Pawlet triple homicide suspect pleads not guilty.

A New York man accused of killing his father, stepmother and stepbrother has pleaded not guilty, one day after he was extradited to Vermont.

Brian Crossman Jr., of Granville, was ordered held without bail Thursday during his first court appearance in Vermont. He is charged with three counts of aggravated murder in the shooting deaths of Pawlet Selectboard member Brian Crossman Sr., Erica Pawlusiak Crossman and 13-year-old Colin Taft, whose bodies were found in their home September 15.

A defense attorney entered pleas of not guilty to three counts of aggravated murder on behalf of Crossman Jr., who will be jailed pending a hearing on whether he should be detained through trial. Vermont State Police said investigators found significant evidence linking Crossman Jr. to the deaths, including multiple internet searches related to serial killers and unresolved murders.

Relatives told police that he had a troubled relationship with his father because of Crossman Jr.’s mental health and learning disability. A police affidavit also said that Crossman Jr. had displayed troubling behavior since the age of three, including pointing a rifle at a father.

Police said they found multiple guns and ammunition around the house, including a semi-automatic handgun in the mudroom, a 12-gauge shotgun in the dining area, another shotgun on a couch, and an open firearm cabinet and firearm safe.

Crossman Jr. was admitted to a mental health unit of the Glens Falls Hospital on Sept. 15, according to police. New York State Police arrested him on Sept. 19. He was extradicted to Vermont Wednesday.

Crossman Jr. is being held at the Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility in Rutland without bail.