Teens Charged with Murdering Florida Girl After Online Remarks
Florida authorities have accused two teenage boys of enticing a young girl into a forested area with the intent to murder her, reportedly due to offensive remarks she posted on the internet.
Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson conducted a press briefing for journalists on Thursday, December 4, detailing the killing of Danika Troy, whom her mother last saw on November 30.
The 14-year-old Troy was reported absent the following day. The search effort for the adolescent concluded at approximately 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 2, when Troy's deceased body was discovered in a wooded location near Pace, Florida.
Johnson described the homicide as “horrific,” mentioning that the victim had been shot multiple times before her body was intentionally burned.
Johnson stated that detectives swiftly identified Kimahri Blevins, 14, and Gabriel Williams, 16, as the suspected perpetrators, charging both with first-degree premeditated murder. Officials indicate that the adolescents will probably face trial as adults.
“I hope they are sent to adult prison, which is exactly where they belong,” Johnson remarked during the briefing. “If you commit an adult-level offense, you must serve adult-level time.”
Johnson reported that an ordinary passerby discovered the disturbing scene and contacted emergency services. Danika had sustained “multiple” gunshot wounds, Johnson informed journalists, further stating that her body was deliberately set ablaze.
Law enforcement personnel located her motorized scooter near the discovery site of her body.
Johnson mentioned that investigators suspect the weapon used in the killing was a firearm owned by Williams’ mother.
“It is terrible enough that a 14-year-old was murdered,” Johnson continued. “You're 14, you're 16, you shoot her repeatedly, and then you burn her body.”
Johnson characterized the three individuals as “associates” but observed that their relationship deteriorated during the recent Thanksgiving holiday.
The boys allegedly murdered Danika because she prevented Blevins from accessing her social media profile and labeled Williams as “worthless” and a “gang member” in an online comment.
Officials assert that the two adolescents talked about the murder with an individual who subsequently informed the police.
Johnson referred to the investigation as “straightforward,” given that all available evidence immediately implicated the teens accused.
The evening of the homicide, Blevins’ mother intercepted him returning home shortly after 11 p.m., when he explained he had left to smoke. She informed police, however, that she detected no odor of cigarette smoke on his garments.
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During questioning by investigators, Blevins verified that he and Danika had experienced a “dispute,” according to Johnson.
While being placed in handcuffs, Williams reportedly claimed to detectives, through tears, that the young girl had posted “offensive remarks” concerning him on the internet.
Johnson indicated that investigators are examining whether to press charges against the boys’ parents regarding the girl’s murder.
“No one wants to respond to a scene involving a burned child with gunshot wounds; it’s not something anyone anticipates encountering,” Johnson commented.
Both adolescents are currently detained in a juvenile facility and are ineligible for release on bail. It remains unknown if legal counsel is representing them, and efforts to contact their parents for a statement on Tuesday were unsuccessful.
