A tragic case from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is drawing attention both locally and nationally as the murder trial of 33-year-old Maxwell Anderson is about to begin. He faces charges related to the death and dismemberment of 19-year-old Sade Robinson, whose disappearance and discovery of body parts shocked the community and sparked widespread outrage.
The Incident and Investigation
Sade Robinson went missing on April 1, 2024, after going on a first date with Anderson. When she failed to show up for work the next day, colleagues called 911. Police soon found Robinson’s burned car abandoned in an alley. Shortly afterward, her severed leg was discovered on a Lake Michigan beach.
Authorities arrested Anderson, charging him with first-degree intentional homicide, mutilating a corpse, and arson. His bond was set at $5 million.
Over the following weeks, more of Robinson’s body parts were found along Wisconsin and Illinois shores. Volunteers and community members joined the search, but Robinson’s family still hasn’t recovered all her remains.
Family’s Pain and Search for Justice
Robinson’s mother, Sheena Scarbrough, expressed heartbreak, saying, “We still don’t have my baby’s crown in her head. This is so f—ed up.” Her father, Carlos Robinson, shared his disbelief and denial over losing his daughter.
Evidence Against Anderson
Police used surveillance videos, phone records, and witness accounts to piece together events. Footage showed a car matching Robinson’s making multiple trips to the beach early on April 2, 2024.
Gasoline canisters and blood were found in Anderson’s home, though forensic tests showed the blood wasn’t Robinson’s.
A confidential informant told detectives that Anderson had planned the murder in advance, describing how he intended to shoot Robinson in his basement, dismember her body, and scatter her remains. The basement was reportedly lined with plastic tarps, suggesting premeditation.
Legal Proceedings and Trial
Anderson has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Jury selection is scheduled to begin on May 27, with a potential trial length of up to two weeks. Over 250 witnesses may testify, including police officers, forensic experts, family members, and local transit employees.
Additional Lawsuits and Community Impact
Robinson’s family has filed lawsuits not only against Anderson but also against two Milwaukee bars that served Robinson alcohol before the date, claiming she was rendered vulnerable.
Scarbrough has called for accountability from anyone involved in harming her daughter, including a city official who shared photos of Robinson’s severed arm on social media.
To honour Sade’s memory, her mother started the Sade Voice Foundation, offering scholarships for young women to learn self-defense. Despite initial resistance to a permanent memorial funded by taxpayers, the Milwaukee community raised money to build it at the park where Robinson’s leg was found.