A Massachusetts man beat his parents in their home before pouring a can of gasoline around the residence and setting it ablaze, authorities say.

Darius Hazard, 44, has been charged with arson and two counts of murder in the death of his parents, 76-year-old Venture Hazard and 83-year-old Donald Hazard. He was arraigned on Wednesday in Northern Berkshire District Court, where details emerged about the harrowing last moments for the victims.

In the early hours of Monday morning, the defendant "physically assaulted" his mother and father at their home, the North Adams Police Department announced . He then "poured gasoline on the first floor of the home and set the house ablaze."

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