Two men convicted in murder-for-hire plot after teenager reported sexual assault

Two men convicted in murder-for-hire plot after teenager reported sexual assault

Two men convicted in murder-for-hire plot after teenager reported sexual assault

Brooksville, FL

Lenard White was found guilty of premeditated first-degree murder and murder-for-hire on Monday in connection with the death of 17-year-old Isabella Scavelli. His cousin, Sheldon Robinson, received the same verdict for accepting $6,000 from White to facilitate the fatal shooting.

Jurors heard that on February 6, Scavelli and her mother accused White of sexually assaulting the teenager. The next day Robinson allegedly shot Scavelli in front of her mother, who was also injured in the attack.

Evidence presented at trial indicated that Scavelli was killed as she attempted to flee from her front door. Prosecutors stated that White had traveled to Georgia shortly after reporting the assault in an effort to establish an alibi.

Investigators executed over 70 search warrants, which led to a detailed understanding of Robinson’s actions on the day of the murder. Communications from Robinson’s phone revealed requests for assistance with a “clean-up job” linked to the crime.

Months after the incident, authorities recovered the handgun used in the murder from a wooded area behind Robinson’s home. White and Robinson were accused of trying to hinder the investigation by tampering with evidence and making false statements to law enforcement.

Robinson and White also discussed plans to kill another potential witness. A third defendant, Keshawn Woods, has pleaded guilty in connection with the case and is awaiting sentencing.

Sentencing for White and Robinson is scheduled for January 30, 2026. They face mandatory life sentences in federal prison.

Man convicted of murdering pregnant girlfriend will face death penalty decision

Jury seating area - file photo.

Man convicted of murdering pregnant girlfriend will face death penalty decision

Sanford, FL A jury will determine whether Donovan L. Faison, 23, receives the death penalty or life in prison following his conviction for the first-degree murder of his girlfriend, Kaylin Fiengo. The verdict was reached on Monday, and the sentencing phase is set to begin on Wednesday.

Fiengo, 18, was shot and killed in November 2022 after revealing her pregnancy to Faison via text message. Prosecutors say Faison’s anger escalated when he received the news, as he was living with another woman.

Evidence presented at trial included text messages where Faison expressed his intent to harm Fiengo. Prosecutor Domenick Leo stated that these texts clearly demonstrated Faison’s plans leading up to the shooting.

On the night of Fiengo’s death, she arrived at Coastline Park to meet Faison. Officers found her unresponsive in her car, suffering from a gunshot wound.

The investigation lasted 10 months and included thorough analysis of all evidence collected. Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith emphasized that the effort was exhaustive to ensure justice for Fiengo and her family.

Faison was arrested in August 2023. He is also charged with the killing of Fiengo’s unborn child.

Fiengo is survived by her year-old son. Her father expressed devastation over her loss, underscoring the impact on the family.

Both Fiengo’s parents released statements highlighting her caring nature and dedication as a mother. The murder has been described as senseless by authorities involved in the case.

Man convicted of murdering parents and housekeeper after intervention ultimatum

Jury seating area - file photo.

Man convicted of murdering parents and housekeeper after intervention ultimatum

Newport Beach, CA

A 34-year-old man has been found guilty of killing his parents and their housekeeper. Camden Burton Nicholson was convicted on Wednesday of three counts of first-degree murder in the Orange County Superior Court.

The jury also found him guilty of special circumstances for committing multiple murders. The crimes occurred in February 2019 after his parents demanded he seek treatment for his mental health and substance abuse issues.

Prosecutors revealed that after the murders, Nicholson stole his parents’ car and made a series of unrelated purchases. He spent money at a marijuana dispensary and on sex toys.

During the trial, it was established that Nicholson was dependent on his parents although they threatened to cut him off if he did not seek help. On February 11, 2019, he attacked his father at their home, stabbing him repeatedly.

Nicholson then concealed his father’s body in a bathroom to prevent blood from spilling into the hallway. When his mother returned home, he killed her in the garage with a metal statue and other stabbing motions.

The following morning, he attacked housekeeper Maria Morse as she arrived to clean the residence. He inflicted multiple stab wounds and slit her throat before hiding her remains in a storage bin.

After the murders, Nicholson stole a vehicle and went to a medical facility in Irvine. There, he called 911 and informed emergency services of the killings, claiming self-defense against his parents.

Officers conducted a welfare check at the family home. They described the scene as chaotic and found the victims inside. The sanity phase of Nicholson’s trial began on Thursday to determine his mental state during the crimes.

New York District Attorney announces conviction in animal neglect case

New york district attorney announces conviction in animal neglect case

District attorney announces conviction in animal neglect case

MONROE, NY – A jury has convicted Hannah Rose, 33, of Monroe, on two counts of failure to provide proper food and drink to an impounded animal. The verdict was announced by Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler on Friday.

The incident dates back to December 7, when a concerned neighbor reported loud barking from Rose’s residence, indicating the presence of dogs inside. Following this, the Village of Monroe Police Department attempted to make contact with Rose but could not locate her.

On December 13, the police returned to the residence again and reported seeing dogs living in unsanitary conditions. They executed a search warrant and rescued two dogs, a German Shepherd and a Husky, who were found hungry and thirsty.

Following the arrest, Rose admitted the dogs were hers, but the home showed no signs of occupancy. The animals were found surrounded by excrement and without access to food or water.

The dogs have been seized and are now in the care of the Hudson Valley Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Rose is scheduled for sentencing on December 17.

Hoovler expressed gratitude toward the Village of Monroe Police Department for their role in the investigation and thanked the HVSPCA for assistance. “Animals are loving companions who never deserve to be neglected or abused,” he stated.

The charges against Rose are allegations and do not constitute evidence of guilt, as all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Hannah Rose faces a December sentencing after being convicted of animal neglect.

Newburgh man convicted of rape headed for prison

Newburgh man convicted of rape headed for prison

Newburgh man convicted of rape, jailed without bail

NEWBURGH, NY — Ernst Gilles, 24, of New Windsor has been convicted of Rape in the Third Degree and Unlawful Imprisonment in the Second Degree after a jury trial at the Orange County Court. He was remanded to the Orange County Jail without bail following the verdict and is set to be sentenced on January 14.

The case stemmed from an incident on July 22, 2024, when Gilles engaged in sexual intercourse with another person without consent, allegedly preventing the victim from leaving. Authorities reported that the incident was reported swiftly, leading to an investigation by the City of Newburgh Police Department, resulting in his arrest.

District Attorney David M. Hoovler expressed gratitude toward the police department for their efforts in this case. “The guilty verdict announced today affirms how the truth of a brave survivor cannot be silenced,” he stated.

Hoovler highlighted the work of law enforcement and prosecutors, saying, “We continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute the most challenging cases to achieve a just result.” He also commended Senior Assistant District Attorney Michael Purcell and Assistant District Attorney Ralph Anthony for their prosecution efforts.

This criminal charge carries serious implications, but all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The burden of proof lies with the State of New York to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case adds to ongoing discussions about crime and justice in the region. As Gilles awaits sentencing, his conviction marks a significant moment in the legal process surrounding sexual offenses in the area.

The outcome of this trial underscores the commitment to hold offenders accountable for their actions.