‘They were two young souls who were loved’: Community holds vigil for children killed in double homicide-suicide

MIDDLETON, Wis. (WKOW) — In a touching display of compassion and solidarity, a community came together at Lakeview Park to honor the lives of 8-year-old Maya and 5-year-old Major Lacey Robinson, who tragically lost their lives in a double homicide-suicide last Sunday.

“Two young souls were loved. Loved at school, loved by their family and loved by their friends,” said Michael Johnson, who not only serves as the spokesperson for the family but is also the CEO at the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County. “It hurts anytime you lose kids in our community, no matter how you lose them.”

Johnson shared that the family has deep gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community during this difficult time and he said they need this time for healing.

As classmates, teachers and neighbors gathered to say their goodbyes, they held onto the cherished memories they shared with Maya and Major, finding comfort in knowing that these memories would continue to help them in their days ahead.

Middleton Mayor, Emily Kuhn, tried to fight back tears as she shared her personal connection with Major, recalling his infectious smile from a previous encounter at a community event.

“I knew Major,” Mayor Kuhn said. “I met him at one of our events, and he had the biggest smile. I didn’t know that I knew him.”

Elected officials, including Alder Jenifer Cole of District 4, where the children lived, and Alder Jeffrey Jackson of District 5, who served as the evening’s emcee, joined the gathering to express solidarity and support.

The family has established a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses for Maya and Major. As of late Saturday afternoon, the fund had reached just under $10,000 of its $25,000 goal.