Arrest Made in Family Triple Homicide
Vermont State Police arrested 23-year-old Brian Crossman Jr. on Friday, charging him with the aggravated murders of his father, Brian Crossman Sr., 46, his stepmother, Erica Crossman, 41, and his 13-year-old stepbrother, Colin Taft. The killings took place on Sunday in the family’s Pawlet home near the New York state line.
Discovery of the Crime
The grim discovery was made after Crossman Jr. called police around 4 a.m. on Sunday, reporting that he found his family members shot to death inside the house, which was covered in blood. He also stated he found several shotguns on the floor. The family had been spending the weekend together while Crossman Jr.’s mother was out of town.
Suspicious Evidence Uncovered
According to state police, significant evidence linked Crossman Jr. to the killings, including digital information, statements, injuries, and witness interviews. When Vermont State Police Corporal Joseph Duca met with Crossman Jr. at the Wells Village School, he noticed the suspect’s clothes were covered in blood. Crossman Jr. claimed he had been out for a walk around midnight and returned to find his family dead, allegedly attempting to drag his father outside and into a utility vehicle.
Concerns Raised Before the Tragedy
According to the police affidavit, Erica Crossman had expressed fears about Crossman Jr. staying in their home, telling a family friend she felt unsafe, especially when her husband was on-call for work. The friend had advised her to have her husband lock up all the guns in the house. Crossman Jr. reportedly had a history of concerning behavior, including an incident three years earlier where he pointed a gun at his father and the family friend, later stating he would one day kill his dad.
Guns and Ammunition Found
While investigating the crime scene, police found several firearms scattered around the house, including a semi-automatic handgun, shotguns, and an open firearm cabinet.
Mental Health and Arrest
After the incident, Crossman Jr. was admitted to a mental health unit at Glens Falls Hospital in New York. He was arrested by New York State Police on Thursday and detained without bail. Crossman Jr. faces three counts of aggravated murder and is expected to appear in court in Glens Falls, with a timeline for his extradition to Vermont yet to be confirmed.
