Family of slain victim scared for their safety after accused killer gets bond reduced

CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. — The man accused of shooting and killing his girlfriend in June got his bond reduced this week.

Police said Jessie Crawford killed Iris Robinson while she was preparing for a cookout at a Catawba County home.

Newton- flowers have been left in the yard where Iris Robinson was shot and killed this weekend. Police have charged Jesse Crawford with 1st degree murder. Eyewitnesses say he shot Robinson, who he knew, four times. The story today on eyewitness news at noon and five. pic.twitter.com/zipVHmTFlI
— Dave Faherty (@FahertyWSOC9) June 7, 2021

Crawford was charged with first-degree murder following the crime.

According to police, Robinson was helping a friend get ready for a family cookout at a home along South Caldwell Avenue when Crawford showed up. Witnesses said they got into an argument, and he pointed a gun at her before leaving.

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A short time later, witnesses said he returned and that’s when he shot Robinson four times in the yard. He reportedly turned himself in a few hours later.

According to investigators, Robinson had posted photos of the cookout preparations on her Facebook an hour before the deadly shooting.

Crawford has been locked up without bond for seven months inside the Catawba County Detention Center.

Family members of Robinson said say when they went to the courthouse in Newton not thinking that Crawford had a chance of getting a bond.

They said Crawford had a lengthy criminal past, including assaults on females and making threats.

His rap sheet dates back to 1995.

“I just think it’s unfair that that he can be allowed to get out go to work and do what he wants to do,” said Sylvia Robinson Rookard, Robinson’s sister. “But my sister can’t do anything. She didn’t get a chance. Why should he get a chance?”

Crawford’s attorney said his client had ties to the area along with two children and that he needs to work.

The attorney added that while Crawford does have a lengthy criminal history, he hasn’t been convicted in the last 11 years.

Judge Greg Hayes set the bond at a $150,000. Hayes said that he considered other factors under the state’s guidelines when setting the bond. Prosecutors wanted a $750,000 bond set.

He also ordered that there will be constant electronic monitoring for Crawford.

The suspect was also told not to contact witnesses or family members.

Rookard said she and her family aren’t safe now.

“He is a danger to be out,” Rookard said. “We don’t know what he’ll do. How do we know he’s not gonna hurt us or try to hurt us?”

Crawford had not made bond by late Wednesday.

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