Tragic Discovery: Vermont Lawmaker and Family Found Executed in Shocking Home Invasion

In a devastating turn of events, the small town of Pawlet, Vermont, is grappling with the tragic murder of a local lawmaker, Brian Crossman Sr., along with his family. This shocking incident has left residents in disbelief and police tirelessly investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

On an otherwise quiet Sunday morning, Vermont State Police (VSP) received a call regarding a suspicious individual near the residence of Brian Crossman Sr., aged 46. Their response led them to the somber discovery inside his home—Brian, his wife Erica Crossman, 41, and her teenage son, Colin Taft, just 13 years old, were all found deceased.

The officers found Brian with gunshot wounds to both his head and torso, while Erica was similarly shot in the head. Tragically, Colin suffered multiple gunshot wounds. The news of three lives lost in such a violent manner has shocked the community to its core.

According to reports from the Vermont Chief Medical Examiner’s Office, autopsies conducted on Tuesday conclusively determined all three deaths to be homicides. This grim finding deepens the mystery and raises numerous questions about the motives and the person or persons involved in this heinous crime.

Pawlet, a tight-knit community with a population of just 1,400, now faces the painful reality of this tragedy. Brian was not only a lawmaker, serving on the Pawlet Selectboard, but he was also a well-respected friend and neighbor. His fellow board members released a heartfelt statement:

“Brian Crossman was a friend and neighbor, a hardworking community member who just this year stepped up to join the Pawlet Selectboard. 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. The town of Pawlet will work to get through this as we always get through hard times, by supporting each other and doing our best to carry on.”

As investigators delve deeper into the case, the VSP has calmed flaring concerns within the community, stating that they believe this incident to be isolated and assuring residents that there remains no ongoing threat. However, the chilling nature of this double murder has sparked fear and speculation among locals, who wonder about the potential motivations behind such a brutal act.

As the investigation remains active, the Vermont State Police are urging anyone with information that could assist in resolving this case to come forward. Individuals can contact the Rutland Barracks at 802-773-9101 or submit an anonymous tip online. Community involvement is crucial in piecing together the events leading up to this tragedy.

This shocking murder not only stirs fear but also raises apprehensions regarding the safety of local governments and the political climate in Vermont. Brian’s dedication to his role as a lawmaker illustrates the vital connection between public service and community trust. The loss of such an integral figure compels a broader conversation around the safety and well-being of public officials in increasingly turbulent times.

As Pawlet mourns the loss of Brian, Erica, and Colin, the community’s strength will be tested. This incident serves as a somber reminder of life’s unpredictability and the fragility of family ties. In this time of sorrow, residents are encouraged to support one another and work towards healing as the investigation unfolds. Let us unite as a community in our grief and strive for clarity and closure in the quest for justice.