ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFTS) – After three years on the run, Benjamin Williams, also known as “Bambi,” has been arrested for the 2021 murder of his estranged girlfriend, Joana Peca. The arrest was made possible by a true crime TikTok video and a tip from a good Samaritan.
Williams, 41, is charged with first-degree murder and two counts of child abuse in connection with the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Joana Peca. The crime occurred on July 31, 2021, when Williams convinced Peca to meet him at a cemetery so he could see their infant son. While Peca was sitting in her van holding their baby, Williams allegedly shot her multiple times in the face, killing her. Peca’s 4-year-old son was in the backseat but was unharmed.
The victim’s mother, Eleni Peca, expressed her heartbreak: “Instead of going and finding a white dress for my daughter’s wedding, I was going and finding the white casket to bury my daughter.”
After three years of evading capture, Williams was finally located in Mexico, thanks to a TikTok video by true crime content creator Jasmeen Alexander. The video, which featured WFTS’ original reporting on the case, led to a tip-off from a viewer who recognized Williams. This tip resulted in Williams’ arrest, after he was tracked down with the help of the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Marshal Services.
St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway remarked, “Nothing we do can replace the loss of your daughter, but at least, we have a dangerous person off the street.”
Jasmeen Alexander, who posted the video, expressed her relief at helping bring closure to Peca’s family, especially since the children were present during the tragic incident. “I’m a mom, so it really made me feel good that I could help bring some closure to her family,” she said.
Following Williams’ arrest, Eleni Peca shared her gratitude, noting that her family would feel safer this holiday season. “I feel a Christmas present for me and my little boys came early this year,” she said.
Williams is currently being held at the Pinellas County Jail without bond.