Pace, Florida — Two Florida teenagers have been charged with first-degree premeditated murder after allegedly luring a 14-year-old girl to a wooded area, shooting her, and burning her body. The suspects, Gabriel Williams, 16, and Kimahri Blevins, 14, were arrested on Wednesday, days after authorities discovered the charred remains of Danika Troy in Pace, Florida.
According to Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, investigators believe the fatal attack was premeditated and motivated by social media interactions between the teens and the victim during Thanksgiving break.
Social Media Dispute Allegedly Sparks Tragic Murder
Arrest reports indicate that the conflict began when Troy reportedly insulted Williams on social media and blocked Blevins’ account. Investigators say the two boys allegedly planned to kill Troy following this dispute. Authorities describe the relationship among the three teens as “friends, supposedly,” despite the deadly fallout.
Troy Reported Missing Before Body Discovered
Troy’s mother reported her daughter missing on Monday, stating that she was last seen at 10 p.m. on Sunday. She also noticed her daughter’s electric scooter was gone. A day later, a passerby discovered a body in the woods, prompting a police investigation.
At the scene, officers found evidence of a fire, multiple live ammunition rounds, and a charred human body. A shoe matching Troy’s description and her scooter were also recovered. On Wednesday, authorities officially identified the remains as those of Danika Troy.
Witness Provides Crucial Information
During the investigation, an unnamed witness told police that Blevins admitted to planning the murder with Williams. Blevins allegedly claimed that the initial plan was to shoot Troy once, but Williams allegedly “took things further.” After killing Troy, both suspects reportedly burned her body to conceal the crime.
Interviews With Suspects
Detectives spoke with Blevins at his home, where he was read his Miranda rights. He reportedly stated that his last contact with Troy was during Thanksgiving break and that he had blocked her on social media after a disagreement. When asked about the events in the woods, Blevins requested an attorney.
Blevins’ mother told investigators she noticed her son sneaking back into the house around 11 p.m. Sunday. Blevins claimed he was smoking a cigarette, though no evidence of smoke was found.
Gabriel Williams later spoke to detectives at the police station, stating that Troy had made “hurtful comments,” calling him “worthless and a gang-banger.” He admitted to taking his mother’s handgun and shooting Troy. Both teens were arrested shortly thereafter.
Authorities Comment on Case
At a press conference, Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson stated that the purported motive did not align with the forensics or other facts of the case. He emphasized that the suspects acted deliberately, and their relationship with Troy had reportedly been friendly prior to the incident.
Both Williams and Blevins are being held at the Santa Rosa Juvenile Detention Center without bond as investigators continue their work.
Community Reaction
The tragic case has sent shockwaves through the Pace, Florida community, highlighting concerns over teen violence, social media disputes, and access to firearms. Authorities urge parents to monitor online interactions and maintain awareness of potential warning signs among teens.
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