'Her spirit still flies': Sade Robinson's family holds remembrance ceremony on two-year anniversary of her disappearance

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Wednesday, April 1, marked two years since Sade Robinson first went missing.

The Milwaukee woman's disappearance and eventual death consumed the community and made national headlines.

On Wednesday, her family gathered in Warnimont Park to celebrate her life.

It was the first memorial the family has held since getting some closure from her killer's trial.

Robinson's mother, Sheena Scarbrough, told us, "It's been very tough for my family and I."

Scarbrough was dealing with the cold and wind. Her family is also still dealing with trauma.

"We're just kind of grasping that," Scarbrough said, "and taking it in one day at a time. It's very challenging."

This memorial was different. It was the first since her killer was convicted of murder last May and sentenced last August to life in prison without parole.

Supporters surrounded Scarbrough Wednesday as she spoke about her daughter.

They included detective JoAnn Donner, who led the investigation that resulted in a murder conviction for Sade's killer.

Donner told us it's still difficult going to the place where the first evidence was found, two years ago.

Other supporters included childhood friends of Sade's, and onetime strangers who became close with the family throughout the ordeal.

Scarbrough read a poem written by one of them: "Leaving behind echoes, unspoken goodbyes, in the hearts of loved ones, and her spirit still flies."

The group gathered between three trees that had been planted in Sade's honor.

They laid flowers on the bench that was built and dedicated to her.

And they passed out flower candles bearing the name of the foundation the family is building.

It aims to help other families and victims through violence prevention and survivor support.

They recently added a licensed therapist who will work pro bono.

And a trainer will teach dating safety and self-defense to young women.

The family continues to lean on the community, connecting online with supporters like Marquis Garner, who said, "I thank the Lord for your mom, your grandma, your sister, and all your friends and family. We are not going to let evil win."

While the family was forced to relive the past throughout the trial, they are trying to focus on the future.

Scarbrough said, "We're sending love. Sade is here. She guides me daily. She is with me daily."

The civil case Sade's family filed against Maxwell Anderson is scheduled to resume May 5 with a status hearing.

Anderson recently hired a new attorney in his criminal case who specializes in appeals, but that attorney would not comment on possible actions in that case.