Pace, Florida – A disturbing homicide case has shaken a Florida community after authorities arrested two teenage boys accused of planning and carrying out the killing of a 14-year-old girl whose burned body was discovered in a wooded area earlier this week.
According to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, 16-year-old Gabriel Williams and 14-year-old Kimahri Blevins have been charged with first-degree premeditated murder in the death of Danika Troy, a Pace teenager reported missing on Monday. Investigators say the boys lured Troy into the woods, shot her, and later attempted to burn her body to destroy evidence.
What Investigators Said Happened
Troy was last seen by her mother around 10 p.m. on Sunday. Her electric scooter was missing the next morning, prompting the family to report her disappearance. On Tuesday, a passerby walking through a wooded area discovered what appeared to be a burned body and immediately contacted law enforcement.
Deputies arrived and found a charred human body, live ammunition rounds, and signs of a fire. A single shoe at the scene matched the description of the ones Troy had been wearing. Her scooter was also recovered nearby. By Wednesday, the remains were confirmed to be Troy’s.
Investigators say a witness came forward with a chilling account: Blevins allegedly told them that he and Williams “planned the murder of Danika” after she insulted Williams on social media and blocked Blevins from her account during Thanksgiving break. The witness said the teens originally intended to fire a single shot, but the violence escalated beyond that plan.
Teen Suspect Asked for a Lawyer When Questioned
Detectives visited Blevins’ home, where his mother allowed them to speak with him. After being read his Miranda rights in an unmarked car, the teen initially claimed his last contact with Troy was over the holiday break. But when investigators asked directly about the events in the woods, Blevins immediately requested an attorney.
Blevins’ mother later told police she had seen her son “sneaking” into the house around 11 p.m. Sunday, the night Troy vanished. When questioned, he claimed he was outside smoking, though she didn’t smell any smoke on him.
Police arrested Blevins shortly after.
Statements From the Second Teen
Williams was brought to the sheriff’s office for questioning. According to investigators, he told detectives that Troy had made “hurtful comments,” calling him “worthless” and a “gang-banger.” Sheriff Bob Johnson later said Williams stole his mother’s handgun before the killing.
“The motive that we’re getting doesn’t fit the forensics or any facts of the case,” Johnson told reporters during a press conference, calling the situation “incredibly tragic” and noting the three teens were considered friends.
Charges and Detention
Both teenagers are being held without bond at the Santa Rosa Juvenile Detention Center. Formal charges include first-degree premeditated murder, and the investigation into their planning, actions, and potential motives remains active.
Community Shock and Ongoing Investigation
The violent nature of the crime — involving minors, social media conflict, and an attempted cover-up — has left Pace residents reeling. Authorities say they are still reviewing digital communication, witness statements, and forensic evidence to fully understand what led to Troy’s death.
Sheriff Johnson emphasized that the department continues to gather evidence and expects additional details to emerge.
What Parents and Teens Should Know
Officials are urging parents to monitor online interactions and be alert to signs of conflict or emotional distress in adolescents. Cases tied to digital disputes are becoming increasingly common, and investigators note that small arguments can escalate rapidly when firearms or unsupervised social interactions are involved.
Conclusion
As the case moves forward, authorities are preparing a detailed timeline of the teens’ movements, communications, and planning. The community is mourning the loss of a young girl whose life ended in violence, while prosecutors determine how the suspects will be tried given their ages and the severity of the charges.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office.
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