"A Day of Light:" Vigil planned in honor of young brothers killed during attempted robbery in West Allis

WEST ALLIS -- Friends and family members on Tuesday, February 21st were set to bury two teens from West Allis who were gunned down in their home during the course of an attempted robbery. Two boys, ages 14 and 13, are charged in this case.

CJ and Trajan Edwards

Funerals were held at 11:00 a.m. for 19-year-old CJ Edwards and 17-year-old Trajan Edwards. Trajan was a student at West Allis Central High School  -- and CJ was a recent graduate.

CJ Edwards was fatally shot during an attempted robbery at a home near 89th and Becher on February 12th. Tray Edwards fought for his life for two days. On Tuesday morning, February 14th shortly before 11:00 a.m., Tray Edwards was pronounced dead.

According to a criminal complaint, police on February 12th responded to a home near 89th and Grant -- where they found a shell casing on the floor as they entered, along with some blankets and a "large amount of blood."

17-year-old Trajan Edwards was found in the living room, and taken to the hospital. He died two days later, on February 14th.

19-year-old CJ Edwards was located deceased in the kitchen.

Police took two boys into custody for the crime: a 14-year-old boy and what they called his "13-year-old accomplice" in the attempted robbery.

Spencer Lewis

The 14-year-old was arrested after a standoff at his home near 84th and Beloit.

Spencer Lewis faces two counts of first degree reckless homicide, use of a dangerous weapon and one count of attempted armed robbery, use of force. He's charged as an adult.

According to the criminal complaint, Lewis stole a gun from his dad. He and a 13-year-old accomplice told police they planned to rob 17-year-old Trajan Edwards who they say "had a lot of marijuana, money and video games."

The 13-year-old was charged in children's court.

Lewis is due in court on March 16th for the return of a doctor's report evaluating his competency.

Home where CJ, Trajan Edwards shot in West Allis

Meanwhile, a vigil is being organized to remember the young Edwards brothers taken too soon. Organizers said the response has been overwhelming.

"This whole community feels that loss. What compels me is that mom in me and the heartbreak that I really feel over this," Debbie Gast, vigil organizer said.

Debbie Gast

Gast said plans to honor the brothers have grown more than she could've imagined.

"It really started as a neighborhood gathering. It's really grown into something I think is quite amazing," Gast said.

The event is called "A Day Of Light." Community leaders, coaches and school officials will gather at West Allis Central High School. They plan to have music and a candlelight vigil for CJ and Trajan Edwards.

Memorial for CJ, Trajan Edwards

"It can be anyone's way to be the light in this community. We're here to do anything that they need us to do. We're willing to come together and help in that healing process in whatever way that we can," Gast said.

"A Day of Light" will be held on Saturday, February 25th at noon. The event will be held outside, as long as the weather cooperates. Money will be collected to help the family with funeral expenses.