A killer was apprehended in Mexico after a TikTok video exposed his whereabouts: authorities.
Two counts of child abuse and first-degree murder charges have been filed against Benjamin Robert Williams.
In 2021, a man who shot and killed his estranged girlfriend at a cemetery in front of her two children was apprehended in Mexico following a TikTok video that revealed his location.
After three and a half years of searching, the St. Petersburg Police Department Chief Anthony Hollaway announced that Benjamin Robert Williams, also known as "Bambi", was finally arrested and is currently being held in the Pinellas County Jail.
A 41-year-old man was arrested for first-degree murder and two instances of child mistreatment, according to police officials.
"The capture of a dangerous criminal by St. Petersburg Police detectives, with the support of the U.S. Marshals and the ATF, has brought justice to the victim's family," Holloway said. "Although nothing can replace the loss of a cherished daughter and mother to two young children, we hope this brings them some much-needed peace and closure."
On July 31, 2021, Williams convinced his girlfriend, Joana Peca, to meet him at a cemetery on 60th Street North in St. Petersburg, with the intention of seeing his infant son.
Peca was shot and killed by Williams while holding their baby in the van. The other child in the backseat was not harmed.
Sandra Bentil, a department spokesperson, previously informed Planet Chronicle that officers arrived at the scene at 5:30 p.m. that evening and discovered Peca lifeless inside her car.
An arrest warrant was obtained for Williams by police following the incident, and investigators from multiple agencies offered a reward of up to $25,000 for any information leading to his capture.
In 2022, Williams was featured on "In Pursuit with John Walsh," but he remained at large.
Last week, a TikTok user posted a video about a local news story involving a man who killed his girlfriend while holding their 4-month-old baby.
The St. Petersburg Police Department received a tip from someone who had watched the video that Williams was residing in Mexico.
The U.S. Marshals Service apprehended Williams and handed him over to investigators.
He was taken from Miami to the Pinellas County Jail and is currently being held there without bond.
Planet Chronicle Digital did not receive a response from TikTok regarding the issue.
Since 2007, jail records indicate that Williams has been arrested in Pinellas County approximately 40 times. Previously, he has been charged with offenses such as drug possession, evidence tampering, aggravated battery, armed robbery, grand theft, and resisting arrest.
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