What to know about Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office investigation on Sade Robinson's death
The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office said Friday that two dive searches in Lake Michigan to find additional remains of Sade Robinson have been unsuccessful.
In a news release, the agency said it asked a nonprofit maritime search and rescue team, Bruce’s Legacy, to perform two searches in recent weeks, most recently on Monday. The organization involves volunteer divers and sonar equipment, according to its website.
Monday’s search was conducted near Warnimont Park in Cudahy, where the first of Robinson’s remains were found in April.
“Our prayers continue for Ms. Robinson’s family and loved ones,” the release said.
Law enforcement have arrested and charged 33-year-old Maxwell Anderson with first-degree intentional homicide in the case. He remains in custody, according to jail records.
Friday’s news release comes as community members continue to vent frustrations over law enforcement’s investigation into Robinson’s death and efforts to locate all of her remains.
It also comes as a memorial service for Robinson is planned for her 20th birthday, on May 10.
Here are other updates provided Friday:
Sheriff’s office repeats that the investigation has not “slowed down”
The agency said Friday that a dedicated team of detectives, which built the case against Anderson, continues to sort through tips and evidence.
In late April, agency officials said the investigators are working the case daily and have searched several locations in Milwaukee County more than once for additional remains.
Anderson has not been released from custody since his arrest
In response to social media posts claiming Anderson had been released from custody, the sheriff’s office said again Friday that “Anderson has not been out of custody at all since he was first arrested.”
Anderson was arrested April 4, three days after Robinson’s remains were first found in Warnimont Park.
Milwaukee County Jail logs show he remained in custody Friday. He is being held on a $5 million cash bail.
Nobody has “inappropriately” entered Anderson’s home
Community members have previously expressed concerns about Anderson’s family entering his home on the city’s south side and removing property. The sheriff’s office repeated Friday that at this stage in the investigation, anyone granted permission by Anderson to enter his home may do so.
The agency said local, state and federal investigators have already searched Anderson’s home “multiple times” to secure evidence.
“After those search warrants were fulfilled and potential evidence gathered, the law allowed anyone authorized by the homeowner to enter the home and even remove personal property,” the statement said. “No such action harmed this criminal investigation.”
The potential sale of Anderson’s home won’t harm the investigation
The sheriff’s office referenced a possibility that Anderson’s home may be sold. In that scenario, “if at any point investigators determine they need to re-enter the home, they will secure another search warrant and do so, no matter who owns the home,” the agency said.
How to show support for Robinson’s family
Robinson’s family has set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for memorial services. With a stated goal of $30,000, the page raised nearly $64,000 as of midday Friday.
Services are expected to be held from 3 to 5:30 p.m. May 10 at the Baird Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave. A public reception is scheduled for Saturday, but details have not yet been made available.
Others have also honored Robinson by displaying the color pink, her favorite color. In April, community members decorated Anderson’s home with pink items. The lights of the Hoan Bridge also turned pink.
Robinson, 19, was a month away from earning an associates degree in criminal justice at Milwaukee Area Technical College when she was killed. Her family said she considered pursuing a career with the U.S. Air Force.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee County Sheriff investigation update on Sade Robinson's death
