Benjamin Robert Williams via Saint Petersburg Police Deparment.
The U.S. Marshalls Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives have joined law enforcement in Florida in a manhunt for a suspect who allegedly killed his girlfriend. In a press briefing on Thursday, Saint Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway announced authorities were offering a $20,000 dollar reward for any information leading to the arrest of 38-year-old Benjamin Robert Williams.
According to officials, Williams repeatedly shot 27-year-old Joana Peca in the face while she was parked in her car and holding her infant child.
“On Saturday approximately around 5:30… we received a call of a person shot,” Holloway explained. “The officers located Ms. Peca in the vehicle, who appeared to been shot several times in the face.”
Authorities reported along with Peca’s four-month-old, her four-year-old was also in the car and witnessed the entire tragedy.
“A 4-month-old and a 4-year-old was in the car when she shot several times in the face,” Holloway stated. “She was shot holding that 4-month baby.”
Armed & Dangerous Benjamin Williams is wanted in the murder of Joana Peca on July 31st.
He shot/killed Joana in front of her two young children.
If you know his whereabouts please contact #stpetepd:
727-893-7780 or text SPPD & your tip to #TIP411 pic.twitter.com/S7xEWRbgeL— St. Pete Police (@StPetePD) August 2, 2021
Holloway noted both children did not suffer any physical injuries. The victims mother, Eleni Peca, spoke out on the horrific act.
“I’m here to beg everybody. I need your help to find this guy. People like him they shouldn’t be on the street,” she expressed. “Today, he did that to my daughter. Tomorrow, he can do that to somebody else.”
Police said the suspect has been linked to several open homicide investigations in Florida.
“There’s no place for him to hide because wherever he is, with this information out there, we are going to find him. We’re going to do everything we can to bring him to justice,” Holloway announced. “Please, pick up a phone. Please, text us and let us know where Mr. Williams is because we want him off the street. This family deserves this.”
Williams is believed to be armed and dangerous. Anyone with information is being asked to contact police.
Source: One America News Network
