Four individuals have been charged in connection with a murder-for-hire plot that led to the tragic death of a teenage girl in Florida. Isabella Scavelli, a 17-year-old from Brooksville, was shot dead on her doorstep after reporting a sexual assault to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO). The incident occurred one day after she spoke out against Lenard White, whom she knew. In addition to Scavelli’s death, her mother was seriously injured in the attack. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of Florida has revealed that White hired two men, Sheldon Robinson and Keshawn Woods, to carry out the crime.
During a press conference, investigators disclosed that White offered Robinson approximately $10,000 to murder Scavelli. Shockingly, Robinson then took to social media, openly requesting assistance with the “clean up job” and promising his accomplice $5,000 and cocaine. The HCSO presented evidence in the form of a social media post by Robinson, which displayed the cash and drugs.
Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis expressed his grief over the loss of Scavelli, describing her as a good kid with a bright future. He emphasized that she was not involved in any high-risk activities. The investigation led to the discovery of matching ammunition at Robinson’s residence, and law enforcement officials, working alongside the ATF, found a gun hidden in Robinson’s backyard. Ballistics tests confirmed that the weapon was used in the shooting.
All three individuals involved in the murder-for-hire conspiracy are now in custody and have been charged with various crimes, including conspiracy to commit murder for hire, murder for hire, and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence. White and Robinson face additional charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, tampering with a witness, and obstruction of justice. Robinson’s mother, Janet Williams, has also been charged with providing false statements to federal agents.
If convicted on all counts, White, Robinson, and Woods could face mandatory life imprisonment or the federal death penalty. Williams could receive a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for each count of providing false statements.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of murder-for-hire plots and the devastating impact they have on families and communities. The investigation and prosecution of those involved send a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated by law enforcement.
