Hudson Valley Airbnb hosts charged with manslaughter

A couple in Hudson Valley has been charged with manslaughter following a tragic fire that killed a mother and her young daughter. The fire occurred in October at an Airbnb where John and Shannon Hubbard were staying with their two children. The family was visiting from Cape Cod. On the night of the fire, John and Shannon were outside when they smelled smoke. John quickly called 911 while Shannon rushed inside to save their children, Jack and Maggie. Despite their efforts, first responders found that both Shannon and one-year-old Maggie did not survive due to their injuries. The owners of the Airbnb, Dennis and Meredith Darcy, were charged with two counts of Manslaughter in the Second Degree. Prosecutors allege that the couple falsely claimed their home had working smoke detectors. They are also accused of not following fire and building codes and not obtaining the necessary rental permit, which is required by local law. A Grand Jury has determined that the Darcys ignored the safety of their guests. Each has been set with a bail of $50,000 before their court appearance on April 7. Following the fire, a fundraising effort for the surviving family was started by the Greg Hill Foundation, with the goal of $10,000. They have raised over $246,000 to support John and his three-year-old son, Jack. As a reminder, fire safety is crucial for the protection of families.