Milwaukee Man Sentenced to Life for College Student’s Murder

A Milwaukee resident received a life sentence on Friday for the murder of a 19-year-old college student, whose dismembered body parts were found scattered in the area. The court ruled that he would serve life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Maxwell Anderson was found guilty in June of intentional murder, body mutilation, and concealing the corpse related to the death of Sade Robinson last year. He maintained that he was innocent throughout the proceedings.

Emotional Reactions from Victim’s Family

During the sentencing hearing, Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Laura Cribero questioned how Anderson could commit such a horrific act. Prosecutors outlined the gruesome details, explaining how Anderson had dismembered Robinson’s body and discarded one of her legs near a playground.

Robinson’s mother, Sheena Scarbro, expressed her devastation, asserting that Anderson “damaged the entire community” and suggested he didn’t deserve protection while incarcerated.

“Judge, I am asking this demon to return to hell as soon as possible with respect,” Scarbro stated.

Robinson’s father, Carlos, made a similarly passionate plea, suggesting that Anderson deserved severe punishment for his actions.

Mandatory Life Sentence

In Wisconsin, anyone convicted of intentional murder automatically receives a life sentence. During the hearing, Anderson’s only question concerned the possibility of parole.

His attorney, Tony Cotton, requested that the judge consider allowing parole eligibility after 25 years, citing Anderson’s background in the U.S. Navy and apparent mental health struggles.

Cotton acknowledged Anderson’s prior misdemeanor issues related to domestic violence but contended they were minor compared to murder. He voiced concerns about Anderson’s safety in prison, reflecting a broader question about justice and retribution.

Anderson’s Claims of Innocence

Anderson reiterated his innocence to the judge and indicated his intention to appeal the conviction. He alluded to the idea that Robinson must have returned to his apartment after their date, though he offered little detail.

“I hope that true justice will be delivered,” he remarked during the hearing.

Judge’s Harsh Words

Judge Clybelo did not entertain the notion of parole, dismissing Anderson’s claims of innocence. She described his actions as “merciless,” likening the case to something out of a horror novel.

“It’s more than you can imagine to know whether your child is dead or alive, only to later discover they are dismembered and dishonored,” she said.

In addition to his life sentence, Anderson received additional time for separate arson and fire-related offenses.

The Events Leading to the Tragedy

Anderson and Robinson met at a bar in March 2024 before her tragic death. Surveillance footage and phone records indicated that the two spent the evening drinking at two different bars before returning to Anderson’s apartment.

Prosecutors argued that Robinson was incapacitated at the time, and her car was seen leaving his apartment early the next morning, heading towards a park along Lake Michigan. It was there that they allege Anderson dismembered her body.

Afterward, he reportedly burned Robinson’s car behind an abandoned building. Search teams later found fragments of her body in the park and nearby areas.

As of now, her head has not been located.