Teenagers Arrested in Connection with Murder of 14-Year-Old Girl

Two teenage boys have been taken into custody, suspected of being involved in the murder of a 14-year-old girl who died under horrific circumstances. Danica Troy was reported missing by her mother earlier this week, a detail shared by Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson during a media briefing.

Her charred remains were discovered the following day by a passerby near Kimberly Road in Floridatown. Authorities indicated that Troy’s mother noted she left on a scooter, which was later found at the scene, helping confirm the identity of the body. Shoes that matched those Troy was last seen wearing were also recovered.

Witness accounts led police to believe that Gabrielle Williams, 16, and Kimari Blevins, 14, intended to kill Troy. Allegedly, Blevins mentioned that he had confronted Troy online after an argument. Williams reportedly expressed anger over her social media remarks. Still, a definitive motive remains unclear.

Johnson remarked that the motives provided by the boys were inconsistent with forensic evidence and other facts gathered during the investigation. He went on to claim that Williams had stolen the gun he used from his mother.

“It’s dreadful to consider killing a 14-year-old,” Johnson said. “Whether it’s a 14-year-old or a 16-year-old, he shot her multiple times and then set her body on fire.”

The state attorney’s office has indicated that a grand jury will determine if the boys will be charged as adults. Both Williams and Blevins are currently held at the Santa Rosa Juvenile Detention Center on charges of first-degree premeditated murder.

Local residents expressed shock at the incident. Neighbor Sue Petrish said, “I’m stunned. This area has always been quiet, but it feels like things are becoming more dangerous.”

A candlelight vigil is set for Monday at Avalon Baptist Church to remember Danica Troy, along with a GoFundMe campaign created to help support her funeral expenses.