MADISON, Wis. — Wednesday marked day two of the trial of Maxwell Anderson, the man accused of killing and dismembering Sade Robinson.

Family and friends of Robinson sat somber in the courtroom, including her mother. Family members of Anderson were also there, in a separate area. Anderson looked straight ahead during proceedings as opening statements were made.

A jury was sat Tuesday and opening statements were made Wednesday. A few witnesses were called Wednesday as well.

The booking mug of Maxwell Anderson is seen as part of state exhibit in the trial of Anderson, center, who sits with defense attorneys, Anthony Cotton, left and Jason Findling, to the left of Anderson in Milwaukee County court on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. Anderson is charged with first-degree intentional homicide, mutilation of a corpse, and arson in the death of Sade Carleena Robinson. (Pool via Angela Peterson/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Anderson faces multiple felony charges — including: first degree intentional homicide, mutilating and hiding a corpse and arson of property other than a building — related to the death of Robinson, according to court records.

“The evidence in this case is going to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Maxwell Anderson intentionally killed Sade Robinson and then sought to have her disappear from this world,” said prosecutor Ian Vance-Curzan.

Prosecutor Ian Vance-Curzan gives opening statement in the trial of Maxwell Anderson on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in the second day of the trial at Milwaukee County courthouse. (Pool via Angela Peterson/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Anthony Cotton, Anderson’s defense attorney, said the evidence doesn’t add up.

“The state knows that there are serious holes in their case,” Cotton said. “They know it. They know that there’s reasonable doubt, and that’s why they’re coming at you with this phrase like common sense.”

Prosecutors said 19-year-old Robinson disappeared after a first date with then-33-year-old Anderson. Within 24 hours, her car was found torched with the clothes she was last wearing in the trunk.

Also within 24 hours of that first date, Robinson’s severed leg was discovered along a beach in Cudahy.

Osyrus Terrell is sworn in before testifying on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Milwaukee County court for the state in the trial of Maxwell Anderson. Terrell was at Warnimont Park with a friend and discovered a leg on the beach. Anderson is charged with first-degree intentional homicide, mutilation of a corpse and arson in the death of Sade Carleena Robinson. (Pool via Angela Peterson/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Osyrus Terrell, one of the first witnesses to testify, was one of the people who found her leg while out on a walk. He said it’s been hard to process what he found that day.

“Even now, I don’t think it’s really hit me,” Terrell said.

Law enforcement officers who responded to that scene also took the stand.

“As we continued walking, he got startled really quick and I was like, ‘What’s up?’” said Cudahy Police Officer Zachary DeSmet. “He’s like, ‘[The leg’s] right there.’”

The prosecution shared that Anderson has incriminating photos of Robinson on his phone.

The defense team said there is no DNA evidence linking Anderson to the crime. They also said police did not find any heavy equipment that would be required to dismember a body in Anderson’s possession, or in his home.

Fifteen jurors - 12 women and three men - listened to the proceedings in court. Three of those jurors are alternates. Twelve of them will ultimately determine Anderson’s fate.

The trial is expected to last about two weeks, with more than 250 names appearing on the state’s witness list.