A man arrested for allegedly killing his father, stepmom, and her teen son in Vermont
Authorities reported that Brian Crossman Jr., 22, was arrested after allegedly shooting his father, stepmother, and her 13-year-old son in their Vermont home. The victims were identified as Brian Crossman, Erica Crossman, and Colin Taft. Brian Crossman Jr. has been charged with three counts of aggravated murder.
The incident took place in Pawlet, Vermont, near the New York state border. Brian Crossman Jr. was taken into custody by New York State Police and appeared in Warren County Court in Lake George, where he was ordered to be held without bail pending his extradition back to Vermont.
According to reports, Brian Crossman Jr. initially told police that he found his family dead after returning from a walk. However, investigators found inconsistencies in his story. The motive behind the shooting is still under investigation.
Family members mentioned that Crossman Jr. had a troubled relationship with his father, who had recently been elected to the Pawlet Select Board. Crossman Jr. had a history of mental health issues and aggressive episodes in the past. Police found searches related to serial killers and cold case murders on his phone.
Brian Crossman and Erica Crossman had recently married on their family farm, which had been passed down through generations. Neighbors expressed shock and disbelief at the tragic events that unfolded in their community.
