Brian Crossman's son arrested on triple count of aggravated murder | Local news

GLENS FALLS, NY — Brian Crossman Jr., 23, of Granville, New York, was arrested on three counts of aggravated murder in the fatal shootings of his father, 46-year-old Brian Crossman Sr., his stepmother, 41-year-old Erica (Pawlusiak) Crossman, and his 13-year-old stepbrother, Colin Taft. Evidence shows the killings occurred early Sunday morning, Sept. 15, at the family home on Vermont Route 133, which Crossman Sr. shared with his wife and stepson, Vermont State Police (VSP) said Friday.

Crossman Jr. faces a life sentence in prison, “or at least a shorter term without the possibility of parole.”

Following the issuance of the Vermont warrant, New York State Police located and took Crossman Jr. into custody. He is being held without bail pending his appearance before a New York judge and the process for his extradition to Vermont. His first court appearance in New York is scheduled to be Friday at 2:30 p.m. in Glens Falls. The time of his return to Vermont is currently unknown.

The Vermont State Police investigation uncovered numerous pieces of evidence linking Crossman Jr. to the murders, including digital information, statements, injuries, and various interviews.

Autopsies conducted by the Chief Medical Examiner's Office in Burlington revealed Tuesday that Brian Crossman's cause of death was gunshot wounds to the head and torso. Erica Crossman's cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head. Colin Taft's cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds.

According to a police affidavit obtained Friday, the crime occurred “around the time” of Saturday, September 14, through Sunday, September 15. VSP Corporal Joseph Duca responded to the incident after speaking by phone with Crossman Jr., who reported that he “found his family dead at their residence.” He agreed to meet Corporal Duca at Welles Village School.

When Duca arrived at the school, he found Crossman Jr. outside. His shirt and pants were covered with a reddish-brown stain that suggested blood.

When asked what happened, Crossman Jr. said he “left the house around midnight to go for a walk.” He said he returned to find his family dead and “tried to drag his father out of the house, which is why he was covered in blood.”

Crossman Jr. accompanied Duca back to the house, where Brian Crossman Sr. was found near an open door where a “UTV-like vehicle” had backed up. Duca also noticed “what appeared to be a semi-automatic pistol on the floor inside the door.”

Several shotguns were found in the apartment, including one on the sofa and one on the kitchen table. Duca also noticed a significant amount of blood and bodily fluids throughout the apartment.

Duca found Erica Crossman lying naked on a bed in an upstairs bedroom. The sheets and comforter had been removed. Duca also noticed a dead young man on the floor.

In the same bedroom, Duca noticed an open gun cabinet and what looked like another shotgun on the floor.

In an interview at Wells Village School, Crossman Jr. said he went for a walk and didn't know when he left, but it was dark and he was gone for several hours. When he returned, he said, he found his father, stepmother and stepbrother dead. He said he tried to call 911 several times, but was unsuccessful.

Crossman Jr. said he changed his clothes and there were other bloody items of clothing in the apartment.

In the dirty room, the police found bedding, including a down duvet and bed sheets, as well as a carpet with a lot of blood.

There was more blood in the kitchen than anywhere else. It seemed to be a “relatively straight path” between the living room and the dirt lock. The blood was smeared in a kind of loop pattern.

Autopsies confirmed that all three died of gunshot wounds to the head and chest, and all deaths were ruled homicides.

Interviews revealed that Crossman Jr. normally lives in Granville and was visiting for the weekend. According to the affidavit, Crossman Jr. “had a troubled relationship with Crossman Sr.”

VSP worked closely with Rutland County Prosecutor Ian Sullivan's office throughout the investigation. Investigators thank the Pawlet community for their continued patience and understanding as this case developed throughout the week.

The community mourns

“Words cannot even begin to describe how this situation makes you feel, no one in this family deserves this,” said family friend Phoenix Garrow. “Colin aka Tex was such a kind, shy, yet amazing child. Respectful beyond words and so sweet and innocent.”

“I still can't believe it's true and I pray that you all find peace,” Garrow continued. “None of you deserve this. We all love and miss you terribly.”

“It's hard to even comprehend what happened,” said a neighbor and relative who spoke to Vermont News & Media on the condition that his name be withheld. “All I know is that three people are dead, and that's not good.”

The neighbor described Brian Crossman as a “good” and “hardworking” person who was making a fresh start with his wife Erica and their son Colin.

The couple had just married in June and recently moved to the farm on Route 133, he said.

“He was cleaning up and working on the farm,” the neighbor said. “I think he just wanted to make a fresh start and continue the family farm. And yeah, that's just the last thing I expected.”

According to her Facebook profile, Erica Crossman was from Ira, Vermont, and a graduate of Fair Haven Unified High School.

Both Brian and Erica were employees of Green Mountain Power.

“We are devastated by this unimaginable loss,” Green Mountain Power said in a statement released Friday. “Erica and Brian were beloved members of our team and their passing has left us all in shock and sadness.”

“They were more than just colleagues; they were an integral part of GMP, bringing their unique talents, kindness and positive energy to everything they did,” the statement continued. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with their families, friends and loved ones during this difficult time. We are focused on doing everything we can to support each other, Pawlet and the surrounding communities, and the family and loved ones of Erica, Brian and Colin.”

Colin had previously attended Rutland Town School, which described him as a “loved member of our school and community” in a message to families.

“His death is an immense and indescribable loss for all of us,” it said. “We extend our deepest condolences to Colin's family and friends at this difficult time.”

Brian Crossman was elected to a one-year term on the Pawlet City Council in March and was appointed liaison to the city's Street Department and Building Department.

On Tuesday, the Select Board met with Crossman's seat filled only with flowers.

“Brian Crossman was a friend and neighbor, a hard-working member of the community who just joined the Pawlet Select Board this year,” said Chairman Mike Beecher, his voice filled with emotion. “This tragedy that has struck him and his family has also hit our community hard, and we are shocked and grieving. Our condolences go out to all those affected by this devastating loss.”

“The City of Pawlet will work to get through this situation as we always get through difficult times,” Beecher continued after a pause, “by supporting each other and doing our best to keep going.”