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Who Is Maxwell Anderson & Where Is He Now? 2026 Update & Background

by · February 20, 2026

Maxwell Anderson was born on May 26, 1990, and spent much of his life in Waukesha County, Wisconsin. At the time of his arrest in 2024, he was 33 years old and working as a bartender in the Milwaukee area. Court records show that he briefly served in the United States Navy from April 2011 to January 2012. The circumstances surrounding his discharge were not fully detailed during trial proceedings.

Before the murder of Sade Robinson, Anderson had a criminal history dating back to 2014. His prior convictions included disorderly conduct and domestic violence related offenses in Waukesha and Door counties. Prosecutors referenced this record during sentencing, noting a pattern of violent and disruptive behavior. His defense attorney argued that those prior convictions were misdemeanors and not comparable to homicide offenses, but the court considered the history relevant when determining sentencing.

The Night of April 1, 2024

On April 1, 2024, Anderson went on a first date with 19 year old Sade Robinson in Milwaukee. Surveillance video showed the pair dining at a seafood restaurant and later visiting a bar before going to Anderson’s apartment on the city’s south side. Phone records and digital evidence later placed Robinson’s car leaving his residence in the early morning hours of April 2.

Prosecutors argued that Robinson was killed inside Anderson’s apartment. Evidence presented at trial showed that her body was transported to Warnimont Park in Cudahy, where it was dismembered. Additional surveillance footage showed Robinson’s car being driven to Milwaukee’s north side and set on fire. Authorities testified that Anderson was captured on video walking away from the burning vehicle.

When police searched his residence, they found blood on the walls that was later identified as canine. Investigators relied heavily on digital data, surveillance footage, and forensic evidence to establish the timeline of events. Anderson maintained that he did not commit the crime and did not testify during trial.

Arrest, Trial, and Conviction

Anderson was arrested on April 4, 2024, and formally charged with first degree intentional homicide, mutilating a corpse, hiding a corpse, and arson. The case proceeded to trial in Milwaukee County Circuit Court in late May 2025. Prosecutors presented cellphone records, surveillance footage, forensic analysis, and testimony from dozens of witnesses.

In June 2025, a jury found Anderson guilty of first degree intentional homicide, mutilating a corpse, and arson. Jurors deliberated for less than an hour before returning verdicts. A charge of hiding a corpse was dismissed at sentencing after legal arguments about overlapping counts. Throughout the proceedings, Anderson maintained his innocence and later stated that he planned to appeal.

Sentencing and Current Incarceration

On August 1, 2025, Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Laura Crivello sentenced Anderson to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Under Wisconsin law, first degree intentional homicide carries a mandatory life sentence, with the judge determining whether parole eligibility is permitted. The court declined to grant any chance of release, citing the severity of the crime and the impact on Robinson’s family.

Anderson is currently incarcerated at Dodge Correctional Institution in Waupun, Wisconsin. His legal team has indicated that he intends to pursue an appeal of his conviction. As of early 2026, he remains in state custody serving a life sentence.

Sade Robinson’s story is one of promise interrupted. A first date became a crime scene, and a young woman working toward independence became the focus of a homicide investigation that spanned multiple states. Her case left an imprint on Milwaukee and renewed conversations about safety, accountability, and justice.

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Ryan Gill

Ryan is a passionate follower of true crime television programs, reporting on and providing in-depth investigations on mysteries in the criminal world.

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