3 dead, 1 in custody after Grafton shooting
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ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- Three people were pronounced dead after a shooting on South Road in Grafton Wednesday night, New York State Police said. Joshua Fowler, 26, faces multiple murder charges.
According to state police, troopers were called to a home on South Road for a report of shots fired. The incident took place around 6:40 p.m. on South Road in the town of Grafton.
Troopers said on arrival, they found the caller outside, identified as Whitney Fowler, 27, with a gunshot wound and found two other victims, Wilson Fowler, 55, and Anita Crandall, 69, inside.
All three were pronounced dead at the scene. According to state police, Whitney was identified as the suspect's wife, Wilson was identified as the suspect's father and Anita was identified as the step-grandmother of the suspect.
State police confirmed they had responded to two separate domestic violence incidents in the past involving Joshua Fowler.
"In July 2018, there was a domestic dispute between Wilson and Joshua. In October 2021, state police investigated a domestic dispute between Whitney and Joshua. Neither incident resulted in the arrest of anyone involved,” said New York State Police Major Christopher Gilroy, Troop G commander.
At the scene, police said the suspect, Joshua Fowler, was holding a semi-automatic rifle. Troopers believe he was attempting a suicide by cop. After a brief standoff, troopers initiated their tasers, and he was taken into custody unharmed.
“After failing to follow multiple orders by law-enforcement to put the firearm down and after a brief standoff, troopers utilized tasers, and Mr. Fowler was taken into custody and unharmed,” said Gilroy.
He was charged with the following offenses:
- Murder in the first degree
- Three counts of Murder in the second degree
- Criminal Possession of a weapon in the second degree
Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly thanked the agencies involved for the quick and coordinated response
“Our thoughts are with the families and the victims and you can expect further updates from the Rensselaer County D.A.‘s office in the coming weeks,” said Donnelly.
Fowler was arraigned at the Brunswick Town Court and later remanded to the Rensselaer County Correctional Facility without bail.
Troopers said the investigation remains ongoing. A motive is still pending the investigation.