Police arrest victim's son for Pawlet's triple murder

PAWLET, Vermont (WCAX) – Police have arrested a suspect in a triple homicide in Pawlet, the son of one of the victims. Now we're learning what led up to the shootings.

According to the Vermont State Police, 22-year-old Brian Crossman Jr. of Granville, New York, was arrested Friday and charged with three counts of aggravated murder.

He is the son of Brian Crossman Sr., 46, who also served on the Pawlet Select Board. Police found Brian Crossman Sr.'s body along with that of his wife, Erica, 41, and their 13-year-old son, Colin Taft, in their home on Route 133 in Pawlet on Sunday. They had been shot to death.

According to police, suspect Crossman Jr. called 911 to report the incident. He said he went for a walk and returned to find his family dead.

Investigators say the house was littered with blood, gunshots and bullet casings and Crossman Jr.'s testimony was inconclusive.

Family members describe Crossman Jr. as having a troubled relationship with his father and previously displaying worrying aggressive behavior. They also say he had mental health issues and a learning disability.

According to police, a search of Crossman Jr.'s phone revealed evidence of serial killers and unsolved murders.

He is currently in custody in New York, where he lives, and is expected to appear in court again next week before being extradited to Vermont to face murder charges.

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