Wisconsin teen's murder leads to life sentence for ex-date

Sade Robinson's disappearance and death shocks her family and community

Feb. 22, 2026 at 4:06am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In April 2024, 19-year-old college student Sade Robinson went on a first date and never came home. Her car was found burned 3 miles from her apartment, and her remains were later discovered in a nearby park. Police traced Sade's final hours using data from a phone app and security footage, leading them to her date, 33-year-old Maxwell Anderson, who was convicted of her murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Why it matters

Sade's tragic death highlighted the dangers young women can face, especially when meeting someone new. Her family has since worked to honor her memory and advocate for greater protections for Black women and girls facing violence.

The details

Sade's date with Maxwell Anderson started at a restaurant and bar, where surveillance footage showed little interaction between the two. They then went to another bar, where Sade appeared to be having fun. After leaving the bar, Sade's car was captured on security cameras driving erratically for hours before ending up at a park, where her remains were later found. Police searched Anderson's home but found no direct evidence, until they discovered deleted photos on his phone that appeared to show Sade deceased. Anderson was convicted based on circumstantial evidence, including his presence at the crime scenes.

  • On April 1, 2024, Sade Robinson went on a first date with Maxwell Anderson.
  • Around 9:30 p.m. on April 1, Sade's phone arrived at Anderson's house according to her phone's location data.
  • At 2:53 a.m. on April 2, Sade's phone was detected at Warnimont Park, where her remains were later found.
  • In May 2025, Maxwell Anderson's murder trial began.
  • In July 2025, Maxwell Anderson was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

The players

Sade Robinson

A 19-year-old college student who was murdered after going on a first date.

Maxwell Anderson

A 33-year-old man with a criminal history who was convicted of murdering Sade Robinson.

Sheena Scarbrough

Sade's mother, who has advocated for greater protections for Black women and girls facing violence.

Adrianna Reams

Sade's 16-year-old sister, who accepted Sade's college degree on her behalf after her death.

Detective Jo Donner

The lead investigator on the case who pieced together Sade's final hours using technology and surveillance footage.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I knew something wasn't right. Somebody had … hurt my baby.”

— Sheena Scarbrough, Sade's mother

“Seeing her live her life as such a hard worker who never let anything stop her, I knew that she would want me to do that after I lost her, that she would want me to keep living.”

— Adrianna Reams, Sade's sister

“This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.”

— Detective Jo Donner, Lead investigator

What’s next

In August 2025, Maxwell Anderson announced he planned to appeal his conviction.

The takeaway

Sade's tragic death has inspired her family to advocate for greater protections and support for young women, especially Black women and girls, who face disproportionate levels of violence. Her memory lives on through community efforts to honor her and ensure no other family suffers a similar loss.