The family of Sade Robinson, a 19-year-old Milwaukee woman whose brutal death shocked the community in April 2024, has filed a lawsuit against two downtown bars.
The family is alleging they overserved her alcohol and failed to verify her age — actions the family believes contributed to her tragic demise.
Filed Tuesday, April 1, 2025, the civil lawsuit names Twisted Fisherman, LLC, and Duke’s On Water, Inc., as defendants.
The suit argues that staff at both establishments served Robinson multiple alcoholic beverages without checking her ID, leaving her visibly intoxicated and vulnerable to the man prosecutors say later killed and dismembered her, 33-year-old Maxwell Anderson.
“Her intoxicated condition was a substantial factor contributing to her inability to recognize danger, assess risk or protect herself from violence,” said Verona E. Swanigan, attorney for Robinson’s estate.
Bars Allegedly Ignored Warning Signs
According to the suit, Robinson first visited Twisted Fisherman on April 1, 2024, then later went to Duke’s on the Water with Anderson.
The complaint states that both establishments knowingly served hard liquor and shots to Robinson, despite her being underage and exhibiting clear signs of impairment such as slurred speech, lack of balance, and diminished awareness — warning signs the lawsuit argues should have been “readily observable to bar staff.”
Surveillance footage allegedly captured these indicators before Robinson left with Anderson. She was later reported missing after failing to return home or respond to calls from loved ones.
Tragically, a severed leg confirmed to belong to Robinson was discovered in Warnimont Park in Cudahy. Additional human remains were found near 31st and Galena, close to where her burned vehicle was located.
Seeking Justice
The family is seeking unspecified damages for negligence, wrongful death, and emotional distress, contending the bars played a significant role in setting the circumstances that led to Sade’s death.
Attempts to reach representatives from Twisted Fisherman and Duke’s on Water for comment were unsuccessful as of Thursday.
Criminal Case Moving Forward
Maxwell Anderson remains in custody on a $5 million bond. He has pleaded not guilty to charges including first-degree intentional homicide, mutilation of a corpse, and arson. His trial is scheduled to begin May 27, with a final pretrial hearing set for April 18.
Sade Robinson’s family continues to grieve while calling for accountability — not only from her accused killer, but from the businesses they believe contributed to her tragic end.
