Maxwell Anderson's attorney wants him to have laptop access, Sade Robinson's family files wrongful death civil suit

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Maxwell Anderson, the man accused of murdering and dismembering Sade Robinson in early April, will return to court Wednesday morning, June 5, more than a month earlier than expected.

At issue is a request by his attorney to allow him access to a laptop while in jail.

Anderson's attorney wants him to be able to review evidence while he's in custody, but Sade Robinson's family is not happy about the request.

At the same time, Sade Robinson's family is filing a civil lawsuit against Anderson.

CBS 58 obtained a copy of the lawsuit which shows they're requesting a jury trial. If successful, the total amount awarded would be determined by the jury, according to the family's attorney.

On Tuesday, June 4, Robinson's family spoke out about the civil suit.

At a news conference, Sheena Scarbrough, Sade Robinson's mother, said, "This is very traumatic. It's emotional, daily, dealing with trauma, me and my daughter."

The days are not getting easier for Scarbrough or her family as they continue to mourn Sade's death.

Their attorney, Verona Swanigan, said, "They have started to go through some therapy. They are going to be continuing that process."

But a newly filed civil suit could help, as they sue Anderson for damages.

If successful, a jury would determine how much money they would get. Wisconsin law caps wrongful death payouts for adults at $350,000.

But the family is also trying to protect the image of their daughter and secure the rights to Sade's story. No projects have been pitched yet, but they worry someone may try to profit off her in the future.

Swanigan said, "10 years from now... Think of it this way: if it was your child, would you want your child's story told by the criminal?"

The new civil suit is separate from the ongoing criminal case, where Maxwell Anderson is facing homicide, dismemberment, and arson charges.

His attorney told us it's a "reasonable" request to access a laptop in jail to review police reports and other evidence.

But Robinson's family is not happy about it.

Swanigan said, "There should be no special circumstances in this situation."

They worry Anderson could cause more harm with access to a computer, but Anderson's attorney said he would not be able to go online.

Those issues will be discussed in a Wednesday hearing, when Anderson's attorneys will also ask the court to unseal the search warrant findings to see what law enforcement took from Anderson's house.

Amid the proceedings, Sheena Scarbrough is trying to regain control of her life.

Swanigan said, "Right now, her life is in a state of chaos. Every day there's a new comment, there's a new Facebook post."

A recent social media rumor that a finger was found at Anderson's home after it sold is not true.

The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office issued a statement Wednesday that said, "we must dispute the above claim."

It continued, "At no point during this ongoing investigation into Robinson’s death has a finger or any other body part been discovered by MCSO, the Milwaukee Police Department or any other involved law enforcement agency at Anderson’s home or on his property."

In the civil suit, Sade's family wants all proceeds from the sale of Anderson's home.

In the meantime, they're trying to get through each difficult day.

The family and their attorney also want an immediate halt on Anderson's access to assets, like profits from his home, bank accounts, and any businesses.

Maxwell Anderson is scheduled to appear at 9 a. m. Wednesday morning. Sade Robinson's family plans to be there.