NewsLa OpiniónOctober 24, 2026Los Angeles County
Judge sentences Shannon Ryan to life in prison for the murder of Leila Cavett
Photo: La Opinión
A Florida court sentenced Shannon Ryan to life in prison without parole for the second-degree murder of Leila Cavett, whose body has not been found since her disappearance in July 2020. Ryan declined to make a statement in court and plans to appeal his conviction within 30 days.
Read the full story at La OpiniónWhy It Matters
The sentencing concludes the criminal trial for a high-profile disappearance in South Florida, leaving the victim's family without the recovery of her remains.
Key Facts
- Shannon Ryan was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on Friday, October 23.
- A jury found Ryan guilty of second-degree murder in September for the death of Leila Cavett.
- Leila Cavett was 21 years old when she disappeared in July 2020 while visiting South Florida from Georgia.
- Cavett's body has never been found.
- Cavett's young son was found alone the day after she was last seen on July 25, 2020.
- The victim's white Chevrolet truck was discovered in a Walmart parking lot near Miramar and Hollywood, Florida.
- Prosecutors used circumstantial evidence and surveillance footage, including video of Ryan carrying a large trash bag to a gas station dumpster, to build their case.
- Investigators stated that Ryan purchased items including trash bags and carpet odor eliminator around the time of the disappearance.
- Ryan has prior felony convictions in Alabama for third-degree burglary and trespassing in a vehicle.
- Ryan declined to make a statement during the sentencing hearing and plans to appeal within 30 days.
Who's Mentioned
locationMiramar“City near the location where the victim's truck was found”PersonGina Cavett“Sister of the victim”locationAlabama“State where Ryan has prior felony records”PersonLeila Cavett“Victim whose disappearance led to the murder conviction”locationFlorida“State where the disappearance and trial occurred”OrganizationWalmart“Location where the victim's white Chevrolet truck was found”PersonShannon Ryan“Convicted defendant sentenced to life in prison”OrganizationNBC 6 Miami“News organization reporting on the sentencing”locationGeorgia“Home state of Leila Cavett prior to visiting South Florida”OrganizationCBS Miami“News organization reporting on the sentencing”locationHollywood“City near the location where the victim's truck was found”OrganizationSouth Florida Sun Sentinel“News organization reporting on the sentencing”PersonCurtis Cavett Jr.“Brother of the victim”