Crime & Safety
'Brutal And Senseless': Man Who Shot, Killed Wappinger Couple, Dog, Set House On Fire, Pleads Guilty: DA
A couple and dog were killed, their home set ablaze, police say. He is slated to be sentenced to 40 years to life under plea deal, DA says.
WAPPINGER, NY — A man charged with killing a local couple and their dog, and then setting their home on fire, has pleaded guilty, the District Attorney said.
Robert Buda Jr., 35, entered the guilty plea in Dutchess County Court to two counts of second-degree murder, and to second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, officials added.
His sentencing is scheduled for June 10. Under the terms of a plea agreement, Buda will get 40 years to life in prison, according to the Dutchess County District Attorney’s office.
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Buda was charged with the Jan. 26, 2025 murders of Paul Hait, 63, and Jo-Ann Hait, 65, at their home at 78 Marlorville Rd.
Buda was the victims’ son-in-law at the time of the homicides, according to the district attorney’s office, which added, “We cannot speculate as to motive.”
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According to prosecutors, with his plea, Buda admitted intentionally shooting the couple multiple times with a firearm. He also admitted possessing a 9-millimeter Sig Sauer P354 semi-automatic pistol with the intent to use it unlawfully against the victims, prosecutors said.
Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi said in a press release Wednesday, “Today’s guilty plea ensures that the defendant will be held fully accountable for the brutal and senseless murders of Jo-Ann and Paul Hait.”
“While no courtroom outcome can ever repair the profound loss suffered by their family, I want to recognize their extraordinary strength and resilience throughout this process,” Parisi added. “Their resolve in the face of unimaginable tragedy has been truly remarkable.”
Paul Hait had a lifelong career at IBM, and he had served as a volunteer firefighter. Jo-Ann Hait had worked at Union Carbide and at Arlington School District’s Transportation Department. The couple had recently celebrated 40 years of marriage prior to their deaths, according to the couple’s obituary.
Read more:
Suspect Nabbed In Arson Fire That Killed 2 In Wappinger
Arson Victims ID'd, Police Believe Suspect First Murdered Couple, Dog
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