Arson Victims ID'd, Police Believe Suspect First Murdered Couple, Dog

TOWN OF WAPPINGER, NY — The Dutchess County Sheriff's Office has now formally identified the two victims of the Jan. 26 Town of Wappinger fire, and said new charges against the suspect have been added.

Around 6:30 p.m., on Jan. 26, deputies responded to Marlorville Road after a report of a fire. Once the fire had been extinguished, two victims were found inside, and both were dead.

After an initial investigation, 34-year-old Robert J. Buda was arrested for intentionally setting fire to the home, and charged with felony second degree arson. He was arraigned before the Town of Wappinger Court, and was remanded to the Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center.

SEE ALSO: Suspect Nabbed In Arson Fire That Killed 2 In Wappinger

The sheriff's office has identified the victims as 63-year-old Paul Hait and 65-year-old Jo-Ann Hait.

Buda is now accused of killing the Haits and their dog before setting fire to their house. The sheriff's office said that the victims were known to Buda, but declined to provide further details about the investigation in order to "protect the integrity of ongoing court proceedings."

On Friday, Buda was again arrested by sheriff's office detectives. He has now been charged with first degree murder, two counts of second degree murder, and aggravated cruelty to animals. His original second degree arson charge has been upgraded to first degree arson.

Buda was arraigned before the Town of Wappinger Court and then remanded back to the Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center with no bail.

The sheriff's office is being assisted in the investigation by the Dutchess County District Attorney's Office, the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response, the Dutchess County Fire Investigation Division, the Dutchess County Medical Examiner, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, the New York State Police Computer Crimes Unit, the Arlington Fire Department Special Operations Unit, and the Hughsonville Fire Department.

Anyone who may have information on this incident or may have been in the Marlorville Road area during the evening of Jan. 26 is asked to contact Detective Griffin at 845-486-3809 or through this email address. Information can also be provided through the Sheriff's Office tipline at 845-486-CLUE (2583) or through this email address. All information will be kept confidential.