It was supposed to be a fun night. Just dinner, a few laughs, maybe a movie. For 25-year-old Maxwell Anderson, it was his first real attempt at moving on after a rough breakup. For 24-year-old Samantha Green, it was a chance to meet someone new and see where things might go. Both had matched on a dating app and had been chatting for over two weeks. They seemed to have things in common — music, movies, love for dogs, and a shared frustration with the dating world.
On a chilly Friday evening in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, they decided to meet in person.
They chose a low-key, cozy Mexican restaurant downtown. Maxwell arrived first, nervous but hopeful. Samantha walked in minutes later, wearing a black leather jacket, jeans, and a friendly smile. From all accounts — including the restaurant’s waiter — the date started out well. They ordered margaritas, shared nachos, and laughed. They even posted a selfie together on their Instagram stories with the caption: “Finally met the crazy guy 😂.”
But everything went downhill after dinner.
Something Felt Off
After the meal, they walked a short distance to a nearby bar for a nightcap. Surveillance footage later showed them entering the bar around 10:15 p.m. At around 11:40 p.m., they left — but Samantha didn’t look happy. Eyewitnesses say the two were arguing outside. Samantha was waving her hands, clearly frustrated, while Maxwell kept trying to calm her down. A taxi driver nearby would later say she yelled something about “boundaries” and “you’re drunk.”
CCTV footage showed Maxwell following Samantha toward a parking lot. That was the last time Samantha was seen alive.
Missing Persons Report
By Saturday morning, Samantha’s friends grew worried. She hadn’t returned their calls or texts. She also hadn’t posted anything on social media, which was unusual. Her roommate reported her missing that afternoon.
Maxwell, on the other hand, was silent. He didn’t call the police. He didn’t post anything. His phone records would later show that he googled “how to delete tracking data from iPhone” and “can police track deleted messages.”
By Sunday, the case had made the local news.
Police pinged Samantha’s phone and traced her last known location to a wooded area near the lake, just five miles from the bar. A search was launched.
The Discovery
On Monday morning, Samantha’s body was found — half-buried, with bruises around her neck and signs of a violent struggle. She had been strangled to death. Her purse and phone were missing.
The medical examiner’s report showed defensive wounds on her arms, broken nails, and evidence of sexual assault. Police immediately began looking at Maxwell as the prime suspect.
The Arrest
Maxwell was arrested two days later after a short chase in his car. When police searched his apartment, they found Samantha’s phone, a shovel with dirt on it, and her missing purse hidden under his bed.
In his initial interrogation, Maxwell claimed he “blacked out” and “didn’t remember” what happened after they left the bar. But investigators weren’t buying it. Digital forensics showed he had googled “how long before a body starts to smell” and “is strangulation traceable.”
Maxwell was charged with:
First-degree intentional homicide
First-degree sexual assault
Hiding a corpse
Tampering with evidence
The Trial
The trial began six months later and quickly became a media frenzy. Maxwell’s defense team argued that he suffered from mental health issues, had no prior criminal history, and had snapped under emotional pressure. They claimed Samantha had insulted him, triggering his trauma from past abuse.
But the prosecution presented a chilling story of premeditation, obsession, and deception. They presented text messages where Maxwell had told a friend just a week earlier:
“These girls play with your mind, bro. One day someone’s going to make them stop.”
The jury deliberated for less than four hours.
The Verdict
Maxwell Anderson was found guilty on all counts. He showed no emotion as the judge sentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Samantha’s mother, in a heartbreaking victim impact statement, said:
“My daughter just wanted to find love. She found a monster instead.”
Aftermath
The story sent shockwaves through the dating community in Milwaukee and beyond. Many women began sharing similar experiences online — of men who turned aggressive, obsessive, or manipulative after being rejected.
Dating apps began reviewing their safety protocols, and a petition was launched demanding mandatory background checks for new users.
Samantha’s friends launched the “Samantha’s Safe Date” Foundation, an organization focused on dating safety awareness, especially for young women.
Coolvalstories Reflection
This is not fiction. It’s a real story about a life lost simply because someone couldn’t take “no” for an answer. Samantha Green didn’t die in a dark alley — she died after dinner with someone she thought she could trust.
The lesson? The first date might be fun… but always protect yourself. Share your location. Meet in public. Stay alert. And if something feels off — leave.
No date is worth your life.
