Maxwell Anderson charged with killing, mutilating 19-year-old Sade Robinson
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Maxwell Anderson, 33, has been charged in connection to the death and disappearance of 19-year-old Sade Robinson. Investigators say Anderson intentionally killed and then dismembered Robinson with the intent to conceal the murder.
Anderson has been charged with first degree intentional homicide, mutilating a corpse and arson of property other than a building.
According to the criminal complaint, investigators used cellphone data and surveillance footage to piece together the details of what happened to Robinson.
The complaint says on Monday, April 1, Anderson and Robinson met for a first date at Twisted Fisherman, a seafood restaurant located on Canal Street in Milwaukee. Investigators say surveillance footage shows the two sitting at the same table and eating at the restaurant around 5:30 p.m. and leaving just before 6:30 p.m.
Investigators used Life360, an app that provides the location of a mobile device, to track Robinson's phone the night of April 1. The data showed Robinson's phone traveled from Twisted Fisherman to the area of Duke's on Water, and then to the area of Anderson's residence -- near 39th and Oklahoma.
Robinson's device, according to the complaint, then traveled to the area of Warnimont Park between 2 and 3 a.m. -- the area where officials made the first disturbing discovery hours later.
Just after 7:30 a.m. on April 2, officials found Robinson's 2020 Honda Civic torched near 29th and Lisbon. Video surveillance shows Anderson leaving the scene and getting on a Milwaukee County transit bus just after 8 a.m. heading south towards his home. Around 5:30 p.m., the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office located a severed leg in Warnimont Park.
Just after 1 a.m. April 4, Anderson was pulled over near 38th and Lakefield Drive by the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office in a traffic stop that led to his arrest. In his car was the clothing he was wearing when he allegedly torched Robinson's car. That same day, investigators executed a search warrant at Anderson's residence. According to the complaint, blood was found on bedding in one of the bedrooms and on the walls leading toward the basement. Several gasoline containers were also found.
On Saturday, April 6, officials found a human foot while searching the area of 31st and Galena.
According to the criminal complaint, the leg found in Warnimont Park appeared to be from the same individual as the foot found near 31st and Galena, particularly due to skin tone, size, and having matching pink nail polish.
The complaint says, analysis done by the Wisconsin State Crime Lab showed DNA from the leg found in Warnimont Park determined the remains belonged to Robinson.
A probable cause statement was issued for Anderson's arrest, and he was placed into custody last week.
The DA's office placed Anderson on a 72-hour-hold until blood evidence had been processed, and before any formal charges could drop.
According to court documents, in 2014, Anderson plead guilty to a disorderly conduct charge. That same year, he was also charged with domestic abuse - that charge was later dismissed.
In 2015, court documents show Anderson was found guilty of domestic abuse, intimidating a witness, and criminal damage to property.
In 2019, Anderson, was found guilty for his second offense of driving while under the influence.
Most recently, in 2022, Anderson was found guilty of driving with a suspended license.