Grafton, NY – A man has pleaded guilty to the murders of his wife, father, and grandmother in a violent incident on June 18. Joshua Fowler, 26, entered his plea in Rensselaer County court on Monday, facing three counts of second-degree murder.
The victims include his wife, Whitney Fowler, 27, his father, Wilson Fowler, 55, and his grandmother, Anita Crandall, 69. Law enforcement responded to a 911 call from Whitney Fowler that evening, where gunshots were heard during the call.
Previous police visits to the family’s home indicate a history of domestic disturbances. Eleanor Crandall, the mother of the defendant, had expressed concerns for the potential for violence many years prior.
Law enforcement arrived on the scene at approximately 6:50 p.m. to find Joshua Fowler outside his home, armed with the rifle used in the killings. Whitney Fowler was found deceased outside while Wilson Fowler and Anita Crandall were found inside.
Fowler was resistant to cooperation during the police encounter, leading officers to use a Taser to subdue him for arrest. Originally charged with first-degree murder, Fowler agreed to plead guilty to reduce his potential sentence.
In court, he acknowledged that each act of violence constituted a separate crime. He faces a possible sentence of 45 years to life for each murder charge.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 26 before Judge Jennifer Sober. Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly commented on the court proceeding, stating that Fowler took accountability for his actions.
Fowler’s friend, Alexa Moak, expressed her feelings about the impact of the tragedy on the victims’ families.