Trial delayed for Maxwell Anderson, man accused of killing Sade Robinson
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — The trial for a man accused of murdering a woman on a first date has been delayed several months.
Maxwell Anderson, 34, is charged with killing and dismembering 19-year-old Sade Robinson in April of this year.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Anderson's trial was scheduled to begin Monday, Dec. 9. That is now delayed at the request of his attorney.
"This is not a request I make lightly, because we've kept weeks set aside for this trial, as has the court, as has the state, as has everybody," Anderson's attorney, Anthony Cotton, said at Monday's scheduling hearing.
Cotton said he needs more time before going in front of a jury, because a forensic expert based in Florida is examining Anderson's cellphone data.
"Our expert will not be done with his report or his review by the trial date. He needs another month or so," Cotton explained.
A hard drive with a full forensic copy of the phone was mailed to Florida last week.
Cotton said he needs a finalized report before trial, as it could potentially provide an alibi for Anderson.
"The expert believes that there's evidence on Mr. Anderson's phone that suggests that he was using the internet, presumably at his home, during the timeframe that another person would have been driving Ms. Robinson's car around," Cotton said.
The state said they stand by their allegation that Anderson was driving Robinson's car in the early hours of April 2.
"It's never been a secret where we've alleged that Maxwell Anderson was that night," said Assistant District Attorney Ian Vance-Curzan.
Judge Laura Crivello granted the motion to adjourn Monday, to allow the defense to prepare properly before trial.
"I do understand that the amount of discovery is immense. I know that as of last week, we were still discussing turning over reports for both sides," Crivello noted.
The next scheduling conference is set for Feb. 10, 2025.
Trial is now tentatively scheduled to begin on May 27, 2025.