A man, his wife and her 13-year-old son were found shot to death at their Vermont home, state police said, with authorities looking for a suspect.
Officers responded to a report of a “suspicious person” early Sunday, Vermont State Police said. The investigation led them to a home in the town of Pawlet, where they found the three victims dead, police said.
State police identified the victims on Tuesday as Brian Crossman Sr., 46, who was a Pawlet government official; his wife, Erica Crossman, 41; and her son and his stepson, Colin Taft, 13.
Police investigate a triple homicide at a home in Pawlet, Vermont.
WTEN
All three died from gunshot wounds and their deaths have been ruled as homicides by the Vermont Chief Medical Examiner’s Office, state police said. Brian Crossman was shot in the head and torso, Erica Crossman was shot in the head and her son had multiple gunshot wounds, state police said.
No one is in custody in connection with the homicides, Vermont State Police said Tuesday.
Police investigate a triple homicide at a home in Pawlet, Vermont.
WTEN
“Initial work by detectives indicates this was an isolated event with no identified threat to the community,” state police said.
No additional details are available at this time amid the ongoing investigation, police said.
Brian Crossman had joined the Pawlet Select Board this year, where he served as a liaison to buildings and development and to the town’s highway department, according to the town’s website.
Flowers were left in his honor at the Pawlet Town Hall ahead of a board meeting Tuesday night, Albany, New York, ABC affiliate WTEN reported.
Police investigate a triple homicide at a home in Pawlet, Vermont.
WTEN
Pawlet Select Board Chair Mike Beecher remembered him as a “friend and neighbor” and a “hardworking community member.”
“This tragedy that struck him and his family has also hit our community hard, and we are shaken and grieving,” Beecher said in a statement Tuesday. “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this devastating loss. The town of Pawlet will work to get through this as we always get through hard times, by supporting each other and doing our best to carry on.”
Pawlet, a town of about 1,400 people, is located in western Vermont on the New York state line.
Police in Vermont are currently investigating a tragic triple homicide after discovering three family members shot to death at their residence. The victims, who have been identified as a husband, wife, and their teenage daughter, were found in their home in what appears to be a targeted attack.
Authorities were alerted to the scene after concerned neighbors reported hearing gunshots coming from the residence. Upon arrival, police discovered the grisly scene and immediately launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The motive behind the triple homicide remains unclear at this time, but investigators are working tirelessly to piece together the events leading up to the tragic incident. They are currently interviewing witnesses, reviewing surveillance footage, and collecting forensic evidence in hopes of identifying a suspect or suspects responsible for the murders.
The community has been left in shock and disbelief at the senseless violence that has taken the lives of three innocent individuals. The family was well-known and well-liked in the neighborhood, leaving many residents struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward and assist in bringing those responsible to justice. In the meantime, neighbors and loved ones are coming together to support each other during this difficult time and honor the memory of the victims.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in preventing such senseless acts of violence. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are hopeful that they will be able to provide answers and closure to the grieving family and friends of the victims.
