Ann Hait, as per authorities.

In addition to the murder charges, Buda is also facing one count of first-degree arson and one count of aggravated cruelty to animals.

As per a news release from the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, in response to a report about a house fire at a residence located in the 100 block of Marlorville Road in Wappingers Falls, New York, a town around 65 miles north of New York City.

First responders were able to extinguish the fire and, upon entering the home, discovered two victims inside the residence, both of whom were pronounced dead on the scene. The victims were later identified as 63-year-old Paul Hait and 65-year-old Jo-Ann Hait.

Following a preliminary investigation, authorities said Buda was responsible for “intentionally setting fire to the residence.” He was arrested within a day of the blaze on one count of second-degree arson and held on bond of $1 million. Following the arrest, the sheriff’s office said there was “no danger to the public-at-large.”

Buda on Friday, Jan. 31, was placed under arrest again on the upgraded charges.

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