Florida Teens Accused of Luring 14-Year-Old Danika Troy Into Woods, Fatally Shooting Her and Burning Her Body in Santa Rosa County
FLORIDA — A disturbing and deeply shocking case has unfolded in Santa Rosa County, where deputies say two teenage boys lured 14-year-old Danika Troy into a wooded area before fatally shooting her and attempting to burn her body. The killing, which investigators describe as premeditated and exceptionally brutal, has led authorities to charge both suspects with first-degree murder, with prosecutors expected to seek that they be tried as adults.
Victim Reported Missing, Found Shot and Burned in the Woods
According to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, Danika Troy was reported missing by her mother last Monday. Just one day later, deputies located her body in a wooded area off Kimberly Road in Pace, where she was found with multiple gunshot wounds and severe burn injuries.
Detectives say the location of Danika’s body and the condition in which she was found immediately pointed to signs of intentional violence, prompting a full-scale homicide investigation. Evidence collected at the scene was later matched with statements provided by the suspects during questioning.
Suspects Identified as Local Teen Boys
Authorities have identified the suspects as Gabriel Williams, 16, and Kimahri Blevins, 14, both students who reportedly knew Danika from school. Investigators say the attack may have stemmed from an argument that originated online, where Danika allegedly blocked one of the boys, leading to heated exchanges.
Police believe the boys planned the attack, luring Danika into the woods under false pretenses before shooting her and attempting to destroy evidence by setting her body on fire.
Detectives: Attack Was Premeditated
Sheriff’s investigators report that evidence gathered at the scene corroborated the teens’ involvement and indicated that the killing was not spontaneous. Statements made during interrogations matched the timeline of events and reinforced the belief that the crime had been coordinated in advance.
Both boys are now charged with first-degree premeditated murder. Given the severity of the crime, authorities have confirmed they will pursue having both suspects tried as adults.
Community Shocked by Brutality of the Case
The murder of a 14-year-old girl by peers she knew has left residents of Santa Rosa County stunned and heartbroken. Law enforcement officials described the crime as one of the most disturbing acts of violence the area has seen in recent years.
As the investigation continues, officials say additional charges may be filed depending on forensic findings and digital evidence.
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