Authorities in Florida have arrested two teenagers accused of carrying out a planned attack that led to the death of 14-year-old Danika Troy, whose body was discovered in a remote wooded area days after she went missing.
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office said Gabriel Williams, 16, and Kimahri Blevins, 14, both from Pace, were charged with first-degree murder following their alleged involvement in the incident on November 30. Danika was reported missing that night, and her remains were recovered on December 2, 2025, during a search of a forested area outside town.
Sheriff Bob Johnson confirmed at a press briefing that the investigation indicates Danika was killed on the night she disappeared. Evidence recovered at the scene has helped guide detectives’ understanding of the events, though investigators say key aspects of the motive remain unclear.
According to information provided by the sheriff and referenced in local reports, the two boys, who attended the same school as Danika, had experienced a dispute with her shortly before the Thanksgiving holiday. Authorities allege that this conflict escalated into a planned attack involving a firearm belonging to Williams’ mother.
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A witness reportedly told investigators that the initial plan was limited, but the situation intensified beyond what had been discussed. After the incident, the suspects allegedly attempted to conceal what happened before leaving the area.
Williams’ mother, according to a police report cited in local media, confronted him when he returned home late that night and offered an explanation that raised suspicions.
Sheriff Johnson emphasized that while both suspects acknowledged having a disagreement with Danika, their stated motivations do not match the forensic evidence collected. “The motive we’re being told does not align with the facts,” he said, adding that authorities will continue piecing together all aspects of the case.
Both teenagers are currently being held at the Santa Rosa Juvenile Detention Center without bond. Sheriff Johnson said the State Attorney’s Office is expected to review the case and consider whether the suspects should be prosecuted as adults.
“You commit an adult crime, you face adult consequences,” he said, noting that both boys had previous interactions with law enforcement.
Investigators say more information will be released as the case progresses.
Africa Daily News, New York
