A man with a history of sexual assault has been found guilty of murder for orchestrating the killing of a teenage girl who reported him to the authorities. Lenard White, aged 37, was reported to the police by Isabella Scavelli and her mother, La Shawn Pope, for sexually assaulting Isabella. Tragically, just a day after the report was made, Isabella was fatally shot at her home by a gunman. The attack was carried out by Sheldon Robinson, whose involvement led to the arrest of White, his cousin.
Following a federal jury trial, the US Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida announced that White was convicted of various charges, including murder and murder for hire. The charges against White included conspiracy to commit murder for hire, witness tampering, obstruction of justice, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and discharging a firearm during a violent crime.
Isabella, a high school junior actively involved in school programs such as ROTC, was shot in the back as she tried to flee from the gunman at her front door. Her mother, La Shawn, was also injured during the incident. La Shawn was airlifted to a hospital in Tampa for treatment, while Isabella tragically passed away.
Subsequent investigations led to the recovery of the murder weapon from Robinson’s backyard, where it had been buried. Both Robinson and White were found guilty of multiple charges and are facing the possibility of receiving multiple life sentences. They are scheduled to be sentenced on January 30, 2026.
