A BELOVED local politician and his family were shot to death in their picturesque farmhouse over the weekend.
Police found Vermont town official Brian Crossman Sr., his wife Erica, and her 13-year-old son Colin Taft at the family’s home in Pawlet, located about 85 miles from Burlington.
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Vermont State Police ruled all three deaths as homicides after finding the grisly scene when responding to a call of a suspicious person on Sunday morning.
Early reports by a local Vermont News and Media LLC affiliate said a person of interest was identified in the case – and that he was the one who made the call.
The person of interest allegedly waited in blood-covered clothing at a nearby school for cops to arrive after making the call at around 3:45 am on Sunday, according to the Bennington Banner.
Neighbors told the outlet that he then joined officers and went to the bloody scene at the picturesque home.
The Banner reported that VSP identified the person of interest as a relative of the victims.
VSP confirmed in a statement that Brian, who was a member of the Pawlet Selectboard, was killed by gunshot wounds to the head and torso.
Erica, 41, died from a gunshot wound to the head.
Her teen son and Brian’s stepson, Colin, died from multiple gunshot wounds.
No one is in custody for the killings at the time of writing, according to police.
“VSP’s investigation remains active and ongoing,” VSP Public Information Officer Adam Silverman said in a press release.
“The Vermont State Police’s investigation indicates this was not a random attack,” Silverman confirmed to The U.S. Sun.
Investigators are asking the public to come forward with any information.
“As the case continues to unfold, VSP encourages members of the public to take reasonable precautions, including locking their doors and being aware of their surroundings,” Silverman said.
“Anyone who sees something or someone suspicious should call the police right away.”
Who are the victims?
The victims killed in the shooting in Pawlet, Vermont, on Sunday are:
Brian Crossman Sr., 46 – Pawlet Selectboard member, Erica’s husband
Erica (Pawlusiak) Crossman, 41 – Brian’s wife since June
Colin Taft, 13 – Erica’s son, Brian’s stepson
The town’s selectboard is elected by residents of Pawlet, which is located near the New York state line.
Only about 1,400 people live in the small, rural town, according to the 2020 census.
The board held its first meeting without Brian, who was recently elected, on Tuesday, according to local outlet the Manchester Journal.
A moment of silence followed an emotional statement read out by Chair Mike Beecher, according to the Journal.
“Brian Crossman was a friend and neighbor, a hardworking community member who just this year stepped up to join the Pawlet Selectboard,” Beecher read at the meeting, the Journal said.
“This tragedy that struck him and his family has also hit our community hard, and we are shaken and grieving.
“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this devastating loss.”
Brian and Erica, who both worked for Green Mountain Power, got married in June, according to a Facebook post by the board member.
The Banner reported that the couple recently bought the farm where they were murdered from Brian’s sister.
Cops confirmed that the family lived at the home together.
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