An Upstate New York man accused of killing his father, stepmother and teen stepbrother earlier this month has waived having an extradition hearing and will be moved to Vermont to face charges, officials said Thursday.
Brian Crossman Jr., 23, of Granville is accused of fatally shooting 46-year-old Brian Crossman Sr., 41-year-old Erica Pawlusiak Crossman and 13-year-old Colin Taft in the family’s home in Pawlet, Vt. in the early hours of Sept. 15, according to the Vermont State Police.
The triple-murder shocked the community of Pawlet, a small town of about 1,400 people known for its rural landscapes and local artists and located just east of the New York towns of Hebron and Granville.
Crossman Sr. was an elected member of the Pawlet Selectboard, the town’s policy-making body, which oversees matters affecting the interests and welfare of the community.
Crossman Jr. was arrested by New York State Police on Sept. 20, after a warrant was issued by Vermont State Police.
An investigation identified “significant evidence” linking the young Crossman to the killings — including digital information, statements, injuries, and various interviews — Vermont authorities said.
When searching the suspect’s cell phone, investigators found multiple internet searches related to serial killers and unresolved murders.
According to the state’s medical examiner’s office, Crossman Sr. died from gunshot wounds to his head and torso while his wife was fatally shot in her head. The cause of death of their teenage son was determined to be “multiple gunshot wounds,” officials said. All three deaths were ruled homicides.
Crossman Jr. waived his right to an extradition hearing on Thursday when he appeared in a courtroom in Lake George, N.Y..
During the hearing he only spoke when answering questions from the judge, local television WPTZ reported.
A court appearance in Vermont has yet to be scheduled.