Day 3 of Maxwell Anderson: Prosecution shows video, physical evidence to tie Anderson to arson scene
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The third day of Maxwell Anderson's trial got underway on Thursday, May 29.
Several more witnesses took the stand, including more investigators who responded to the missing person report, and some of Sade Robinson's friends.
During a break in the trial, and while the jury was not in the courtroom, the attorneys talked with Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Laura Crivello about evidence the defense plans to discuss later.
In short, more than 45 methamphetamine pills and 18 grams of THC were found in Robinson's apartment after she went missing.
The state does not want that evidence introduced, arguing it's not relevant -- but the defense argued the opposite.
Testimony on day three included many law enforcement investigators who were sent to Robinson's apartment after she was reported missing. They described the wellness checks conducted at Robinson's studio apartment: a little messy, several purses were there, an ID, but nothing suspicious.
Another officer described searching for signs of Robinson based on phone data but found nothing. An investigator explained security video of Robinson going to and leaving work for the last time, to establish what she was wearing.
Two other witnesses testified; both were Robinson's friends.
They each said Robinson's phone location was always shared with them through her phone's app and through an app called Life360.
One anonymous witness explained what Robinson meant to her.
"Very kind, very welcoming, very understanding, very strong, very smart, hard-working -- probably just the strongest, kindest, most charismatic person I’ve ever met," the anonymous witness stated.
The prosecution spent much of the afternoon focusing on Robinson's burned out car. Anderson is accused of setting it on fire after murdering Robinson.
Body camera video from a responding officer showed the car shortly after the fire was put out, it also showed the trunk.
After the fire was put out, the car was towed away to an evidence lot.
On Thursday, a detective with the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office spoke about the evidence they recovered from the car after the fire, specifically the trunk.
Evidence photos taken later showed a black puffy coat, women's jeans, shoes, and underwear.
The detective showed those pieces of clothing to the jury.
Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office Detective Alexis Krusic showed the jeans, coat and other items to the jury.
Those clothing items found in the trunk of the car matched was Robinson was wearing the day she went missing.
The door handles and trunk of the car had been swabbed for DNA and tested.
When the defense cross examined the detective, Attorney Anthony Cotton asked if anything related to Anderson was found.
Attorney Cotton: “Were there any identifiers for Maxwell Anderson?”
Detective Krusic: “No.”
Attorney Cotton: “Any ID cards?”
Detective Krusic: “No.”
PHOTO GALLERY
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Day 3 of Maxwell Anderson trial - Afternoon session
Day 3 of Maxwell Anderson trial - Morning session