I saw this case profiled many years ago on Forensic Files. The eyewitness was justified in her mortal fear of testifying. Even in places where murder is basically non-existent, there are rough customers. It's generally advisable for people from out of the area to keep a low profile in places like rural taverns.
Link: https://bridgemi.com/outdoors-life/hungry-pigs-feral-brothers-and-the-michigan-hunting-trip-that-ended-in-murders/