A man, Lenard White, has been found guilty of murder after orchestrating the killing of a 17-year-old girl who had reported his sexual assault to the police. Isabella Scavelli and her mother, La Shawn Pope, reported White’s actions to the authorities in Hernando County, Florida. Tragically, Isabella was fatally shot the day after making the report, when a gunman attacked her at her home.
The assailant, Sheldon Robinson, who carried out the shooting, was crucial in leading the police to apprehend White, who is his cousin. White has been convicted by a federal jury on multiple charges, including murder and murder for hire, according to the US Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
Isabella, a high school junior involved in various school activities, including the ROTC program, was shot while trying to seek help after spotting Robinson at her doorstep. Her mother, La Shawn, also sustained injuries during the attack.
After the incident, La Shawn was airlifted to a hospital for treatment. The authorities, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, identified Robinson and White as suspects. The murder weapon was recovered from Robinson’s backyard, where he had buried it six months later.
Both White and Robinson have been convicted on multiple charges and are facing the possibility of multiple life sentences. Their sentencing is scheduled for January 30, 2026.
