On March 17, 2022, Bradley Michael Hardwick, 43, of Escanaba was convicted by a jury of Felonious Assault, Perjury – Inciting or Procuring, Court Proceeding, and Attempted Witnesses – Bribing/Intimidating/Interfering as a 3rd Habitual Offender.
Hardwick will be sentenced on June 16, 2022. Hardwick faces a maximum penalty of life in prison for the offense and could face consecutive sentences.
At trial, testimony was presented from Escanaba Public Safety Officers that responded to a residence on May 11. 2021, on North Lincoln Road following a 911 call.
The female victim reported to 911 dispatchers that she had been attacked by a sword by Hardwick in the residence. Offices located Hardwick outside the residence, as well as a female individual. Hardwick and the female individual appeared under the influence and were generally uncooperative.
A search of the residence located a sword that was identified at trial by the victim as the sword used in the assault. The female victim was injured during the assault.
Following the assault, Hardwick sent a letter to a witness to the assault, requesting that he come to the Court and tell the Court that Hardwick did not use a weapon. Hardwick followed the request, by indicating that the witness should “lie if needed” and Hardwick would pay him $500 after his statement.
Hardwick testified at the trial and admitted that he did indeed intend to pay the witness as “his statement was valuable” and that he believed that “his truth” was that he did not assault the victim. Hardwick further told the jury he had no recollection of the events that occurred on May 11, 2021.
At trial, Chief Assistant Prosecutor Wickman highlighted for the jury the statements by the victim at the time of the 911, in which she could be heard crying and upset, were consistent with the statements testified to by the victim. Further, Chief Assistant Prosecutor Wickman indicated that Hardwick’s statement of wanting to pay the witness was an admission of his guilt that count, and his lack of memory severely impacted his ability to testify to the jury.
After approximately 20 minutes of deliberation, the jury rendered their verdict of guilty on all counts. Escanaba Public Safety was assisted in their investigation by Delta County Central Dispatch.
Comments