North Adams Man Indicted on Murder, Arson Charges

Staff Reports 02:30PM / Friday, April 03, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Darius Hazard was arraigned in Berkshire Superior Court on Thursday on two counts of first-degree murder related to deaths of his parents last November.

Hazard, 44, pleaded not guilty to the charges and to a third charge of arson of a dwelling house.

He is being held without bail at the Berkshire County House of Correction, where he has been housed since Nov. 25.

Hazard is accused of assaulting his parents, Donald Hazard, 83, and Venture Hazard, 76, on Nov. 24, 2025, and setting fire to the family on Francis Street.

The bodies of his parents were discovered in the home by firefighters.

North Adams Police said Hazard allegedly confessed to the assaults and the arson when he was taken into custody that day.

Hazard was initially arraigned in Northern Berkshire District Court on Nov. 26 and was to appear for a pretrial hearing on March 3. That hearing was postponed but he was indicted March 23 on the felony charges and his case removed to Berkshire Superior Court.

The next pretrial hearing is scheduled for Sept. 29, 2026, in Superior Court.

Tags: arson, murder,

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Pittsfield's Highland Restaurant Closing After 90 Years of Business

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:52PM / Monday, August 03, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Highland Restaurant will close after 90 years of serving locals pasta, seafood, and other Italian favorites.

On Sunday, the restaurant announced on social media that August will be its last month in business.

"In 1936, The Highland Restaurant opened its doors with overarching goals of bringing people together, serving great food, and creating lasting memories. For 90 years, generations of families, friends, and neighbors have made The Highland part of their lives. It has been our privilege to be part of yours," a Facebook post reads.

"As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we have also reached a natural conclusion. It is with a rush of mixed emotions that we announce August will be our final month in business."

The eatery at 100 Fenn Street, right next to City Hall, is owned by Pasquale, Gerardo and Dario Arace. The owners wrote that The Highland has always been more than a restaurant: "It has been our family's home and life's work."

They hope that every time people think of The Highland, it is with a smile.

"We are endlessly grateful to our employees, with some being with us for more than 50 years, for their loyalty, dedication, and friendship," the post reads.

"Above all, thank you to the people of Berkshire County and beyond. Your support, kindness, and memories have sustained us for nine decades. We hope The Highland will always be remembered not just for the meals we served, but for the moments shared around our tables."

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