Day 4 of Maxwell Anderson trial: Gasps and tears as prosecution shows Sade Robinson's torso and other recovered remains

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- On day four of the Maxwell Anderson trial, more witnesses testified about human remains that were recovered near a Milwaukee park. That area is just a block away from where Sade Robinson's car was set on fire. 

More photos of graphic evidence were introduced Friday, some of it causing strong emotional reactions in the courtroom. 

The focus on day four was on the body parts found in a park at 31st and Galena and along train tracks adjacent to that park. 

The prosecution continues to try to tie Maxwell Anderson to Sade Robinson's burned car, and then to the nearby park. 

Law enforcement officers testified about the body parts and human remains that were found. 

Crews searched that area around the clock in the days after the car was found burned. 

On April 5, 2024, they found three pieces of remains in a wooded area of the park. 

In court, the prosecution showed photos of flesh, and investigators testified the cuts looked clean. 

Sade Robinson's mother reacted out loud when they were first shown and appeared to say something in the direction of Maxwell Anderson. 

Anderson was attentive throughout, watching the evidence screen. But some in the audience were wiping away tears as the photos were shown. 

“Three separate human remains for a smaller piece of flesh, approximately 2x2,” said Detective Casey Donahue. "The second piece of flesh was larger, approximately 6x6. And it was the left foot, human foot.”

“The medical examiner moved to the tarp and now revealed that it was a human leg, which appeared to be severed above the knee and at the ankle," Sgt. Cassandra Lindert said. 

On cross examination of one of the detectives, the defense continued a strategy we saw them introduce on Thursday. 

The defense was allowed to talk about the pills and THC found in Sade Robinson's apartment after she went missing, because they argued drugs could mean she was in contact with potentially violent people who may have committed the crime instead of Anderson. 

On Friday, the defense looked at what was found in the park where the remains were found. They included five shell casings and other debris. 

“You found a bag of burlap sack, with remains in it of a dog," Defense Attorney Anthony Cotton said. "Evidence of animal cruelty, right? ...High crime area, agreed?” 

Anthony Cotton says he has received death threats for defending Anderson. We spoke with him on a break in the trial, and he sent us a statement that says:

“I understand that people have strong feelings about this case. I sympathize with that and my heart goes out to everyone affected by this tragedy. But it is uncalled for and unacceptable to threaten anyone for doing what the Constitution demands – providing a defense in even the hardest of cases.”

The last thing the jury, and everyone in the courtroom saw, was the most disturbing evidence yet- Sade Robinson's torso that washed up on a South Milwaukee beach.

A sheriff's investigator who responded to the scene last April walked the jury through what she saw at the beach. She described a torso, partially covered in sand, with the right breast cut off. One arm remained. And Sade Robinson's tattoos were visible as identifiers.

People in the gallery openly cried, covered their eyes, and looked away.

It was a sobering moment, but one we knew was coming. Physical evidence the prosecution had to show at some point in the trial.

CBS 58 has live coverage from the trial as well as a livestream in its entirety on our website, Facebook, and YouTube pages.

Content warning: Graphic material may be shown in trial. Viewer discretion is advised.