A man, Lenard White, has been found guilty of murder after orchestrating the killing of a 17-year-old girl who had reported him to the police for sexual assault. Isabella Scavelli and her mother, La Shawn Pope, reported White to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office in Florida on February 6, 2023. Tragically, Isabella was shot dead the next day by a gunman who opened fire on her at her home.
Sheldon Robinson, the gunman, was identified in the case, leading to the capture of White, who is his cousin. Following a federal jury trial, the US Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida confirmed White’s conviction for multiple offenses, including murder and murder for hire.
White was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder for hire, witness tampering, obstruction of justice, firearm-related charges, and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. Isabella, a high school junior active in various school programs, including ROTC, was shot in the back as she tried to flee for help upon seeing Robinson at her door.
La Shawn, Isabella’s mother, was also injured in the attack and witnessed her daughter’s tragic death. She was airlifted to a Tampa hospital for treatment. The murder weapon was later recovered from Robinson’s backyard, where he had buried it months prior.
Both White and Robinson were convicted of several charges and now face multiple life sentences. They are scheduled to appear in court for sentencing on January 30, 2026.