A Wisconsin jury swiftly convicted Maxwell Anderson, 34, for the gruesome murder of 19-year-old Sade C. Robinson. Anderson was found guilty of first-degree intentional homicide, mutilation of a corpse, and arson of property other than a building in relation to Robinson’s death in April 2024.
Shocking Evidence and Quick Verdict
The jury deliberated for less than an hour before reaching a guilty verdict, and key evidence played a major role in their quick decision. Investigators discovered disturbing and graphic photos on Anderson’s phone, which had been deleted but later recovered. One image showed Anderson holding Robinson’s right breast while she appeared either unconscious or dead, lying on the basement floor of Anderson’s home. These photos were pivotal in securing the conviction, as they served as undeniable proof of the crime.
Juror Melissa Blascoe described the images as shocking and deeply unsettling. “Those pictures will be in my mind for quite some time,” she said. Other photos depicted Robinson’s body, confirming she had been in Anderson’s basement, where her body was mutilated. The horrifying evidence left many jurors visibly shaken and emotional during the trial.
The Crime and Investigation
The details of the crime were equally chilling. Robinson’s body was dismembered, and body parts were found scattered along the shores of Lake Michigan. Despite the gruesome discoveries, Robinson’s torso was never recovered. The case began when Robinson’s family reported her missing after she failed to show up for work on April 1, 2024. Surveillance footage revealed Anderson and Robinson meeting on their first date and later driving to Anderson’s home. Investigators traced Robinson’s phone and found that it had moved from Anderson’s home to a nearby park, where her leg was later discovered.
Further investigation revealed Anderson had prepared his basement for months, covering it with tarp and equipping it with tools like saws and a sanitation sink. These preparations suggested Anderson had planned the crime in advance. In addition to this evidence, authorities found blood in Anderson’s home and traces leading to the basement, where a “sex dungeon” was discovered.
Connection to Netflix Show
In a disturbing twist, testimony during the trial revealed that Anderson had watched the Netflix animated series “Love, Death & Robots,” which features a scene of dismemberment. Prosecutors speculated that Anderson may have been influenced by this show when committing his crime.
Family’s Grief and Advocacy
Sade Robinson’s family has expressed their heartache and anger over her death. Her mother, Sheena Scarbrough, spoke emotionally about her daughter’s potential, describing her as a kind-hearted young woman who was on the verge of earning an associate degree in criminal justice and considering a career in the U.S. Air Force. Following the conviction, Scarbrough said that she plans to advocate for missing persons in her daughter’s honor. “She will forever be remembered as an angel,” she stated.
Anderson will be sentenced on August 15, where he faces a life sentence in prison for his horrific crimes. Authorities continue to search for any additional body parts linked to the victim.
Maxwell Anderson’s conviction serves as a grim reminder of the horrors that can unfold on a seemingly innocent first date. The shocking evidence and Anderson’s disturbing actions make this case one of the most disturbing true-crime stories in recent memory. The tragedy has left Robinson’s family devastated, but her mother’s commitment to advocating for missing persons may provide a lasting legacy for her daughter.
