Four individuals are now facing charges in connection to a murder-for-hire plot that resulted in the death of a 17-year-old girl in Hernando County, Florida. Isabella Scavelli, a junior at Hernando High School, went to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office on February 6, 2023, accompanied by a relative, and reported that she had been sexually assaulted by 36-year-old Lenard White, also known as Len, Mike Williams, and Stick.
Sheriff Al Nienhuis revealed that the following night, Scavelli and her relative answered a knock on their door and were met with gunfire from two assailants. Scavelli was tragically killed, while her relative sustained serious injuries. K9 units were dispatched to the scene and tracked what was believed to be the suspects’ escape route, discovering a shoe near the crime scene. DNA found on the shoe matched 22-year-old Keshawn Woods, a known gang member.
White, the alleged sexual assault suspect, quickly became a suspect in the double shooting. In an attempt to establish an alibi, White spontaneously traveled to Georgia on the same day that Scavelli reported the assault. The investigation uncovered that White paid 21-year-old Sheldon Robinson $10,000 to carry out the murder. Robinson sought assistance on social media, promising $5,000 and cocaine to anyone who would help him. Woods, enticed by the offer, agreed to participate.
During a search of Woods’ residence, law enforcement discovered approximately $4,000 in cash, an illegal firearm, and drugs. Robinson possessed the remaining $6,000, which was found by his mother, Janet Williams, at her home. Williams failed to disclose the money to the authorities. The second shoe matching the one found at the crime scene was also discovered in the getaway vehicle. Ammunition consistent with the gun used in the shooting was located at Robinson’s residence, where he has been held since February 9, 2023.
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the ATF, recently uncovered a weapon hidden in Robinson’s backyard. Ballistics tests confirmed that the gun was used in the attack on Scavelli and her relative. Sheriff Nienhuis expressed his sorrow over the loss of a young life, emphasizing that Scavelli was not involved in any high-risk activities and had a promising future ahead of her.
White has been incarcerated since February 15, 2023, on sexual assault charges, with additional federal charges forthcoming. Woods was apprehended in Brooksville last week by ATF agents and HCSO deputies. Although he was briefly detained in February, he was subsequently released. Woods now faces state charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of a new drug, and possession of paraphernalia.
Robinson has been held in custody since February 9, 2023, on charges of possessing a weapon as a convicted felon and cocaine trafficking. He is also facing a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The three men involved in the murder-for-hire plot have been federally charged with conspiracy to commit murder for hire, murder for hire, and using a firearm during a crime of violence. White and Robinson additionally face federal charges of conspiring to possess controlled substances for distribution, witness tampering, and obstruction of justice. Williams, who was apprehended by ATF agents and HCSO deputies, has been charged with making false statements to an ATF agent.
If convicted, White, Robinson, and Woods could face mandatory life sentences in federal prison, while Williams is facing 15 years behind bars.
