ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – After a three-and-a-half-year search, notorious murder suspect Benjamin Williams, also known as “Bambi,” is finally in custody. St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway announced the arrest at a press conference Tuesday, bringing a sense of closure to a case that has gripped the community.
Williams is charged with the first-degree murder of 27-year-old Joana Peca and two counts of child abuse. The charges stem from a horrific incident on July 31, 2021, when Williams lured Peca to a cemetery under the pretense of seeing their infant son.
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While she sat in her van holding the baby, Williams shot her multiple times in the face, killing her. Peca’s other young child was also present in the vehicle but thankfully unharmed.
Following the murder, a warrant was issued for Williams’ arrest. The St. Petersburg Police Department, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), and Crime Stoppers of Pinellas County, launched an extensive manhunt.
A reward of up to $25,000 was offered for information leading to his capture, and the case was even featured on the television show “In Pursuit with John Walsh” in 2022.
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The break in the case came last week when a tipster, who saw a post on TikTok, contacted the St. Petersburg Police Department with information that Williams was hiding in Mexico. This crucial tip led to his apprehension and extradition back to Pinellas County.
“Thanks to the dedication of St. Petersburg Police detectives and the invaluable support of the U.S. Marshals and the ATF, a dangerous criminal was captured, bringing justice to the victim’s family. While nothing can restore the life of a beloved daughter and mother to two young children, we hope this offers them some long-overdue peace and closure,” said Anthony Holloway, Chief of St. Petersburg Police.
U.S. Marshal William Berger, ATF Tampa Field Division’s Special Agent in Charge Kirk Howard, and Eleni Peca, the victim’s mother, were also present at the press conference, expressing their relief and gratitude for the tireless efforts that led to Williams’ arrest.
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