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Two Teenagers Arrested After 14-Year-Old Danika Troy Found Shot and Burned in Florida Woods

04:19 AM, 12/06/2025
Two Teenagers Arrested After 14-Year-Old Danika Troy Found Shot and Burned in Florida Woods

Two teenage boys, ages 16 and 14, were arrested and charged with first-degree premeditated murder after 14-year-old Danika Jade Troy was found shot and set on fire in a wooded area near Pace, Florida. Danika was reported missing on Dec. 1, but sheriff’s officials say she was killed the night before and found Dec. 2. Authorities say she was lured into the woods while riding an electric scooter; investigators allege the older teen used a stolen handgun. Both suspects are in juvenile custody while investigators probe motive and consider adult charges.

Overview

Two teenage boys have been arrested and charged in the brutal killing of 14-year-old Danika Jade Troy, whose body was found shot and set on fire in a wooded area near Pace, Santa Rosa County, Florida.

Timeline

Danika was reported missing by her mother on Monday, Dec. 1, after she did not return home the previous night. Authorities say she was murdered the night before the missing-person report was filed. A passerby discovered her burned and bullet-riddled body on Tuesday, Dec. 2, and called 911.

Arrests and Charges

At a news conference, Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson said two boys, ages 16 and 14, were taken into custody on Thursday, Dec. 4. Both face charges of first-degree premeditated murder. Because the suspects are minors, law enforcement has not released their names publicly. Officials said they may seek to charge them as adults.

Sheriff Bob Johnson: "The 16-year-old...stole his mother's handgun and shot Danika Troy. They shot her multiple times and then set her on fire."

Investigation Details

Investigators allege Danika was lured into a wooded area while riding an electric scooter. Authorities say evidence at the scene quickly focused the investigation on the two teens, who were reportedly classmates or friends of the victim. Detectives continue to investigate the motive and the precise relationship between the suspects and Danika.

Custody and Legal Status

Both teens are being held in the Department of Juvenile Justice. It was not immediately clear whether either suspect has retained legal counsel who can speak on their behalf. Authorities continue to gather evidence as the case proceeds.

Community Response

A GoFundMe campaign established to help the Troy family with funeral expenses had raised more than $5,500 as of Friday morning. Community members and officials described the case as chilling, particularly because of the ages of the victim and the accused.

Note: Details above are based on statements from Santa Rosa County law enforcement and media reports. Allegations described here have not been proven in court.

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