A man charged with the murder of a 14-year-old girl in Florida will not face the death penalty, prosecutors announced this week, as state attorneys reassess their approach following recent judicial developments.
Background
The victim, identified as Sade White, was reported missing from her Palm Beach County home on March 3, 2024. Search teams found her body three days later in a remote area of western Palm Beach County. Investigators quickly identified David Robinson, 28, as a person of interest.
Robinson was taken into custody on March 8, 2024, and charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, and sexual battery. Prosecutors initially announced they would seek the death penalty, making Robinson eligible for capital punishment despite Florida's prohibition on executing individuals for crimes committed while juveniles.
The Charges
State Attorney Dave Aronberg confirmed Tuesday that his office will not pursue capital punishment in the case. The decision follows a Florida Supreme Court ruling last month that strengthened protections against death penalty eligibility in certain circumstances.
Robinson remains charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, and sexual battery. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The case is scheduled for trial in September 2026.
The prosecution cited the Florida Supreme Court's March 2026 decision in State v. Hawkins as the primary reason for removing the death penalty from consideration. That ruling held that Florida's capital sentencing scheme cannot be applied in cases where the victim's age was not a factor considered during the original charging decision.
Key Takeaways
- David Robinson, 28, is charged with murdering 14-year-old Sade White in Palm Beach County
- Prosecutors will not seek the death penalty following a recent Florida Supreme Court ruling
- Robinson faces charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and sexual battery
- Trial is scheduled for September 2026
What's Next
Robinson will appear for a pre-trial hearing on May 15, 2026. The defense has filed a motion to suppress certain evidence obtained during the investigation, which the court will also consider at that hearing. Prosecutors have indicated they will seek life imprisonment without parole if Robinson is convicted on the murder charge.
The case continues to draw attention from victim's rights advocates who have called for harsh penalties despite the death penalty being off the table. Sade White's family has expressed frustration with the legal process, stating they believe justice requires the maximum available sentence.