PAWLET, VT – In a shocking incident that has left the small town of Pawlet reeling, a family of three was found shot to death in their home over the weekend. Authorities have identified the victims as Brian Crossman Sr., 46, his wife Erica Crossman, 41, and Erica’s 13-year-old son, Colin Taft.

Brian Crossman, a recently elected member of the Pawlet Selectboard, his wife, and stepson were initially reported as victims of “suspicious deaths.” However, Vermont State Police have since confirmed that the fatalities were homicides.

The tragic discovery began with an early morning call to state troopers at 3:45 a.m. on Sunday. Responding to a report of a “suspicious person,” police were directed to a residence on Vermont Route 133, where they found the bodies of the Crossman family.

Brian Crossman succumbed to gunshot wounds to his head and torso, while Erica died from a single gunshot wound to her head. Colin was also fatally shot multiple times, according to the state medical examiner.

The sequence of events leading up to the discovery remains murky. A person spotted covered in blood on the roadway was initially identified as a “suspicious person” by the caller. This individual later led police to the scene of the crime and has been detained as a person of interest. The individual was found near a local primary school, according to neighborhood reports.

Brian Crossman had recently assumed responsibility for the family farm, a property that had been in his family for generations. A neighbor described his efforts to revitalize the farm as part of his fresh start. The neighbor emphasized the shock and disbelief gripping the community, stating, “This just is, like, the last thing I expected.”

In addition to his agricultural endeavors, Brian had ventured into public service, recently joining the Pawlet Selectboard. Mike Beecher, chairperson of the Selectboard, expressed profound sorrow over the loss, highlighting Brian’s community involvement and the collective grief felt by Pawlet residents.

State police have reassured the community that there is no ongoing threat despite withholding details on why this assurance has been given. The investigation into the triple homicide continues as law enforcement seeks to unravel the circumstances surrounding this devastating event.