Hart, Smith could be returned to Mass. from Virginia later this week

Both of the suspects in last week's home invasion and homicide in Orange were recently in police custody for another crime.Watch reportJoshua Hart, 23, and Brittany Smith, 27, were both arrested for stealing her grandmother's car just a few days before the murder. Smith was released on bail quickly and Hart was released Tuesday.The duo is accused of attacking Thomas Harty and his wife, Joanna Fisher, inside their home at 581 East River St. on Wednesday.Harty, who died in the attack, was 95 years old. Fisher, who is 77 years old, was seriously injured and flown to UMass Worcester Medical Center.Hart and Smith are both from Athol. They have no known connection to the victims, but police said they know the road well. Smith's grandmother lives nearby.Hart and Smith are scheduled for arraignments Tuesday in Virginia and could be returned to Massachusetts as early as Thursday. They are named on Massachusetts warrants for murder, attempted murder, home invasion, armed robbery, larceny and conspiracy, according to Mary Carey, spokeswoman for the Northwestern District Attorney's Office."The family is happy to see the arrest made. We knew it was forthcoming," said Larry Fisher, the victims' son. "It's a shame the thing went down like it did. He would've given them the car, given them any money, if they just asked."Get the WCVB News App

Both of the suspects in last week's home invasion and homicide in Orange were recently in police custody for another crime.

Watch report

Advertisement Related Content Home invasion, homicide suspects could be returned to Mass. this week

Joshua Hart, 23, and Brittany Smith, 27, were both arrested for stealing her grandmother's car just a few days before the murder. Smith was released on bail quickly and Hart was released Tuesday.



The duo is accused of attacking Thomas Harty and his wife, Joanna Fisher, inside their home at 581 East River St. on Wednesday.



Harty, who died in the attack, was 95 years old. Fisher, who is 77 years old, was seriously injured and flown to UMass Worcester Medical Center.



Hart and Smith are both from Athol. They have no known connection to the victims, but police said they know the road well. Smith's grandmother lives nearby.



Hart and Smith are scheduled for arraignments Tuesday in Virginia and could be returned to Massachusetts as early as Thursday. They are named on Massachusetts warrants for murder, attempted murder, home invasion, armed robbery, larceny and conspiracy, according to Mary Carey, spokeswoman for the Northwestern District Attorney's Office.

"The family is happy to see the arrest made. We knew it was forthcoming," said Larry Fisher, the victims' son. "It's a shame the thing went down like it did. He would've given them the car, given them any money, if they just asked."