Topline: After initially believing the two victims died in the house fire, investigators now allege the suspect killed the victims and their dog before igniting the blaze.
Published: February 5, 2025 8:30 am ET
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Robert J. Buda (via Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office)
WAPPINGER, NY — A New York man is facing murder charges for allegedly killing his in-laws and their dog before setting their house on fire.
According to the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, 34-year-old Robert J. Buda was initially charged with second-degree arson after “intentionally” setting fire to a residence in Wappinger, New York, around 6:30 p.m. on January 26.
Once the fire was extinguished, two deceased victims were located inside. They were later identified as 63-year-old Paul Hait and 65-year-old Jo-Ann Hait.
Police say initial investigation revealed Buda intentionally set fire to the residence. He was taken into custody in lieu of $500,000 cash bail or $1,000,000 bond.
On Monday, February 3, investigators announced Buda was charged additionally in connection with Paul and Jo-Ann’s deaths. Buda was further accused of killing Mr. and Mrs. Hait and their dog before setting their house on fire, according to police.
Buda was again arrested by Sheriff’s Office Detectives and was charged with Murder 1st degree, Murder 2nd degree (2 counts), and Aggravated Cruelty to Animals. Additionally, the original second-degree arson charge was upgraded to first-degree arson.
News 12 reported that Buda is married to the victims’ daughter.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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NY Man Charged for Allegedly Killing In-Laws & Dog, Setting House on Fire
After initially believing the two victims died in the house fire, investigators now allege the suspect killed the victims and their dog before igniting the blaze.
By Jacob Charles
Published: February 5, 2025 8:30 am ET
Robert J. Buda (via Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office)
WAPPINGER, NY — A New York man is facing murder charges for allegedly killing his in-laws and their dog before setting their house on fire.
According to the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, 34-year-old Robert J. Buda was initially charged with second-degree arson after “intentionally” setting fire to a residence in Wappinger, New York, around 6:30 p.m. on January 26.
Once the fire was extinguished, two deceased victims were located inside. They were later identified as 63-year-old Paul Hait and 65-year-old Jo-Ann Hait.
Police say initial investigation revealed Buda intentionally set fire to the residence. He was taken into custody in lieu of $500,000 cash bail or $1,000,000 bond.
On Monday, February 3, investigators announced Buda was charged additionally in connection with Paul and Jo-Ann’s deaths. Buda was further accused of killing Mr. and Mrs. Hait and their dog before setting their house on fire, according to police.
Buda was again arrested by Sheriff’s Office Detectives and was charged with Murder 1st degree, Murder 2nd degree (2 counts), and Aggravated Cruelty to Animals. Additionally, the original second-degree arson charge was upgraded to first-degree arson.
News 12 reported that Buda is married to the victims’ daughter.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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Editor Picks
Latest Articles
NY Man Charged for Allegedly Killing In-Laws & Dog, Setting House on Fire
After initially believing the two victims died in the house fire, investigators now allege the suspect killed the victims and their dog before igniting the blaze.
By Jacob Charles
Published: February 5, 2025 8:30 am ET
Robert J. Buda (via Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office)
WAPPINGER, NY — A New York man is facing murder charges for allegedly killing his in-laws and their dog before setting their house on fire.
According to the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, 34-year-old Robert J. Buda was initially charged with second-degree arson after “intentionally” setting fire to a residence in Wappinger, New York, around 6:30 p.m. on January 26.
Once the fire was extinguished, two deceased victims were located inside. They were later identified as 63-year-old Paul Hait and 65-year-old Jo-Ann Hait.
Police say initial investigation revealed Buda intentionally set fire to the residence. He was taken into custody in lieu of $500,000 cash bail or $1,000,000 bond.
On Monday, February 3, investigators announced Buda was charged additionally in connection with Paul and Jo-Ann’s deaths. Buda was further accused of killing Mr. and Mrs. Hait and their dog before setting their house on fire, according to police.
Buda was again arrested by Sheriff’s Office Detectives and was charged with Murder 1st degree, Murder 2nd degree (2 counts), and Aggravated Cruelty to Animals. Additionally, the original second-degree arson charge was upgraded to first-degree arson.
News 12 reported that Buda is married to the victims’ daughter.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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