On Dec. 4, 14-year-old Danika Troy was found shot and burned in woods near her home in Pace, Florida. Mitchell Eddins, who says he discovered the scene, allegedly took a scooter from the area and did not immediately notify police; he has been charged with petty theft and failure to report a death. Two juveniles, 16-year-old Gabriel Williams and 14-year-old Kimahri Blevins, have been arrested on suspicion of luring, shooting and burning Danika; local officials are pursuing the possibility of charging them as adults. The family has received community support, with a GoFundMe raising over $27,000 by Dec. 10. Investigations and charging decisions remain ongoing.
Man Who Found Burned 14-Year-Old's Body Allegedly Took Her Scooter Before Calling Police
Dec 11
Gofundme; Santa Rosa County Jail
A Florida man who says he discovered the burned body of 14-year-old Danika Troy in woods near her home in Pace has been arrested after officers say he removed a scooter from the scene and did not immediately notify authorities, according to arrest records.
What Happened
Danika's body was found on Dec. 4 in a wooded area close to her residence in Pace, Florida. Police allege two classmates lured the teen into the trees, shot her and then set her body on fire.
According to an arrest report obtained by PEOPLE, 27-year-old Mitchell Eddins told investigators he had stopped to relieve himself when he noticed a scorched patch of ground and first saw a black scooter. The report states he went to retrieve the scooter and then discovered the burned remains. Rather than calling law enforcement, Eddins allegedly took the scooter back to his home and later mentioned the discovery to neighbors, who urged him to contact police.
Charges And Investigation
Deputies later seized the scooter. Eddins was arrested and charged with petty theft and failure to report a death, per the arrest report.
Separately, regional outlets citing arrest records identify two juvenile suspects in Danika's death: 16-year-old Gabriel Williams and 14-year-old Kimahri Blevins. Authorities say the teens allegedly planned the killing; investigators allege Blevins told them they intended to shoot Danika once but that Williams continued firing. The suspects are also accused of burning the body and leaving the scene. Prosecutors and the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office are reviewing the case and coordinating with the Office of the State Attorney to determine whether to seek adult charges.
Danika's mother, Ashley Troy, told PEOPLE her daughter thought she was sneaking out to meet the boy she loved and that she trusted him: It wasn't hard to lure her.
A GoFundMe established to help cover funeral expenses for Danika's mother had raised more than $27,000 as of Dec. 10. Investigations and charging decisions are ongoing, and authorities continue to review evidence and collaborate with prosecutors.
Why This Matters
This case has drawn local attention because of the alleged brutality, the ages of those involved and the question of whether the juvenile suspects will be prosecuted as adults. It also raises public concern about how bystanders and witnesses respond when they encounter a possible crime scene.
