Pawlet, Vermont – Brian Crossman, 46, a dedicated member of the Pawlet Selectboard, was found dead alongside his wife, Erica Crossman, 41, and her son, Colin Taft, 13, in a tragic triple homicide that has left the small town in shock. The family was discovered in their home on Vermont Route 133 this past Sunday, September 15, 2024, after local law enforcement responded to a report of a suspicious person nearby.
The Vermont State Police identified the victims on Tuesday and confirmed that all three had died from gunshot wounds. According to the initial investigation, Brian suffered gunshot wounds to both his head and torso, while Erica was killed by a gunshot to the head. Colin tragically endured multiple gunshot wounds. Authorities have ruled the deaths as homicides but have not made any arrests yet.
A person found near a local school, dressed in blood-soaked clothing, made the initial 911 call, claiming to have discovered the bodies. This individual has been interviewed by police but has not been identified as a suspect.
The Pawlet community is struggling to cope with the loss of the Crossman family. On Tuesday night, the Pawlet Selectboard held its regular meeting, where the absence of Brian was deeply felt. His seat was left empty, adorned with flowers as a tribute to the man who had recently begun his political journey by serving on the board.
Mike Beecher, the Selectboard chairperson, expressed the town’s grief, stating, "Brian Crossman was a friend and neighbor, a hardworking community member who just this year stepped up to join the Pawlet Selectboard. This tragedy that struck him and his family has also hit our community hard, and we are shaken and grieving."
Brian, known in the community for his role as a lineman for Green Mountain Power, had recently taken over a farm with Erica after their marriage in June. Their sudden and violent deaths have left many in the tight-knit town of about 1,400 residents reeling, as the community is not accustomed to such brutal acts.
On Facebook, several members of the community shared their sorrow and support. Lynn Ann commented, "Word/rumor is the shooter is his 24-year-old son. Lots of condolences posted to his daughters’ FB page, but nothing to the sons. Police are saying no threat to the public."
The Vermont State Police continue to investigate, and a tip line has been set up for anyone with information to come forward. As Pawlet mourns, authorities remain hopeful that with the help of the community, justice will be served for Brian, Erica, and Colin, whose lives were tragically cut short in their own home.