Brian Crossman

Brian Crossman Sr. was a hardworking and well-regarded member of his community in Pawlet, Vermont. A 46-year-old White male, he served on the town’s Selectboard and was remembered by a former teacher as a “humble, sweet, gentle boy.” In the summer of 2024, he married Erica Pawlusiak, and the couple began a new life together on a farm that had been in his family for generations. But their future was cut tragically short just a few months later.

In the early morning hours of September 15, 2024, a 911 call led Vermont State Police to the family’s home on Vermont Route 133. Inside, they discovered a grisly scene. Brian Crossman Sr., his 41-year-old wife Erica Crossman, and her 13-year-old son, Colin Taft, had all been shot to death. The Vermont Chief Medical Examiner’s Office later ruled all three deaths homicides, determining that Brian Sr. died from gunshot wounds to his head and torso, Erica from a gunshot wound to the head, and Colin from multiple gunshot wounds.

The 911 call had come from Brian’s son, Brian Crossman Jr., who was visiting for the weekend from his home in Granville, New York. He met an officer at a nearby school, his clothes covered in blood. He claimed he had gone for a walk around midnight and returned hours later to find his family members dead. He said the blood on his clothes was from an attempt to drag his father’s body outside. However, investigators found evidence at the scene that contradicted his story.

Family members told police that Brian Jr., 22, had a history of mental health issues and a troubled relationship with his father. Erica Crossman had reportedly told a friend that she did not feel safe with her stepson in the house and was afraid to be alone with him. Based on digital information, statements, and other evidence, investigators identified Brian Jr. as the sole suspect. On September 20, 2024, New York State Police arrested him on a Vermont warrant charging him with three counts of aggravated murder.

After waiving extradition, Brian Crossman Jr. was returned to Vermont. On October 3, 2024, he was arraigned via video in Rutland County Superior Court. His attorney entered not guilty pleas on his behalf to all three aggravated murder charges. The judge ordered him held without bail. Later that month, he waived his right to a bail hearing, agreeing to remain incarcerated as the case against him proceeds. As of October 2024, he was awaiting trial.