PACE, Fla. — Two Florida teens have been arrested in the gruesome murder of 14-year-old Danika Troy, authorities reported.
On Dec. 2, a passerby discovered burned remains in a wooded area off Kimberly Road in Pace, Florida, and guided law enforcement to the scene. The victim was later identified as Danika Troy, who had been reported missing the previous day after leaving home on Nov. 30.
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office said a cooperating witness indicated that 14-year-old Kimahri Blevins and 16-year-old Gabriel Williams planned the murder. According to the witness, the teens lured Danika into the woods, shot her, and set her body on fire.
Sheriff Bob Johnson described the attack as “really horrific.” Investigators said Williams stole his mother’s handgun and shot Danika, with Blevins allegedly telling the witness that the initial plan was to shoot her once, but Williams continued firing before they doused the body in gasoline and left the area.
Blevins reportedly last spoke with Troy before Thanksgiving break, claiming a falling out and social media block, and stated he had not seen her since. Williams allegedly said the murder was prompted by hurtful comments Danika made toward him, which upset him. Additional statements by Williams remain redacted under Florida law.
Both Blevins and Williams were arrested and charged with premeditated homicide. They are being held by the Department of Juvenile Justice, while the State Attorney’s office determines whether to prosecute them as juveniles or adults.
Pace is an unincorporated community in Santa Rosa County, located about 24 miles northeast of Pensacola.
This case remains under investigation, and authorities continue to review evidence and witness accounts.
