4 Charged in Death of Brooksville Teen, 3 Could Face the Death Penalty

BROOKSVILLE – Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis joined members of the ATF and U.S. State Attorney's Office today, to announce a federal Grand Jury indictment of four suspects involved in the February 2023 murder of a 17-year-old Brooksville girl.

Isabella Scavelli was murdered in her Brooksville home on February 7th, one day after she filed a sexual assault complaint with the Sheriff's Office against 36-year-old Lenard White.

Officials say White paid 21-year-old Sheldon Robinson $10,000 to murder Scavelli in an effort to prevent her from testifying. To assist with the murder, Robinson brazenly posted an ad on social media, offering $5,000 and some cocaine to help him do a "cleanup job." 21-year-old Keshawn Woods, a documented gang member, accepted the offer.

Officials say, that on the evening of February 7th, Woods and Robinson knocked on Scavelli's door. When she opened the door, the two suspects opened fire, killing Scavelli and seriously injuring a 57-year-old occupant.

During the investigation, detectives determined that Robinson hid cash and the firearm used to kill Scavelli in his mother's home. Robinson's mother, 44-year-old Janet Williams, lied to investigators and faces federal charges of making false statements to federal agents.

White, Robinson, and Woods face several charges including Conspiracy to Commit Murder and Murder for Hire. If convicted, all three suspects would face a minimum of life in prison or the death penalty. Williams could face up to five years behind bars for her part in obstructing the investigation.