The Vermont State Police on Friday, Sept. 20, obtained an arrest warrant for the suspect in the killings of three people last weekend in Pawlet, state police said.
Brian Crossman Jr., 23, of Granville, New York, faces three counts of aggravated murder arising from 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, inside the family home on Vermont Route 133 that Crossman Sr. shared with his wife and stepson.
After the issuance of the Vermont arrest warrant, the New York State Police located Crossman Jr. and took him into custody. He is being detained without bail pending an appearance before a New York judge and the initiation of proceedings for his extradition to Vermont. His initial court appearance in New York was expected to occur at 2:30 p.m. Friday in Glens Falls. The timing of his return to Vermont currently is unknown.
The Vermont State Police investigation identified significant evidence that linked Crossman Jr. to the killings, including digital information, statements, injuries, and various interviews. The case is outlined in an affidavit of probable cause in support of the arrest warrant, which is filed with the Criminal Division of Vermont Superior Court in Rutland.