A Devastating Case of Violence and Obstruction of Justice
In a tragic case that shocked Florida communities, two men have been convicted in a brutal murder-for-hire plot that claimed the life of a high school junior who had reported sexual assault. The case, which concluded with guilty verdicts last week, reveals a disturbing chain of events that culminated in senseless violence against a young woman and her family.
Lenard White, 36, was found guilty of orchestrating the murder of 17-year-old Isabella Scavelli after she reported him for sexual molestation. According to federal prosecutors, White paid his cousin, Sheldon Robinson, 21, at least $6,000 to kill Scavelli in order to prevent her from testifying about a 2023 sexual assault. The premeditated nature of the crime was evident when investigators discovered that White had posted online seeking someone to commit murder and deliberately ensured he was out of state when the shooting occurred—a transparent attempt to establish an alibi that ultimately failed to convince authorities.
The violence unfolded on February 7, 2023, just one day after Scavelli had reported the sexual assault to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office. When she answered the door at her family home, Robinson unleashed what prosecutors described as “a barrage of gunshots.” The tragic scene was made even more horrific as Scavelli’s mother was also wounded in the attack. According to court records, the fatal bullet struck Scavelli in the back as she fled from the front door seeking help. Her mother, despite being shot multiple times, survived the attack but was forced to witness her daughter’s death as she lay injured on the ground—a devastating moment that underscores the profound human toll of this crime.
The investigation revealed a wider conspiracy beyond the two main perpetrators. A third accomplice, 22-year-old Keshawn Woods, previously pleaded guilty to his role in the murder plot. Additionally, Robinson’s mother, Janet Williams, faces charges for allegedly lying to investigators in an attempt to conceal the crime. The investigation also uncovered that White and Robinson had discussed eliminating another potential witness, demonstrating the calculated and callous nature of their conspiracy. The comprehensive charges against the group included not only murder and conspiracy but also tampering with evidence and obstruction of justice, reflecting the multifaceted efforts to both commit the crime and cover it up afterward.
The human dimension of this case extends far beyond the courtroom proceedings. Isabella Scavelli was a high school junior with her entire life ahead of her. Her decision to report sexual assault to authorities demonstrated remarkable courage—the very quality that White sought to silence permanently. The attack not only ended a young life full of promise but also devastated a family, leaving her mother with both physical wounds and the psychological trauma of witnessing her daughter’s murder. Communities across Florida have been left to grapple with the shocking betrayal of trust and the exploitation of family connections to perpetrate violence, as White recruited his own cousin to commit this heinous act.
Both White and Robinson now face “multiple mandatory life sentences” when they return to court for sentencing in January, following their conviction by a federal jury after a two-week trial. While the judicial system has delivered accountability, no verdict can restore what was lost—a young woman’s life, a family’s sense of safety, and a community’s innocence. This case stands as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of violence and the critical importance of protecting vulnerable individuals who come forward to report abuse. It also highlights the unwavering dedication of law enforcement and prosecutors who worked to ensure that despite the conspirators’ efforts to obstruct justice, they would ultimately be held accountable for their actions.
