Maxwell Anderson, 34, has been convicted of homicide and dismembering a corpse following the brutal murder of 19-year-old college student Sade Robinson. The chilling crime occurred last year after Anderson and Robinson went on a date.
The Night of the Murder
Anderson and Robinson met at a bar before spending the evening dining at the Twisted Fisherman in Milwaukee. The two then went back to Anderson’s apartment, where he allegedly put on the Netflix show Love, Death & Robots.
One particular episode, titled The Drowned Giant, shows the graphic mutilation of a human body on a beach. Prosecutors suggest this show may have influenced Anderson’s actions later that night.
The Dismemberment
In a horrific similarity to the show, Anderson dismembered Sade’s body near the shores of Lake Michigan. The crime scene, prosecutors claim, mirrored the disturbing depiction from the episode.
Juror Melissa Blascoe shared her reaction, saying, “I was like… that’s disgusting because that could have been where he got some of his ideas or fantasies.” Many jurors were visibly shaken by the details.
Attempt to Hide Evidence
Anderson was charged with arson and hiding a corpse. Authorities say he attempted to cover his tracks by burning Sade’s car behind an abandoned building.
Surveillance footage captured the car leaving Anderson’s apartment in the early hours of April 2 and heading to a beach along Lake Michigan. Anderson later disposed of the remains, spreading them across Milwaukee County.
Despite severe fire damage to the car, police managed to identify Sade through her clothing and part of her iPhone. A human leg was later found at Warnimont Park, which was confirmed to belong to Sade.
The Discovery and Investigation
When Sade failed to show up for work the next day, her colleagues and friends became concerned. Her manager, Justin Romano, described her as a “very outgoing” person who always lightened the mood at work. It was highly unusual for her to miss a shift, which led to growing worry.
Authorities later discovered Sade’s remains, and Anderson was arrested. It was revealed through a confidential informant that Anderson had planned the murder weeks in advance.
Trial and Conviction
Anderson’s defense attorney, Tony Cotton, argued that the prosecution failed to prove Anderson’s intent to kill. He pointed out that Anderson didn’t try to hide his identity while traveling home on public transportation and was clean despite allegedly dismembering Sade’s body in a muddy area.
After nine days of trial, the jury deliberated for only an hour before finding Anderson guilty. Milwaukee County Assistant District Attorney Ian Vance-Curzan expressed relief over the verdict, while Sheriff’s Det. JoAnn Donner, who worked tirelessly on the case, emotionally reflected on the impact of the investigation.
Sade’s Legacy
Sade’s grieving mother, Sheena Scarbrough, spoke about her daughter in a heartfelt message on a GoFundMe page set up for her memorial service. She described Sade as a “loving daughter, a cherished sister, and a dear friend to many.”