A shocking crime that left a Florida community reeling finally saw justice this week after a three-year manhunt ended with the capture of 41-year-old B. Williams. Williams, who had been on the run since 2021, was arrested in Mexico after being identified thanks to a tip from a TikTok video. He now faces serious charges, including first-degree murder and child abuse, in connection with the brutal killing of his estranged girlfriend, 27-year-old J. Peca.
The crime took place on July 31, 2021, near a cemetery in St. Petersburg, Florida. Williams reportedly lured Peca to the cemetery under the pretense of wanting to see their two children. Tragically, once there, he shot her multiple times in the face while she sat in her car holding their infant. Their 4-year-old child was in the back seat and witnessed the horrifying scene. This calculated act not only took Peca’s life but also left her children traumatized.
The long search for Williams came to an end in an unexpected way. A TikTok user stumbled across a video detailing his crime and recognized him in Mexico. The tip was passed to authorities, triggering a coordinated effort by local officials and the U.S. Marshals Service. After his arrest, Williams was quickly extradited to the U.S., where he was escorted back to Florida by detectives and deputies during the holiday weekend.
Williams is now being held without bond in Pinellas County Jail. He faces charges of first-degree murder and two counts of felony child abuse. For the family of J. Peca, the arrest brought a bittersweet sense of relief. Her mother expressed her gratitude to the law enforcement officers who worked tirelessly to bring Williams to justice. “Starting today, Williams’ freedom is over,” she said. “He’s behind bars where he belongs.”
St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway described the crime as one of the most cold-hearted acts he’s encountered. “He walked up to his girlfriend, who was holding their baby, and shot her several times. It’s hard to understand what would make someone do that,” Holloway said. He also praised the teamwork of detectives and federal agencies, noting the key role of community tips in cracking the case.
For Peca’s family and the St. Petersburg community, Williams’ arrest is a step toward justice. But the pain of losing a young mother in such a brutal way lingers. Her two children, now left without their mother, face a future forever shaped by that tragic day.
This case also highlights the unexpected ways technology and social media are helping law enforcement. What started as a simple TikTok video ended up becoming a key piece in the pursuit of justice. It’s a reminder that, no matter how long it takes, the pursuit of justice never stops.
As the community grapples with this tragedy, many hope that Williams’ arrest will provide some closure and that the judicial system will hold him fully accountable for his actions.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating effects of domestic violence and the importance of vigilance in addressing these issues. Our thoughts are with the victim and her family during this difficult time.