“I don’t know if any amount of preparation will get me into an emotional state to hear someone not indict the murderer of my child,” said Andrea Irwin, mother of Tony Robinson, a local teenager who was shot and killed by a Madison police officer. The officer was responding to a ‘check welfare’ call on Williamson Street on March 6th.
The event has since sparked weeks of protests, vigils, student walk-outs, civil disobedience, and road closings. The city has been on edge awaiting the decision of the Dane County District Attorney’s office. The DA will decide whether or not to prosecute the officer involved in the shooting.
Irwin joined WORT FM host Aaron Perry and Haywood Simmons on the Tuesday 8 O’Clock Buzz this morning. Family friend Jerome Flowers joined the conversation as well.
Irwin said she fears for her other teenage sons. She said, “I have a 15-year old and a 13-year old son as well, who have watched their brother die at the hands of a police officer. And I’m scared to death to leave either one of them, because I’ve already lost one. And with all the things that are going on now, would they be subject to a death sentence just because of who their brother was?”
Despite her experience, Irwin says she doesn’t resent all police officers.
“I know good police officers. I don’t hold every police officer accountable. But this police officer I feel should be held accountable for his actions.”
“There is nothing to be done to heal my family and my pain,” said Irwin.