In the winter of 2017, a tragedy unfolded in a quiet suburban Milwaukee neighborhood, forever altering the lives of two families. On the evening of Sunday, February 12th, 17-year-old Trajan E. Edwards, a Black/African American male, was at his West Allis home with his 19-year-old brother, Croshian "CJ" Edwards. The brothers were well-regarded, known for their involvement in sports and their positive attitudes.
Trajan, remembered for his fun-loving spirit and as a "gamer and a prankster," was just months away from his high school graduation.
The sense of normalcy was shattered when two acquaintances, a 14-year-old and a 13-year-old, arrived at their home. The younger visitors had been to the Edwards' house before, hanging out with the brothers over the preceding three months. However, on this particular night, their intentions were sinister. They had allegedly planned for a week to rob the brothers of money and marijuana. The 13-year-old was reportedly armed with a hammer, while the 14-year-old carried a firearm.
According to investigators, the 14-year-old pulled out his gun, leading to a struggle with Trajan. In the ensuing chaos, the older suspect allegedly fired, striking Trajan. As the two young assailants attempted to flee the scene, the 14-year-old is said to have fired again, this time hitting Croshian in the kitchen. The suspects then fled, leaving behind a scene of devastation. Croshian was pronounced dead at the scene, while Trajan fought for his life for two more days before succumbing to his injuries on February 14, 2017.
In the aftermath of the double homicide, law enforcement quickly identified the two young suspects. The 14-year-old was taken into custody following a standoff with police at the house where the shooting occurred. The 13-year-old was also taken into custody a day later. The 14-year-old was charged as an adult with two counts of first-degree reckless homicide and attempted armed robbery. He reportedly told investigators that he had not intended to hurt anyone but became scared during the struggle with Trajan. The 13-year-old was expected to be charged as a juvenile. The community was left to mourn the loss of two promising young men, whose lives were cut short in a senseless act of violence.
