Preparing for goodbyes: Robinson family plans funeral services for Tony

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Family, friends and supports will gather tomorrow to remember the life of a man fatally shot by a Madison police officer one week ago today. The funeral for Tony Robinson will be held at Madison East High School. If you plan to go, the Robinson family has a request for you.

"We want to try to leave the protests at the door. As you enter East High School, we just wnat it to be about Terrell," said

That, simply put, was the message Tony Robinson's family delivered Friday in Madison, in preparation for Robinson's funeral Saturday.

Robinson was shot dead last Friday night by Madison Police Officer Matt Kenny.

That action has spawned protests from two camps, supporters for Robinson and against the shooting -- and supporters for police officers.

Officer Kenny told investigators Robinson struck him in the head, prompting the officer to shoot.

"While we understand the midst of the protests, a lot of people are upset about what happened -- including us. But we want this to be about a celebration of Terrell/Tony's life and not necessarily about the issues it raises," said Turin Carter, Robinson's uncle.

The family is asking there be no protests in and around the funeral. No signs. No chanting. The family says there are rumors of plans for pro-police protests -- but Robinson's mom, Andrea Irwin, says just wait.

"I can't have a day where I'm trying to say goodbye to my son turn into something full of violence and hate and turn into a remembrance of the way he was taken from me," said Irwin.

Robinson's uncle says he wants the funeral at Madison East High School to be filled with people there to show love and support, and to celebrate Robinson's life.

"Honestly, the more people that come to show respect, the better we feel as a result," said Carter.

The service for Tony Robinson is Saturday, March 14th, at Madison East High School with the visitation from 2 - 3:30 p.m., followed by the funeral at 4 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice is leading the investigation into the shooting. It expects to be done with about 80% of its investigation within two weeks.