A man, his wife, and her 13-year-old son were found shot to death in their Vermont home, according to state police, as authorities search for a suspect.
Vermont State Police responded to a report of a “suspicious person” early Sunday morning. Their investigation led them to a residence in the town of Pawlet, where the three victims were discovered, police said.
On Tuesday, the victims were identified as Brian Crossman Sr., 46, a local Pawlet official; his wife, Erica Crossman, 41; and her son, Colin Taft, 13. Taft was Brian Crossman’s stepson.
The Vermont Chief Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that all three died from gunshot wounds, ruling their deaths as homicides. Brian Crossman sustained gunshot wounds to the head and torso, Erica Crossman was shot in the head, and her son suffered multiple gunshot wounds, according to police.
As of Tuesday, no one has been arrested in connection with the killings, state police reported.
“Preliminary findings from detectives suggest this was an isolated incident, and there is no known ongoing threat to the community,” Vermont State Police said in a statement.
No further details have been released as the investigation continues, police added.
Brian Crossman had recently joined the Pawlet Select Board, serving as a liaison for buildings and development as well as the town’s highway department, according to the town’s website.
Ahead of a board meeting on Tuesday evening, flowers were left at the Pawlet Town Hall in Crossman’s memory.
The Ultimate Hiking Essentials: Top 10 Must-Have Items for Your Adventure
“This tragedy has deeply affected our community, and we are in shock and mourning,” said Beecher, a town official, in a statement. “Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this heartbreaking loss. The town of Pawlet will come together as we always do in difficult times, by supporting one another and pushing forward.”
Pawlet, a small town with a population of approximately 1,400, is located in western Vermont near the New York state border.
