A Florida judge sentenced Shannon Ryan, a self-proclaimed witch doctor, to life in state prison without parole on Friday for the 2020 murder of Leila Cavett, a young mother from Broward County. Cavett’s body has never been found.
Judge Michael Usan delivered the sentence. Ryan showed no reaction. Defense attorneys had asked for a sentence of just over 22 years. A jury convicted Ryan last month.
With no body recovered, prosecutors built the case on circumstantial evidence and video footage. Investigators said Cavett was last seen with Ryan, which contradicts his claim that she left with several men.
Cavett’s family addressed Ryan directly during victim impact statements. Her sister, Gina Cavett, described her as a daughter, a sister and a mother. Her brother, Curtis Cavett Jr., said he wants to know where she is. Family members asked Ryan to tell them where the remains are so Cavett can receive a proper burial.
Cavett’s son, Camdyn, was 2 when he was found wandering alone in Miramar after she disappeared. He is now 8. In a statement read in court by a victim advocate, he said he barely remembers his mother.
Ryan declined the chance to address the court before sentencing. He plans to appeal the conviction and has 30 days to file the motion.
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