Podcast Summary: Going West: True Crime – Episode 517: Sade Robinson

Podcast Information:

• Title: Going West: True Crime
• Host/Author: Dark West Productions
• Description: Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman discuss haunting details of different disappearance and murder cases week by week. New episodes released every Tuesday and Friday.
• Episode: Sade Robinson // 517
• Release Date: July 4, 2025

Introduction and Overview

In Episode 517 of Going West: True Crime, hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft (Speaker B) and Heath Merryman (Speaker A) delve deep into the tragic case of Sade Robinson. Released on July 4, 2025, this episode revisits a previously covered case, providing fresh insights following the recent trial and verdict of Sade's murderer, Maxwell Anderson.

Background of Sade Robinson

Sade Robinson, born on May 10, 2004, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, was a vibrant and industrious young woman. Her parents, Sheena Scarborough and Carlos Robinson, separated when Sade was young but maintained strong relationships with both. Sade moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during her early years and often visited her father in Mississippi and later Florida.

Quotes:

• Sheena Scarborough on Sade's character:
  "My baby was a boss and she overcame every hurdle and barrier that came her way. She was undefeatable."
  (02:15) Speaker B

• Carlos Robinson on Sade's influence:
  "I watched her grow from a tiny little baby to a beautiful, intelligent young lady that would make any father proud."
  (02:25) Speaker A

Sade was academically inclined, balancing her studies with two part-time jobs, making her financially independent. She worked at Pizza Shuttle and the exclusive Wisconsin Club, demonstrating her dedication and generosity by assisting her sister Adrianna in securing employment.

The Disappearance and Investigation

On April 2, 2024, Sade Robinson vanished after a promising first date in Milwaukee. Her car was later found torched, and dismembered body parts surfaced along Lake Michigan's coastline. Despite initial hopes of finding her alive, the discovery of her remains sealed the grim reality of her fate.

Key Events:

• Last Known Activities:
  Sade was excited about her date and communicated plans with her date, Maxwell Anderson, via text. They dined at Twisted Fisherman and later dined at Dukes on Water.

• Missing Persons Report:
  Sade missed her work shift, failed to respond to her family, and her Life 360 app indicated her last location at a lakefront park.

Quotes:

• Daphne Woolsoncroft on the discovery of Sade's leg:
  "Anyone would be absolutely freaked out."
  (15:33) Speaker A

Discovery of Sade's Remains

A pedestrian discovered a human leg in Warnamont Park on the evening of April 2, 2024. Subsequent investigations confirmed it belonged to Sade Robinson. Additional body parts were later found in South Milwaukee and Waukegan, Illinois, indicating a chaotic disposal process.

Key Details:

• Vehicle Arson:
  Sade's 2020 Honda Civic was found engulfed in flames, identified as hers through the VIN and recovered clothing matched her attire from the date.

• Body Disposal:
  Body parts were scattered over two states, leading to speculations about Maxwell's disposal methods and potential other victims.

Quotes:

• Heath Merryman on the public disposal of body parts:
  "He was just kind of putting pieces of her body all over the city."
  (53:22) Speaker B

The Perpetrator: Maxwell Anderson

Maxwell Anderson, 33, the Golden Bachelor alumni, emerged as the prime suspect. Described as immature with an erratic temper and a heavy drinking problem, Maxwell had a history of violent behavior and criminal charges, including domestic abuse and disorderly conduct.

Key Background:

• Family and Personal Life:
  Maxwell is the only child of Steven Anderson, president of Anderson's Insurance Associates. He lived in a suburban house in Milwaukee, which he had transformed into a duplex with a notoriously messy basement described as a "sex dungeon."

• Criminal History:
  His past includes violent outbursts, domestic disturbances, and assault charges, painting a picture of a troubled individual prone to aggression.

Quotes:

• Daphne Woolsoncroft describing Maxwell:
  "He's a spoiled monster."
  (50:48) Speaker A

Trial Proceedings

Maxwell Anderson was arrested on April 4, 2024, following a routine traffic stop. Evidence found at his home included blood stains, knives, a gun, and disturbing photos of Sade. Despite his defense attorney Anthony Cotton's efforts to create reasonable doubt, the jury quickly found Maxwell guilty after a brief deliberation.

Key Points:

• Evidence Presented:
  Blood evidence, Maxwell's own DNA on clothing, and a pivotal photo of Sade lying incapacitated on a couch.

• Defense Strategy:
  Argued lack of direct evidence linking Maxwell to Sade's death, highlighting the absence of a murder weapon and clear cause of death.

• Verdict:
  After seven days of testimony, the jury deliberated for only 36 minutes before convicting Maxwell of first-degree murder, mutilation of a corpse, hiding a corpse, and arson.

Quotes:

• Prosecutor Ian Vance Curzon on the severity of the crime:
  "She was dismembered in his home."
  (42:24) Speaker B

Community Response and Legacy

Sade's community rallied to honor her memory. Vigils, memorials, and a mural at Pizza Shuttle celebrated her life. Omar Shaikh, a local restaurateur, hosted fundraising events supporting Sade's Voice Foundation, a nonprofit aimed at raising awareness about missing and murdered Black women and girls.

Key Initiatives:

• Sade's Voice Foundation:
  Established by her mother Sheena to continue Sade's legacy and support other affected families, raising over $45,000 through various fundraisers and scholarship programs.

• Memorials and Announcements:
  Post-trial, the school granted Sade a posthumous degree, and a GoFundMe campaign garnered nearly $65,000 in support.

Quotes:

• Sheena Scarborough on Sade's legacy:
  "We will continue to carry Sade's legacy, but we will also be the voice for all of the other missing and murdered Black indigenous people of color."
  (62:30) Speaker B

Conclusion and Future Developments

Maxwell Anderson awaits sentencing scheduled for August 15, 2025, where he is likely to receive a mandatory life sentence. Sade's family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Maxwell and his affluent family, alleging their involvement in covering up the crime. The community remains vigilant, with ongoing efforts to find the remaining parts of Sade's body and hold all responsible parties accountable.

Final Remarks:

• Hosts' Perspectives:
  Both hosts expressed a mix of relief that justice was served and frustration over the heinous nature of the crime and the potential for undisclosed additional victims.

Quotes:

• Heath Merryman on the trial's emotional impact:
  "It's a real horror scene."
  (40:19) Speaker B

• Daphne Woolsoncroft on Maxwell's remorse in court:
  "He looks very sullen and confused the whole time."
  (64:43) Speaker A

Sade Robinson's case stands as a tragic reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by young women and the enduring strength of a community united in seeking justice and honoring a lost life.

Notable Exclusions: Advertisements, introductory segments, and promotional content were omitted to focus solely on the substantive discussion of Sade Robinson's case.