Florida Teen Killed After Sneaking Out To See Crush, Mom Says: "She Just Wanted To Be In Love For Christmas"

A Florida mother is mourning her 14-year-old daughter after authorities say the girl was lured into the woods, shot and set on fire by two classmates. The victim, identified as Danika Troy, was found in a wooded area in Pace on Dec. 4, days after her mother reported her missing.

Timeline

Ashley Troy reported her daughter missing on Monday, Dec. 1. According to Santa Rosa County officials, Danika had slipped out of the home the night before to meet classmates. Deputies say two boys — ages 14 and 16 — allegedly lured Danika to an isolated area not far from her home.

Sheriff Bob Johnson: "The 16-year-old...stole his mother’s handgun and shot Danika Troy. It’s bad enough you kill a 14-year-old. You’re 14. You’re 16. They shot her multiple times then they set her on fire."

Authorities have described the suspects' actions as brutal but have not publicly confirmed a motive. The investigation is ongoing and the allegations come from law enforcement statements announced at a news briefing.

Family Reaction

Ashley Troy told PEOPLE her daughter believed she was sneaking out to spend time with the older boy she had a crush on. "She thought she was sneaking out to spend time with the boy she loved," Ashley said. She added that Danika had been grounded for a previous sneaking-out incident and trusted the teen she went to see.

"Kids just don't think about consequences. She trusted him. It wasn’t hard to lure her. He had her heart. She would do anything for him," Ashley said, describing how vulnerable her daughter was.

Ashley described the family as devastated. "I’m a mess," she said. Danika’s 8-year-old sister is grieving and reportedly remains numb from the loss. Family and church members have gathered to support them, and a friend has launched a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses.

Community Response

A candlelight vigil is planned for Monday, Dec. 8, in Pace. Neighbors, church members and others in the community have rallied to offer emotional and financial support to the family as the investigation continues.

Note: The suspects are juveniles and the details above are based on statements from law enforcement. Charges, arrests and additional information may be updated as the investigation proceeds.