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Self-proclaimed "witch doctor" sentenced to life in prison for 2020 murder of young mother in Broward

Marcus Chen
Managing Editor · Friday, October 23, 2026 at 10:04 PM · 1 min read
Self-proclaimed "witch doctor" sentenced to life in prison for 2020 murder of young mother in Broward — CBS Miami, Coconut Creek Health news
Image: CBS Miami

A Florida judge sentenced a self-proclaimed witch doctor to life in state prison without parole on Friday for the 2020 murder of a young mother in Broward, whose body has never been found.Shannon Ryan showed no reaction as Judge Michael Usan delivered the sentence. Defense attorneys had requested a sentence of just over 22 years. Ryan was convicted by a jury last month.Because Leila Cavett's body was never located, the conviction was based on circumstantial evidence and video footage. Investigators said Cavett was last seen with Ryan, contradicting his claims that she left with several men.During emotional victim impact statements, Cavett's family appealed directly to Ryan in court."My sister was more than a victim; she was a daughter, a sister, and most importantly, a mother," said her sister, Gina Cavett.Her brother, Curtis Cavett Jr., demanded answers regarding her whereabouts. "I want the truth. I want to know what you did to my sister. I want to know where she is," he said.Family

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