The fire broke out on Sunday, Jan. 26, around 6:30 p.m. at 78 Marlorville Rd. in the town of Wappinger. According to the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office, emergency responders extinguished the blaze and discovered two deceased victims inside the home.
Following an investigation, Robert J. Buda, of Wappinger, was taken into custody and charged with second-degree arson, a felony. The Sheriff's Office alleges that Buda intentionally set the fire.
After being processed, Buda was arraigned in Wappinger Town Court and remanded to the Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center on $500,000 cash bail or $1 million bond.
The Sheriff's Office emphasized that there is no ongoing danger to the public.
Investigators are continuing their work and have not yet released the identities of the victims. Officials are urging anyone who may have information about the case or who may have been in the Marlorville Road area on the evening of Jan. 26 to come forward.
Tips can be directed to Detective Griffin at 845-486-3809 or jgriffin@dutchessny.gov. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via the Sheriff’s Office tipline at 845-486-CLUE (2583) or dcsotips@gmail.com.
This continues to be a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
Editor's Note: This article has been updated to include new details shared with Daily Voice by authorities.
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