Pace, Florida – A quiet Northwest Florida community is reeling after authorities announced the arrest of two teenagers accused of killing a 14-year-old girl and setting her body on fire along a wooded walking trail.
Discovery of the Victim
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the victim, identified as 14-year-old Danika Troy, was found earlier this week in a remote area off Kimberly Road in Pace — a town located roughly 16 miles northeast of Pensacola.
A passerby walking through the wooded pathway discovered what appeared to be human remains and immediately called 911. Deputies later confirmed that the body had both gunshot wounds and evidence of being burned.
Sheriff Bob Johnson told reporters that Danika’s mother had reported her missing the same day, believing the teen had run away.
“Unbeknownst to the mother, Danika was murdered the previous night,” Johnson said.
Teen Suspects Quickly Identified
According to investigators, the case moved rapidly once the discovery was made. Deputies soon identified two suspects — 14-year-old Kimahri Blevins and 16-year-old Gabriel Williams — both of whom reportedly attended school with Danika.
Authorities allege that Williams stole a handgun from his mother before meeting up with Danika and Blevins along the trail.
In what Sheriff Johnson described as an act of extreme brutality:
“It’s bad enough you kill a 14-year-old. You’re 14. You’re 16. Shoot her multiple times, and then they set her on fire.”
Both suspects were taken into custody and are currently being held at the Department of Juvenile Justice on premeditated first-degree murder charges.
Motive Remains Unclear
One of the most troubling aspects of the case is that investigators have not yet found a credible motive. Though both suspects have spoken with detectives, the information provided has not matched forensic evidence.
“The motive they’re giving doesn’t fit the forensics or any facts of the case,” Johnson explained. “We don’t have a legit motive at this point.”
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Authorities are still piecing together the timeline and the relationships between the teens. Sheriff Johnson said both suspects have had prior “run-ins” with law enforcement, though he did not immediately specify the details.
Harrowing Conditions at the Scene
Deputies described the crime scene as extremely disturbing and emotionally difficult for first responders. Sheriff Johnson emphasized the trauma experienced by those who responded:
“You don’t want to go out and see a burnt child with bullet holes. That’s not something you sign up for.”
Investigators are also reviewing how the suspects obtained the weapon, leading to questions about potential parental responsibility. At this time, no parents have been charged, but Johnson confirmed the matter is “being looked into.”
Prosecutors Aim to Try Teens as Adults
The sheriff’s office is coordinating with the State Attorney’s Office to pursue adult charges for both Blevins and Williams.
According to Johnson:
“If you do an adult crime, you gotta do adult time.”
In Florida, prosecutors can seek to charge minors as adults in cases involving premeditated homicide, particularly when aggravating factors — such as the burning of a body — are present.
Community Shock and Ongoing Investigation
Residents in Pace and neighboring communities are struggling to make sense of how such a violent act could be committed by two teenagers. The investigation remains active, with detectives continuing interviews, gathering electronic evidence and reviewing the suspects’ backgrounds.
As the case develops, authorities will release additional updates. Anyone with information relevant to the investigation is urged to contact the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office.
This case has shaken many people across Florida and beyond. What are your thoughts on teens being charged as adults in cases like this? Share your perspective in the comments.
