Son arrested for murder of Vermont city official: father, stepmother and stepbrother

PAWLET, Vermont — The son of a Vermont town official was arrested Friday on suspicion of killing his father, stepmother and stepbrother in Pawlet on Sunday, state police said.

Brian Crossman Jr., 23, of Granville, New York, is charged with three counts of aggravated murder in connection with the shooting deaths of Brian Crossman Sr., 46, Erica Crossman, 41, and Colin Taft, 13, police said.

The murders occurred early Sunday morning in the family home. The town of Pawlet, which has about 1,400 residents, is located near the border with New York State.

State police said their investigation uncovered a wealth of evidence linking Crossman Jr. to the murders, including digital information, statements, injuries and various interviews.

New York State Police arrested him and held him without bail. An initial court appearance was expected for Friday afternoon in Glens Falls, New York. The time of his extradition to Vermont to face charges is unknown, police said. It was not immediately known whether he would be represented by an attorney.

Brian Crossman Sr. was a member of the Pawlet Selectboard. Selectboard members, who are elected by residents to oversee town spending and pass ordinances, held their regular meeting Tuesday night. Crossman's seat was empty, and flowers were placed on his seat at the table.

Mike Beecher, chairman of the five-member board, read a statement: “Brian Crossman was a friend and neighbor, a hard-working member of the community who only this year agreed to join the Pawlet Selectboard.

“This tragedy that has struck him and his family has also hit our community hard, and we are shocked and mourning. Our condolences go out to all those affected by this devastating loss.”

No further information is available from the Vermont State Police at this time. The State Police will send out an updated press release once Crossman Jr.'s arraignment is scheduled in Vermont.