Ahead of sentencing, Maxwell Anderson attorney to ask for parole after 25 years, new memo sheds light on jail experience

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- New court documents in the Maxwell Anderson murder case shed new light on his mindset while he's in jail.

Anderson will be sentenced Friday morning for killing and dismembering Sade Robinson.

His attorney filed a sentencing memorandum Thursday, July 31. It's the first insight into Anderson's thinking since he was convicted of four felony counts for the murder of Robinson.

Anderson will get a mandatory life sentence for the felony homicide charge. The only question is if the judge will allow for the possibility of parole at some point decades from now.

The gravity of the offense is "unquestioned," and the loss "immeasurable", according to defense attorney Anthony Cotton.

Cotton is asking Judge Laura Crivello for the possibility of parole after Anderson serves 25 years in prison.

Cotton wrote, "the purpose of parole eligibility is not to forgive the offense-it is to leave open the door to meaningful transformation."

"Parole eligibility offers no shortcuts," Cotton wrote. "It requires decades of reflection, change, and accountability."

In a pre-sentencing interview, Anderson "became emotional" when asked about Sade Robinson's family.

He said, "he respected the immense loss the family must feel, and he said that he understood their hatred toward him, however misplaced that might be."

Anderson maintains he dd not commit the crimes he was convicted of.

In jail since April 2024, his attorney says he has experienced the psychological toll of extended isolation. There have been incidents, "including episodes reflecting mental and emotional stress."

In jail, Anderson "reads extensively," "maintains regular contact with his family," "is trying to learn Spanish and Russian," and calls his mother and father daily.

His mother, sister, and cousin wrote letters to the judge describing his character.

His mother believes Anderson "is capable of structure, productivity, and growth," especially where mental health treatment and education opportunities are available.

The memo says Anderson's family remains unwavering in their support.

Cotton said parole "creates no promises."

Decades from now, it would allow Anderson to "be evaluated based on who he has become-not who he was at the time of these events."

Cotton said, "to categorically deny that possibility now is to conclude that he is beyond all hope-a judgment we respectfully ask the court not to make."

In addition to the mandatory life sentence for the homicide count, Anderson will also be sentenced for dismembering and then hiding a body, and for burning Robinson's car.

Anderson's sentencing is scheduled for 8:30 Friday morning.