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In Dutchess County the owners of an Airbnb property face manslaughter charges following a tragic fire that occurred in October, resulting in the deaths of Shannon Hubbard, 35, and her one-year-old daughter. The property, located in the hamlet of South Point, was found to lack working smoke detectors and did not meet building safety codes.
The homeowners, Meredith Darcy, 55, and Dennis Darcy Jr., 57, were arrested on Tuesday (March 18) under a sealed indictment. They were arraigned before Acting Dutchess County Court Judge Michael Hayes, where they pleaded not guilty through their attorney, Patricia Gunning. According to Mid-Hudson News, the Darcys were operating the home as a short-term rental without the necessary permits from the Town of Clinton.
Prosecutors argue that the couple was aware of the risks associated with the absence of smoke detectors, which contributed to the fire's fatal outcome. Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi emphasized the importance of smoke detectors in preventing such tragedies, stating, "This devastating tragedy could have been prevented."
The court set bail at $50,000 cash, $100,000 bond, or $200,000 partially-secured bond, acknowledging the significant weight of the evidence despite the defendants' lack of a criminal record. If convicted, the Darcys could face a sentence of five to 15 years in prison. The homeowners are expected to appear in court again on April 7.