Man Arraigned on Second-Degree Murder Charges in Leila Cavett Case

Shannon Ryan, 39, pled not guilty to the murder charges.

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The self-described witch who was recently charged with second-degree murder in the disappearance of Leila Cavett was arraigned Wednesday.

Shannon Ryan, 39, pled not guilty to the murder charges.

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In July 2020, 21-year old Cavett disappeared near a Walmart and Racetrack gas station in Hollywood. Someone had seen Cavett's toddler walking around alone in Miramar.

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Video surveillance showed Ryan dragging a large garbage bag to the RaceTrac dumpster. The arrest report also said Ryan was seen on video throwing away what looked like bloodied towels.

“Shannon Ryan, you’re a beast and you need to be punished for everything you did to my child," said Curtis Cavett, Leila's father.

The FBI took part in the investigation, looking in a Pompano Beach landfill for clues and possibly for her remains.  

“You stabbed my daughter. You chopped her up and put her in a garbage bag," Curtis Cavett said.

Ryan also faces charges of tampering with physical evidence and child neglect without great bodily harm, according to online jail records.

He remains in a Broward County jail without bond. His next court date is Aug. 27.

NBC 6's cluadia DoCampo has the latest developments after the suspect appeared in virtual court.
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