Investigators say the girl was shot multiple times and set on fire along a wooded path near Kimberly Road.
PACE, FL — Two teenagers from Pace were arrested Thursday on first-degree premeditated murder charges in the death of 14-year-old Danika Jade Troy, whose body was found Tuesday along a walking trail near Kimberly Road in the Floridatown area of Santa Rosa County, according to the sheriff’s office.
Authorities said the arrests cap a four-day search that began after Troy’s mother reported her missing Monday. Investigators identified 16-year-old Gabriel Coleman Williams and 14-year-old Kimahri Blevins as suspects and alleged the pair planned the attack. The case is being reviewed by prosecutors for possible adult charges. The killing has unnerved this suburban community outside Pensacola, where classmates and school officials described a wave of grief and disbelief.
According to investigators, Troy left home Monday with her electric scooter and did not return. A man walking a wooded path off Kimberly Road discovered a burned body Tuesday morning. Deputies later confirmed the victim as Troy based on the shoes she wore and the scooter found nearby. Sheriff Bob Johnson said the suspects “lured” the girl to the area, shot her multiple times and then set the body on fire. “It’s bad enough that you kill a 14-year-old; you’re 14, you’re 16,” Johnson said. Crime-scene tape still lined the roadside Thursday as technicians photographed the trail and collected shell casings.
In arrest reports, investigators wrote that a cooperating witness said Williams and Blevins discussed the plan ahead of time. Blevins told deputies he and Troy had a falling out on social media before Thanksgiving break, the reports state. Williams told detectives the girl had made comments that upset him; parts of his interview were redacted in the document. Johnson said the motive remains unclear and that statements gathered so far “don’t fit the forensics.” The sheriff added that the handgun used in the shooting was stolen from Williams’ mother. As of Thursday, no charges had been filed against any parents in connection with the weapon.
Records show Troy was reported missing by her mother on Monday afternoon. The sheriff’s office said the killing likely happened Sunday night, Nov. 30, and the body was found Tuesday, Dec. 2. The wooded trail where she was discovered runs near homes in Floridatown, an unincorporated community along Escambia Bay between Pace and Milton. Neighbors described the area as usually quiet. “It’s always been so peaceful here,” said Sue Petrisch, who lives nearby. “This is terrifying.” Deputies maintained a visible presence around the path through Thursday while investigators canvassed for doorbell footage and additional witnesses.
Santa Rosa County District Schools said two students were arrested in connection with the off-campus incident and that counseling services were being offered on affected campuses. The district said it is cooperating with law enforcement and declined to release additional details while the investigation is active. The sheriff’s office said both suspects were being held at the Santa Rosa Juvenile Detention Center after their arrests Thursday. Detectives said they recovered physical evidence at the scene, including the scooter and items tied to the suspects, and were awaiting additional lab results.
Prosecutors with the First Judicial Circuit are preparing to present the case to a grand jury to determine whether Williams and Blevins will be tried as adults. A charging decision is expected in the coming days. If indicted as adults on first-degree murder, both could face mandatory life sentences under Florida law; if prosecuted in juvenile court, penalties would be different. The sheriff’s office said further briefings will be scheduled after the grand jury review. Funeral arrangements for Troy were pending Thursday evening, relatives said.
At the scene Thursday, burned brush and a scorched patch of ground were still visible just off the narrow trail. A small cluster of flowers and a stuffed animal sat near the tree line. “Kids walk here to the bay all the time,” said William Carter, who fishes nearby. “We never thought something like this could happen.” A few classmates in Pace said they planned to wear Troy’s favorite colors later this week. One neighbor, watching deputies remove evidence bags, paused and said softly, “She was just a child.”
As of Thursday night, both teens remained in juvenile custody while detectives continued interviews and evidence processing. The next milestone is a grand jury presentation expected soon, after which the state attorney’s office will announce charging decisions and court dates.
Author note: Last updated December 5, 2025.