a day ago
Maxwell Anderson verdict: Sade Robinson's parents, community react
The Brief
A jury found Maxwell Anderson guilty of killing and dismembering Sade Robinson.
Robinson's family spoke at length about their appreciation for the community support.
Throughout the trial, members of the public went to court simply to hear testimony, and back the Robinson family.
MILWAUKEE - A jury found Maxwell Anderson guilty of killing and dismembering Sade Robinson on Friday. For Robinson's family, it was a bittersweet moment of justice served.
What they're saying
Nothing can bring Robinson back to her family, but emotions were high as they left the courtroom on Friday. Loved ones came out wearing pink, Robinson's favorite color, an empowering choice as they gathered to speak.
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"She will forever be remembered as an angel," said Sheena Scarbrough, Robinson's mother. "My baby solved her own case. That's how I raised my kids. We don't give up. We are fighters. I demanded justice. I stand tall, I stand affirmative. Sade will continue to walk with me daily and right beside me."
Scarbrough said the guilty verdicts are an extension of Robinson's shining light to a path forward. The days in court took a toll on Robinson's father, Carlos Robinson, too.
"I dreamed about him every night, his face was in my dreams every night," said Robinson. "I don't feel relief because I still don't know what he did with the rest of my daughter."
As of Friday's verdict, Robinson's head still has not been found.
"It's the most agonizing, painful thing," said Scarbrough . "I just don't see how demonic-type energy can have no remorse and sit there.
"Karma is a (expletive) and I will continue to fight to get her justice."
The verdict is only partial justice for the family. They started the Sade's Voice Foundation and have filed a civil lawsuit against the bars that served Robinson on the night of her date with Anderson.
What we know
On Friday, and throughout the Anderson trial, the courtroom was filled with supporters of Sade Robinson. As the verdict was read on Friday, those supporters let out a sign of relief.
FOX6 News spoke with people both inside and outside of the courthouse. They said they do not know the family personally, but felt a connection to this case. They wanted to let the family know they are loved.
Sade Robinson's mother and others thanked the community for standing beside them. Even as they were doing so, cars drove by honking, some people cheering or shouting, "Justice for Sade."
What they're saying
FOX6 News spoke with Sierra Lee, a woman who was inside the courthouse when that verdict was read. Lee said she felt compelled to be there throughout the trial.
"What compelled me to come out here was, that could've been me. That could've been my sister, that could've been my mother. That could've been anybody to me. To see that her family was going through that. She needs support, they all need support," Lee said.
Throughout the Anderson trial, supporters of Sade Robinson wore pink. Others stood outside the courthouse holding signs. They vow their support will not go away now that this case is over.
The backstory
Anderson is charged with first-degree intentional homicide, mutilating a corpse, hiding a corpse and arson of property other than a building. He is accused of killing Robinson after a date, dismembering her and dumping her body parts across Milwaukee County. One of her arms was later found on an Illinois beach.
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Prosecutors said Anderson and Robinson showed up at a Menomonee Valley bar on April 1, 2024 – the night she was last seen or heard from. The next day, Robinson's burned-out car was found near 30th and Lisbon in Milwaukee. Surveillance photos show a man investigators believe is Anderson walking away from the area, and who was later seen on a bus heading back towards his home on the city's south side.
Anderson had planned to kill Robinson weeks before her death, according to a statement from a "confidential informant" noted in court filings FOX6 News obtained. A search warrant also revealed prosecutors believe Anderson tried to cover up Robinson's death with a text message.
Dig deeper
FOX6 News is streaming the entire Anderson trial each day on FOX LOCAL. The app is free to download on your phone, tablet or smart TV.
Day 9: Jury finds Anderson guilty of killing, dismembering Robinson
Day 8: Closing arguments made, jury deliberations begin
Day 7: Sade Robinson killed; mapping path of Robinson's car
Day 6: Jurors get look inside Anderson's home; see clothing
Day 5: Testimony provided our first look at Anderson's arrest
Open Record: Maxwell Anderson trial
Day 4: Video from Milwaukee, discovery of Sade Robinson's remains
Day 3: Testimony resumes; law enforcement, friends of Sade Robinson take stand
Day 2: Opening statements, testimony begins
Day 1: Jury selected in single day
Sade Robinson homicide: Timeline of events leading to criminal charges
Sade Robinson homicide: Parents navigate grief ahead of trial
Sade Robinson homicide: The psychology behind the murder
Sade Robinson homicide: Lasting legacy, from tragedy to advocacy
Open Record: A Date With Death
The Source
FOX6 News was in court for the Anderson trial. Information in this report is from the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office, Wisconsin Circuit Court, and prior FOX6 coverage of the case.
