A man from New York has been accused of killing his in-laws and their dog before setting their house on fire.
Robert J. Buda, 34, has been charged with multiple crimes, including first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder, aggravated cruelty to animals, and first-degree arson. The victims, Paul Hait, 63, and Jo-Ann Hait, 65, were found dead inside their home in Wappingers Falls, New York.
Deputies from the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office responded to a house fire on Marlorville Road around 6:30 p.m. on January 26. After the fire was put out, authorities discovered the couple’s bodies inside. Buda was arrested soon after and initially charged with second-degree arson.
However, on January 31, his charges were upgraded to include murder. Investigators confirmed that Buda had a personal connection to the victims—he was married to their daughter. The Sheriff’s Office stated that Buda had deliberately set fire to the house but assured the public that there was no ongoing threat.
The tragic deaths of Paul and Jo-Ann Hait have left their community heartbroken. Many people shared their grief and memories of the couple on social media. A neighbor, Shannon Leigh, expressed her sadness in a heartfelt message. She wrote about how the couple had been wonderful neighbors for 17 years, celebrating big moments in her family’s life, including the birth of her children and getting a pet.
She described them as kind, caring people who restored her faith in humanity. Despite her current struggle to accept their tragic deaths, she said she would honor their memory by keeping their spirit of kindness alive.
Another person, Emily Coffelt, shared that Paul and Jo-Ann were her parents’ closest friends when she was growing up. She said their deaths were truly heartbreaking.
Authorities have not yet shared details about a possible motive for the crime. Buda remains in custody without bail at the Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center.
The community continues to mourn the loss of Paul and Jo-Ann Hait, remembering them as kind and loving individuals who made a positive impact on those around them.
