Two teenage boys were arrested Thursday in connection with the premeditated killing of 14-year-old Danika Jade Troy in Pace, Florida, authorities said.
Gabriel Williams, 16, and Kimahri Blevins, 14, were taken into custody by the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office after investigators determined the teens had allegedly planned the killing in advance.
Danika, a student in the Santa Rosa County school district, was reported missing Monday by her mother after noticing that both the teen and her black-and-red electric scooter were gone.
A passerby discovered her body Tuesday along a wooded trail off Kimberly Road, roughly 16 miles northeast of Pensacola.
Fox News reports that officials found her burned body, the scooter and 9mm shell casings at the scene.
Authorities say Williams initially intended to shoot Danika once but allegedly fired multiple times and then doused her body in gasoline before setting it on fire.
Detectives report that Williams confessed, citing remarks made by Danika on social media that had upset him. Blevins requested an attorney when questioned.
Both teens remain in the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice on premeditated first-degree murder charges, according to The Western Journal.
Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson described the crime as “horrific,” emphasizing its severity and premeditated nature.
“It’s bad enough you kill a 14-year-old. You’re 14. You’re 16. Shoot her multiple times, and then they set her on fire,” he said.
Authorities are evaluating whether the teens will face adult charges given the planning and brutality involved, according to WEAR‑TV.
The sheriff noted both teens had prior interactions with law enforcement, though he did not confirm previous arrests.
“You don’t want to go out and see a burnt child with bullet holes. That’s not something you sign up for,” Johnson said.
Investigators continue collecting evidence to ensure a comprehensive case.
The school district confirmed Danika was enrolled locally and announced counseling and support services for students and staff affected by the tragedy. Officials said they are cooperating fully with law enforcement.
A GoFundMe campaign for the family has raised roughly half of its $10,000 goal as of Friday.
Experts on juvenile crime note that incidents of extreme violence by minors, while rare, often spark debate over whether youths should be charged as adults.
Psychologists say these cases highlight the importance of early intervention, mental health support and monitoring online interactions, particularly in disputes that can escalate through social media platforms.
Law enforcement continues to gather evidence and interview witnesses to establish a complete picture of the events leading up to the killing.
Residents in the Pace community have expressed shock and grief over the brutal crime, with neighbors describing fear and sorrow as authorities work to secure the area and gather additional evidence.
The arrests of Williams and Blevins represent a critical step toward accountability while the community mourns. Authorities are coordinating with the State Attorney’s Office to determine whether adult charges are warranted given the severity of the act.
Local leaders and school officials have called for increased awareness about teen mental health and online safety, emphasizing that incidents like this are exceptionally rare but underscore the need for vigilance.
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