Executive Summary
Laws and Precedent
A federal jury in Tampa, Florida, has found Lenard White, 37, and Sheldon Robinson, 22, guilty of a contract killing that resulted in the death of 17-year-old high school student I.S. The verdict, returned after a two-week trial on Monday, November 10, 2025, determined they conspired to murder I.S. to prevent her from testifying in court about a sexual assault. Both men face mandatory life sentences, with their sentencing scheduled for January 30, 2026.
Trial Verdict Details
White, also known as “Len,” “Mike Williams,” and “Stick,” and Robinson, known as “Poboy,” were convicted on all charges. These charges include 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 which caused death, discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime, tampering with witnesses, and obstruction of justice.
The Murder Conspiracy
The events leading to the murder began on February 6, 2023, when I.S., a member of her high school’s tennis team and ROTC program, and her mother, L.P., reported to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office that I.S. had been sexually assaulted. Lenard White was identified as the perpetrator of the sexual assault.
The following day, February 7, 2023, Sheldon Robinson arrived at the victims’ home. When the door opened, Robinson fired multiple gunshots, striking both I.S. and L.P. I.S. was fatally struck in the back as she attempted to flee, while L.P. survived despite being hit several times.
Evidence presented at trial revealed that White organized the murder, paying his cousin, Robinson, $6,000 to carry out the killing. White also left the state prior to the murder to establish an alibi, attempting to distance himself from the crime.
Investigation and Obstruction
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) immediately launched an investigation into the murder. Through extensive work, including over 70 federal and state search warrants, investigators developed a comprehensive understanding of how Robinson carried out the killing and identified individuals he recruited for assistance.
Six months after I.S.’s murder, investigators discovered the gun used by Robinson buried in a forested area behind his home. Throughout the ongoing investigation, White and Robinson repeatedly attempted to hinder law enforcement by disposing of evidence, tampering with witnesses, obstructing justice, and making false statements.
The two men even discussed plans to kill another witness to prevent their testimony, mirroring their actions against I.S. A third defendant, Keshawn Woods, previously pleaded guilty to his role in the murder and is currently awaiting sentencing.
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives led the investigation, with substantial assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the State Attorney’s Office – Fifth Judicial Circuit. Assistant United States Attorneys Diego F. Novaes and Samantha Newman are prosecuting the case.
The convictions of Lenard White and Sheldon Robinson underscore the severe consequences for those who resort to violence to obstruct justice. This verdict brings accountability for the brutal murder of a young woman targeted for her willingness to testify in court.
