A New York man, aged 34, has been apprehended for allegedly murdering his in-laws and their pet, followed by setting their residence ablaze. Robert J. Buda was detained last week and faces charges of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder for the deaths of Paul Hait and Jo-Ann Hait, as per the authorities.
In addition to the murder charges, Buda is also accused of first-degree arson and aggravated cruelty to animals. The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies responded to a call about a residential fire at a home in Wappingers Falls, New York, around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025. Wappingers Falls is approximately 65 miles north of New York City.
First responders managed to put out the fire and upon entering the home, found two victims inside. Both victims, later identified as 63-year-old Paul Hait and 65-year-old Jo-Ann Hait, were declared dead at the scene. Following an initial investigation, authorities identified Buda as the individual responsible for intentionally setting the residence on fire. He was arrested within a day of the fire on a count of second-degree arson and held on a $1 million bond. The sheriff’s office assured that there was no threat to the general public.
On Friday, Jan. 31, Buda was arrested again on upgraded charges. The authorities did not disclose details about Buda’s relationship with the Haits, only stating that he was known to the victims. A report from Westchester-based News12 revealed that Buda is married to the Haits’ daughter, who was not named by the station.
The authorities have remained reticent about the investigation, withholding additional details about a possible motive or cause of death for the victims to maintain the integrity of the ongoing court proceedings. Buda was arraigned before the Town of Wappinger Court and is currently being held without bond at the Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center.
A woman who claimed to have known the Haits for nearly 20 years expressed her grief in a Facebook post. She couldn’t comprehend why anyone would want to harm the couple, whom she described as incredibly kind souls. She remembered them as a beacon of friendship, kindness, and love.
The authorities have requested anyone with information pertinent to the case or who may have been in the Marlorville Road area on the evening of Jan. 26 to contact Detective Griffin.