GRAFTON, N.Y. — Joshua M. Fowler, 26, is in custody following a deadly shooting at a Grafton residence that resulted in the deaths of his wife, father, and step-grandmother.
Fowler faces one count of first-degree murder, three counts of second-degree murder, and one count of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
Authorities responded after receiving a 911 call from Whitney Fowler at 385 Route 85 around 6:40 p.m. Dispatchers heard gunfire during the call. Police arrived at the scene ten minutes later.
Upon arrival, officers found Joshua Fowler outside the home armed with a long gun. After refusing commands to disarm, Fowler was subdued with tasers and taken into custody.
The victims—Whitney Fowler, 27, Wilson Fowler, Joshua’s father, and Anita Crandall, his step-grandmother—were found deceased. Whitney was located outside the home, while the other two victims were found inside.
The New York State Police noted prior investigations involving domestic violence between Joshua Fowler and both his father and wife.
Fowler was arraigned at Brunswick Town Court and remains held without bail at Rensselaer County Correctional Facility.
Grafton, a town of about 2,000 residents, generally has a low crime rate but holds a moderate rating for violent crimes including assault and murder.
