06/19/2025
Grafton Man Charged with Triple Homicide
GRAFTON — A Grafton man is facing multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder, following a triple homicide that occurred Wednesday evening at a residence on South Road.
At a joint press conference Thursday, officials from New York State Police Troop G, Rensselaer County Sheriff Kyle Bourgault, and Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly provided additional details about the case, emphasizing that the investigation remains active and that all information shared remains preliminary.
Authorities say the incident began at 6:36 p.m. on June 18, when Whitney Fowler, 27, called 911 to request assistance during an altercation with her husband, Joshua M. Fowler, at their home at 385 South Road (County Route 85). While she was on the phone with dispatchers, gunshots were heard before the call abruptly disconnected. State Police were dispatched at 6:40 p.m. and arrived on scene at approximately 6:50 p.m.
Upon arrival, troopers encountered Joshua Fowler outside the home holding a long gun. After he failed to comply with multiple commands to drop the weapon, troopers engaged in a brief standoff and ultimately subdued him using a Taser. He was taken into custody without injury.
Three victims were found deceased: Whitney L. Fowler, 27, was discovered outside the home; her father-in-law, Wilson P. Fowler, 55, and Joshua Fowler’s step-grandmother, Anita L. Crandall, 69, were both located inside the residence in close proximity to one another.
No one else was inside the residence at the time of the shooting. Investigators confirmed there were no eyewitnesses. A fourth resident, described as an adult family member, was not home during the incident and arrived after police had secured the scene. Officials also stated their understanding that no children live in the home.
Joshua Fowler, 26, was arraigned in Brunswick Town Court and remains in custody. He has been charged with:
Murder in the First Degree (PL 125.27)
Murder with Intent (PL 125.25.01)
Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree – Loaded Firearm (PL 265.03.01B)
The firearm used in the shooting was legally owned and registered to Wilson Fowler. Authorities confirmed Joshua Fowler was not subject to any Extreme Risk Protection Order (commonly known as a red flag order) at the time of the shooting.
Law enforcement indicated the incident may have been an attempt at “suicide by cop,” but said the motive remains under investigation. It is currently unknown whether Fowler was under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the incident.
Officials also acknowledged that State Police had responded to the Fowler residence in the past, including a July 2018 domestic incident between Joshua and his father, and an October 2021 domestic dispute involving Joshua and Whitney. Neither resulted in arrests.
District Attorney Donnelly said the quick control of the scene by responding troopers will support a sound prosecution. She expressed condolences to the victims’ families and praised the coordinated efforts of all agencies involved. Her office will provide further updates as the investigation continues.
South Road was closed between Johnson and Snyder Roads for several hours Wednesday night but has since reopened. Multiple agencies assisted at the scene, including Grafton Fire Company, Grafton Ambulance, Hoosic Valley Rescue, and the Petersburgh Rescue Squad.
