Slain Teen Found After Being Reported Missing
A 14-year-old girl from Pace, Florida was reported missing by her mother on December 1 after she failed to return home — her electric scooter was also found missing. Little did the family know that she had been killed the previous night. On December 2, a passerby discovered a burnt, bullet-riddled body deep in the woods off Kimberly Road; law enforcement later identified the remains as those of the missing teen.
Classmates Arrested in Brutal Murder & Arson
Authorities say two teenage boys, aged 16 and 14 and reportedly classmates of the victim, lured her into the woods. Investigators allege the older teenager used a stolen handgun to shoot her multiple times. After she was shot, both suspects reportedly doused her with gasoline and set her body on fire in an attempt to destroy evidence. The boys, now detained in the state juvenile system, have been charged with first-degree premeditated murder. Prosecutors are seeking to try them as adults.
Motive Unknown, Community in Shock
Local officials say the suspects and the victim reportedly knew each other from school. According to investigators, one of the boys claimed the girl had made hurtful remarks to him on social media; the other said he had been “blocked.” However, the motive they provided does not yet align with forensic evidence — leaving authorities still uncertain about what truly drove the brutal crime. Meanwhile, neighbors and community members express deep shock and fear, noting how quiet the area usually is.
