Tony Robinson

I can't believe it's been more than two months since the death of Tony Robinson, the 19-year-old shot and killed by Madison police officer Matthew Kenny. 

READ: DA to hold news conference on Robinson case

Hours after the shooting, I remember walking down Willy Street and seeing a community I didn't recognize. 


I live on the east side and take Willy Street quite often to get around the city. In the first 24 hours after the shooting, I stopped to talk to people (just as fellow citizens) and also took a few pictures. I've never shared these pictures before, though they're not terribly compelling. 

I had volunteered earlier in the day and had to pass through the protest area to get to a meeting. I didn't want to intrude but I wanted to see the situation with my own eyes to be a better reporter. 

Without sounding too cliche, the scene felt surreal. If it weren't for the crime tape, the scenario might have passed for a recently-ended parade. Most people seemed to be milling about and appeared to be headed back to their cars. 

I stopped for a few minutes and talked with people, just as fellow citizens. I noticed some people were in deep conversations about what happened. Others were in quieter locations praying together. One woman walked towards me as she shouted in agony at police. Her husband kept nudging her to keep going forward. Though the street remained full of people, it seemed most were clearing out for the evening. 

I realize those impacted will spend the rest of their lives thinking about what happened on Willy Street March 7, 2015. That's also what makes Tuesday's announcement of the investigation outcome even more compelling. Tuesday we find out if the DA will charge Officer Kenny for the death of Tony Robinson. I won't be out in the community covering it; more than likely I will be anchoring from the news studio. 

Everyone we've reported on is calling for peace. I hope that is what we're reporting on again Tuesday.