Suspect Identified In Killing Is Armed And Dangerous: Police

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Detectives have identified Benjamin Robert Williams aka Bambi, 38, as the suspect in Saturday's shooting death of Joana Peca, St. Pete police said.

Williams and Peca were in a relationship and had a baby together. Pecca was holding their infant in a car when Williams is accused of shooting her multiple times in the face, investigators said. Her older child was sitting in the backseat during the shooting.

Williams is armed and dangerous, and he is also accused of being connected to several open homicide investigations. Police have issued a warrant for Williams' arrest.

Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest.

If anyone has any information that can help police with Williams' whereabouts, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS to be eligible for the reward. Tips can also be shared by the calling the St. Pete Police Department at 727-893-7780 or by sending a text that includes the letters "SPPD" and your tip to TIP411.

Report# 2021-028578

Original Patch Story:

Two St. Petersburg children lost their mother to gun violence over the weekend when their mom was shot inside a car at a local cemetery, St. Pete police said.

The victim, Joana Peca, 27, was shot near Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, located in the 100 block of 60th Street South, before 5:30 p.m. Saturday, investigators said. Her two kids were inside the car at the time of the shooting. The children were not injured, but were traumatized, according to detectives.

No suspects have been identified. Anyone with information about this case can contact the St. Pete Police Department at 727-893-7780. If you want to remain anonymous, send a text by texting the letters, SPPD, with the tip to TIP411.