Brooksville, FL – A 37-year-old Florida man, already accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl, has been convicted of orchestrating her murder to prevent her from testifying against him. Federal prosecutors say the teen, 17-year-old Isabella Scavelli, was shot to death in front of her mother, who survived but was gravely injured.
The Incident: Teen Murdered One Day After Reporting Sexual Assault
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, the killing took place on February 7, 2023, just one day after Scavelli and her mother reported a sexual assault by Lenard White, then 35.
On February 6, Scavelli and her mother went to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office and filed a detailed report accusing White of sexually assaulting the teenager.
“The next day, Sheldon Robinson came to their house and knocked on the door,” prosecutors said. “When the door was opened, Robinson fired a barrage of gunshots at Scavelli and her mother.”
As Scavelli attempted to flee, she was struck in the back and collapsed. Her mother, who was shot multiple times, survived and was forced to watch her daughter die, according to court filings.
Investigation and Evidence: A Coordinated Murder Plot
Prosecutors said the murder was planned and paid for by White, who recruited his cousin, 22-year-old Sheldon Robinson, to carry out the killing. Robinson allegedly accepted $6,000, along with drugs, as payment.
Investigators executed more than 70 search warrants, uncovering messages, surveillance footage, and phone data that prosecutors described as a “step-by-step blueprint” of the killing.
Digital evidence recovered from Robinson’s phone revealed:
- Messages asking others for help with “a clean-up job”
- A video of Robinson displaying cash and cocaine allegedly given to him by White
- Conversations about eliminating another witness, similar to Scavelli
In a second search of Robinson’s home six months after the murder, investigators found the murder weapon, buried in a wooded area behind the house.
Prosecutors say White attempted to create an alibi by taking an unplanned trip to Georgia shortly after the sexual assault report.
Both White and Robinson repeatedly tried to destroy evidence, intimidate witnesses, and mislead investigators, authorities said.
Court Proceedings and Charges
A federal jury convicted both men on multiple felony counts, including:
- Premeditated first-degree murder
- Murder-for-hire
- Conspiracy
- Obstruction of justice
The federal convictions mean both men face a mandatory life sentence.
A third defendant, Keshawn Woods, was recruited to help with the attack. Woods has pleaded guilty and is awaiting his sentencing hearing.
White and Robinson are scheduled for sentencing on January 30, 2026.
Statements and Reactions
Prosecutors emphasized the cold, calculated nature of the killing, describing it as a deliberate attempt to silence a teenage victim who spoke up against sexual abuse.
Survivors and community members say the case highlights the danger victims face after reporting sexual violence, especially when the accused attempts to manipulate or retaliate.
Officials praised the collaborative work of federal and local law enforcement, which ultimately brought the case to trial and secured convictions for those involved.
Background Context: Retaliation Murders in Sexual Assault Cases
Legal experts note that retaliation against victims is a grim reality. Cases like Scavelli’s demonstrate the need for:
- Stronger protection measures for victims who come forward
- Secure emergency housing for those fearing retaliation
- Better monitoring of suspects released pending investigation
In federal cases involving murder-for-hire or witness retaliation, prosecutors typically pursue the harshest penalties applicable under U.S. law.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
Sentencing for White and Robinson is expected to be severe due to the mandatory life sentence requirement for federal murder convictions.
Meanwhile, prosecutors are finalizing their case against Woods, whose cooperation could impact his sentencing. Additional witness-tampering investigations remain active, according to officials.
Conclusion
The conviction of White and Robinson brings a measure of justice to the brutal killing of 17-year-old Isabella Scavelli, whose life was ended while trying to seek protection from sexual violence. As the sentencing phase approaches, her case stands as a devastating example of retaliation and the risks victims face when reporting abuse.
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