Florida Teens Charged with Premeditated Murder in Shocking Killing of 14-Year-Old Girl
PACE, Fla. — Two teenagers stand accused in a brutal and heart-wrenching crime that has shaken the community of Santa Rosa County. Fourteen-year-old Danika Troy was found shot multiple times and set on fire along a wooded walking trail near Kimberly Road in Pace, a town roughly 16 miles northeast of Pensacola. Authorities took into custody 14-year-old Kimahri Blevins and 16-year-old Gabriel Williams, both charged with premeditated first-degree murder.
Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson described the crime as “horrific,” revealing that Danika’s mother had reported her daughter missing as a runaway on Monday, unaware that she had been killed the previous night. A passerby discovered Danika’s charred body and immediately called 911, prompting a swift law enforcement response.
Investigators quickly identified Blevins and Williams as suspects. Sheriff Johnson confirmed that Williams allegedly stole his mother’s handgun to carry out the shooting. “It’s bad enough you kill a 14-year-old. You’re 14. You’re 16,” Johnson said. “Shoot her multiple times, and then they set her on fire.” Both teens are currently held at the Department of Juvenile Justice and face charges that could lead to adult prosecution. The sheriff’s office is collaborating with the State Attorney’s office to pursue adult charges, emphasizing, “If you do an adult crime, you gotta do adult time.”
While the suspects reportedly knew Danika from school and may have had prior run-ins with law enforcement, investigators have yet to confirm a clear motive. Sheriff Johnson noted that the explanations provided by the teens do not align with forensic evidence or the facts of the case. “We don’t have a legit motive,” he said.
The community grapples with the senselessness of the crime. “You don’t want to go out and see a burnt child with bullet holes,” Johnson remarked somberly. No parents have been charged at this time, though investigators continue to examine all angles.
This tragic incident underscores ongoing concerns about juvenile crime and the challenges law enforcement faces when minors are involved in serious offenses. The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office is working diligently alongside the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the U.S. Department of Justice to ensure a thorough investigation.
Residents seeking support or information are encouraged to connect with local resources, including the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. Meanwhile, the case serves as a grim reminder of the importance of community vigilance and the need for effective interventions to prevent youth violence.
As the legal process unfolds, the eyes of Florida and the nation remain on Santa Rosa County, awaiting justice for Danika Troy and answers to the unsettling questions surrounding her death.
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