In a swift three-minute decision, a New York judge ruled to keep the accused Vermont family killer behind bars, offering no leniency to the man charged with the brutal murder of his father, stepmother, and stepbrother in the quiet town of Pawlet.
Brian Crossman Jr., who allegedly murdered his father, Brian Crossman Sr., 46; stepmom Erica Crossman, 41; and stepbrother Colin Taft, 13, appeared in Rutland County Superior Criminal Court via video.
Crossman Jr., 23, faced arraignment on three charges of aggravated murder from a Rutland jail on Thursday.
For the majority of the hearing, the alleged killer kept his head down and hands clasped, according to VT Digger.
His lawyer entered not guilty pleas on his behalf as the defendant remained quiet.
Each charge of aggravated murder carries the possibility of life behind bars, without the possibility of parole.
Crossman Jr. was visiting from his hometown of Granville, New York, when he allegedly shot his family to death in their Pawlet, Vermont, residence last month.
In the years leading up to the purported killings, Crossman Jr. and his father were said to have a troubled relationship due to the younger Crossman's "mental health and learning disability."
Authorities alleged mounting evidence, including bloodied clothing and cell phone records, tied Crossman Jr. to the killings.
