Lenard White and Sheldon Robinson have each been sentenced on Mar. 16 to two consecutive life terms plus 100 years for the murder of a 17-year-old girl in Hernando County, according to United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe.
The sentencing follows their conviction by a federal jury on Oct. 29, 2025, for charges including conspiracy to commit murder for hire, murder for hire, premeditated first degree murder, discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence resulting in death, tampering with witnesses, and obstruction of justice.
Evidence presented at trial showed that on Feb. 6, 2023, the victim and her mother reported a sexual assault to local authorities. The next day, Robinson arrived at their home and fired multiple gunshots when the door was opened. The victim was killed as she tried to flee; her mother survived despite being shot several times.
Investigators determined that White orchestrated the killing after sexually assaulting the victim and leaving the state to create an alibi. Robinson carried out the shooting for $6,000. Authorities recovered the murder weapon buried behind Robinson’s home six months later during an ongoing investigation involving more than 70 search warrants.
White and Robinson also attempted to obstruct justice by disposing of evidence and tampering with witnesses. They discussed plans to harm another witness against them.
A third defendant in the case, Keshawn Woods, previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced on Jan. 13, 2026, to 17 years in federal prison. The case was investigated by multiple agencies including the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Diego F. Novaes and Samantha Newman.
