Drop Dead Serious With Ashleigh Banfield Episode Summary: "First Date with a Demon: Sade Robinson’s Murder and the Gruesome Trail Across Milwaukee" Release Date: August 13, 2025

In this chilling episode of "Drop Dead Serious With Ashleigh Banfield," Ashleigh Banfield delves deep into the harrowing case of Sade Robinson, a 19-year-old college student whose life was brutally taken by Maxwell Anderson. Through a meticulous exploration of evidence, trial proceedings, and personal testimonies, Banfield unravels the disturbing events that unfolded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Introduction

Ashleigh Banfield opens the episode by reflecting on the pervasive fear of lurking killers in everyday environments and online spaces. She sets the stage for the tragic story of Sade Robinson, highlighting the unpredictable nature of violent crimes and their impact on unsuspecting communities.

Notable Quote:

• "None of us is immune to true crime... Where is the next killer and who is the next victim? Could it be me?" (00:50)

Background of the Victim

Sade Robinson was a vibrant 19-year-old student at Milwaukee Area Technical College, beloved by her community and full of aspirations. Her promising future was abruptly cut short, leaving friends and family in shock.

The Crime Unfolds

In March 2024, Sade met Maxwell Anderson on a dating app. A week later, on April 1, they went out for drinks at the Twisted Fisherman. Friends anticipated hearing about her enjoyable evening, but Sade never checked in, raising immediate concerns.

Key Events:

• April 2, 2024: Sade is reported missing after failing to show up for work.
• Discovery of Remains: Police first find a severed leg in Warnamont Park, followed by her burning car and additional body parts scattered across Milwaukee County.

Notable Quote:

• "Sade had no way of knowing that this first date would be her last day on earth." (03:45)

Investigation and Arrest

Detectives uncovered a gruesome trail linking Maxwell Anderson to Sade's disappearance. Utilizing the Life360 GPS app on Sade’s phone, they traced her last movements directly to Anderson's residence. Surveillance footage further implicated him, showing his presence near the burning car and his escape route.

Critical Evidence:

• Surveillance Videos: Show Anderson leaving the burning car and heading towards his home.
• Informant Testimony: A key witness revealed disturbing details about Anderson's basement setup, resembling scenes from horror films, indicating premeditation and gruesome intent.
• Forensic Evidence: Sade’s DNA was found in Anderson’s car and on his clothing, solidifying the case against him.

Notable Quote:

• "He planned to kill Sade Robinson, dismember her, and scatter her remains around the city." (12:30)

The Trial

The courtroom drama was intense, with prosecutors presenting a mountain of evidence against Anderson. The defense attempted to shift blame, suggesting "bad elements in the community" might be responsible, and highlighted minor inconsistencies in the evidence, such as the presence of meth pills and cash in Anderson’s apartment.

Key Highlights:

• Prosecutors' Case: Detailed Anderson’s gruesome actions, supported by photos from his phone showing his "sex dungeon" and other potential victims.
• Defense Argument: Denied intentional murder, citing lack of evidence for premeditation and suggesting alternative perpetrators.

Notable Quotes:

• "The photos weren't Sade's, which leaves us to imagine there were other victims." (17:13)
• "There was no proof Maxwell Anderson planned to kill Sade... maybe someone else." (25:00)

Verdict and Sentencing

The jury deliberated for less than an hour before unanimously convicting Maxwell Anderson on all charges, including first-degree intentional homicide, mutilating a corpse, and arson. Judge Laura Crivello sentenced Anderson to life in prison without the possibility of parole, emphasizing the heinous nature of his crimes.

Notable Quotes:

• Judge Crivello: "His crimes were unconscionable in something out of a horror novel." (20:27)
• Sheena Scarborough (Sade’s Mother): "You will be eternally hunted. By myself. My ancestors rolled deep." (30:58)

Reactions and Personal Testimonies

The episode features powerful statements from those affected by the tragedy:

• Jury Members: Shared their emotional toll, describing the graphic evidence as unlike anything they had encountered.

  • "That was something different. I've never seen anything like that from any of my friends... That's the only word I can have to describe that." (17:42)

• Sade's Mother, Sheena Scarborough: Expressed raw pain and anger, denouncing Anderson as a demon and seeking spiritual justice.

  • "This devil and his entire demonic family... You're a pussy ass bitch." (30:01)

• Sade's Father, Carlos Robinson: Conveyed profound grief and a desire for Anderson to receive the maximum punishment.

  • "He deserves the punishment that he gave to my daughter." (36:00)

• Maxwell Anderson’s Father: Offered a somber perspective, expressing condolences while endorsing Anderson's path to self-improvement.

  • "We love you and support your plan for self-improvement." (39:53)

• Maxwell Anderson: Maintained his innocence, pledging to appeal the conviction.

  • "I did not commit these crimes... I plan to appeal my convictions." (41:57)

Impact and Community Reflection

Banfield draws parallels between Anderson’s case and that of notorious Milwaukee serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, highlighting the lingering fear and the community’s struggle to reconcile with such brutal crimes.

Notable Quote:

• "Maxwell Anderson ended up in the very same place that Dahmer did. Behind bars with other inmates." (42:42)

Conclusion

Ashleigh Banfield wraps up the episode by emphasizing the enduring pain faced by Sade Robinson’s family and the community, while cautioning listeners about the ever-present threat of concealed evil. She underscores the importance of justice and remembrance for victims like Sade.

Final Thoughts:

• "The truth isn't just serious, it's drop dead serious." (42:39)

This episode serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the depths of human depravity. Through detailed storytelling and emotional testimonies, Ashleigh Banfield ensures that the legacy of Sade Robinson and the quest for justice remain at the forefront, urging listeners to stay vigilant in the face of true crime's unpredictable horrors.