Family says Sade Robinson's storage unit was emptied in apparent theft
CBS 58 MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — A storage unit full of Sade Robinson's belongings has been robbed, according to Milwaukee police and the storage company.
Her mother, Sheena Scarbrough, told CBS 58 Thursday, July 16, she wants answers and the return of sentimental and priceless items.
But there are few answers right now. Scarbrough isn't sure when or why her storage unit was cleaned out. Regardless, she said it's adding to the family's pain.
“This was just a stab in the heart," Scarbrough said. "It’s like losing her all over again.”
After years of tragedy, trauma and a trial, Robinson's family is trying to move forward.
Part of that means honoring and remembering the woman they lost.
Two years ago, Scarbrough rented a unit at Extra Space Storage on North Richards Street, filling it with Robinson's clothes, furniture, mementos and memories.
But when she went to the unit last Friday, July 10, it was empty.
Scarbrough said, “This is sentimental. These are heirlooms. These were things for Adriana. These are things that cannot be replaced.”
Scarbrough said only she, her mother and one other family member knew about the unit. A gate code and key were needed to access it, and no one else had the key.
Extra Space Storage said in a statement, "This is an unusual, targeted break-in." A company spokesperson said by phone there was no damage to the unit and no other units were affected.
Milwaukee police confirmed a theft investigation, saying, "An unknown person removed property from the victim’s storage unit."
Scarbrough told CBS 58, “This hurts. This has caused extreme, additional mental and emotional distress to me.”
Extra Space Storage said that back in May, Scarbrough's payments had lapsed. Scarbrough disputes that. Regardless, the two sides spoke.
After understanding the situation, the company kept the storage unit from going up for auction. Extra Space Storage said none of its employees disposed of any items.
As police investigate, Scarbrough said she's praying Robinson's belongings are found.
“The trauma, the layers of trauma that we continuously have to deal with, ongoing and ongoing. It is ridiculous. It is like no time allotted for healing or trying to find any peace.”
A spokesperson for Extra Space Storage said the company is trying to get in touch with Scarbrough directly to help with the insurance process and the police investigation.
CBS 58 has shared that contact information with Scarbrough to help the two sides connect.
