“Man Accused of Witness Intimidation in Homicide Trial: Michael Crawford and Bernard Goines Charged”

MILWAUKEE – The family of a man accused of homicide has posted bail to secure his release from jail. However, their efforts seem to have backfired as he now stands accused of witness intimidation ahead of his upcoming trial.

Michael Crawford, aged 43, and 57-year-old Bernard Goines have been charged with intimidating a witness in Crawford’s homicide case. In addition, Crawford is also facing two counts of bail jumping.

Milwaukee police responded to a shooting incident near 11th and Ring on June 18. The victim, who was shot 16 times, was found in a front yard and succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The deceased victim was later identified as 39-year-old Prince Jacobs.

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According to court documents, a witness reported observing an argument between Jacobs and Crawford. As Jacobs began to walk away, the witness claimed that Crawford went to a nearby truck, retrieved a firearm, and called out to Jacobs, saying, “Prince, come here. Let me talk to you.”

FOX6 interviewed Jacobs’ family, who requested anonymity for their safety.

“My depression and anxiety have worsened because he is all I can think about,” expressed one family member.

Crawford was arrested in late June, and his bail was initially set at $500,000. However, a judge later reduced it to $250,000. Records indicate that Crawford’s mother posted the required amount in September, securing his release.

“The court should never have allowed his bail to be lowered, only for him to harm another person. That is morally wrong,” stated another family member of Jacobs.

Last month, the police found the witness to the homicide incident near 10th and Ring. The witness had suffered gunshot wounds to the chin and shoulder.

Brandon Copeland, aged 41, was charged with shooting the witness in the previous month.

Fast forward to a sunny afternoon in December, Crawford appeared in a jail courtroom. Milwaukee County Assistant District Attorney, Paul Tiffin, questioned Milwaukee Police Detective Ryan Casey about the witness’s statement.

“[The witness] claimed that ‘Big B’ informed him that he had been looking for him, after which ‘Big B’ made a phone call,” Casey testified.

The phone call was reportedly made to Crawford.

Subsequently, the witness fell victim to a drive-by shooting, and Copeland was charged in connection with the incident. Copeland is presently in custody.

Goines was released on a signature bond.

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Neither of the accused men currently has legal representation.

Crawford has been ordered to stand trial on the new charges, with his bail now set at $1 million.