PACE, FLORIDA – The grieving mother of a brutally murdered 14-year-old girl has stunned the community with a message of spiritual forgiveness. Ashley Troy, whose daughter Danika was allegedly lured into the woods and killed by two friends, says she does not hate the suspects but blames the "evil influence" in the world.
A Brutal Betrayal
Danika Troy was killed after being lured into the woods in Pace, Florida. Police say 14-year-old Kimahri Blevins and 16-year-old Gabriel Williams shot the teen and then set fire to her remains.
The motive for the gruesome crime was reportedly trivial. Authorities state the boys wanted Danika dead because she had "slighted" them by blocking Blevins on social media and insulting Williams, calling him "worthless and a gang-banger."
"I Don't Blame Those Boys"
Despite the horrific nature of the crime, Ashley Troy told reporters she refuses to harbor hatred. "I don’t blame those boys. I blame evil influence. I don’t hate them, I hate what they did to my baby," she said.
However, she clarified that her spiritual outlook does not mean she wants leniency. "I want nothing less than for them to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law," she added. She compared the tragedy to the true-crime series Under the Bridge, which depicts the 1997 murder of Reena Virk by a group of peers.
Community Support
The family has leaned heavily on their faith during this nightmare. Ashley described Danika as someone who "loved Jesus" and said the support from Avalon Baptist Church has been overwhelming.
"If anything would make this sacrifice worth it, it would be leading others to Christ," the mother said. A candlelight vigil is scheduled for Monday night to honor Danika's memory.
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