In Brooklyn Model’s Murder, Judge Refuses To Lower Bail

April 23, 2012 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

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NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (AP) — Bail will remain at $3 million cash for a Pennsylvania man facing murder charges in the death of his cousin, a male model from Brooklyn whose remains were found nearly two years ago in central New Jersey.

Calling the amount “oppressive,” Anthony Byrd’s lawyer filed a motion to have his client’s bail lowered. But Middlesex County prosecutors opposed the move, citing the Lancaster man’s criminal record and circumstantial evidence linking him to the death.

A judge eventually agreed with prosecutors and rejected the defense motion Friday. Byrd, 35, is being held pending extradition to New Jersey.

Byrd is charged with murder in the death of 30-year-old Jubar “Esco” Croswell, a male model from Brooklyn.

Prosecutors haven’t commented on a possible motive or said how Croswell was killed. Middlesex County prosecutor Bruce Kaplan said Byrd was arrested last month at his home. He had previously said that Croswell was an acquaintance of Byrd’s.

It’s believed Croswell died a few weeks before his remains were found in a wooded area of Edison. Kaplan wouldn’t say if investigators think Croswell was killed there or was dumped at the site.