Murdered Witness May Finally Get Justice

By Michael George

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  • Maurice Pulley, Jr. was murdered two years ago after he refused to take a bribe and not testify in a court case. Today his accused murderer is charged. Video by tmj4.com

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MILWAUKEE - Authorities say 24-year-old Maurice Pulley was murdered because he refused to give in to threats and bribery. Two years after his murder, his family may be closer to getting justice than ever before.

"He was a good son. He was mild mannered, an honest kid, had dreams and ambitions," said Maurice Pulley Sr., Maurice's father.

Pulley had the courage to do the right thing. After being shot in the face, Maurice was offered $40,000 if he didn't testify against the shooter. Maurice said no. His father, Maurice Sr., backed him up.
 
"I encouraged him and supported him in doing the right thing, which was the difficult thing, to stand up for his rights," Pulley Sr. said.
 
Days after testifying, Maurice Pulley was gunned down in front of his mother and sister. According to a criminal complaint, as many as five people may have been involved in the murder, and only one has been charged.
 
"It's amazing how much destruction something so senseless can cause in a family," Pulley Sr. said.
 
But now, after two years, the alleged mastermind, Larry Howard, has been charged with Pulley's murder. Some of the other alleged culprits have not been arrested.

Maurice Sr. is glad to hear about Howard being charged, but he hopes all the killers will be brought to justice soon. He says each court proceeding forces them to relive the crime.
 
"Each time we relive it, it doesn't get any easier. So, yes, it's very trying. But, you have to endure," Pulley Sr. said.
 
Before Maurice's murder, witnesses in Milwaukee County did not get protection from law enforcement. Because of his case, there is now a witness protection program in place.