Release updated on 08-02-21 at 12:01 p.m.

Detectives have identified Benjamin Robert Williams aka "Bambi" (DOB 12/31/1982) as the suspect in Saturday's (July 31, 2021) shooting death of Joana Peca.

Williams and Peca were involved in a romantic relationship and had a baby together. Peca was holding the infant when Williams shot her multiple times in the face. Her older child was sitting in the backseat during the shooting.

A warrant has been issued for William's arrest and SPPD is actively searching for him. Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5000 for information that leads to an arrest.

**Benjamin Williams is deemed to be armed and dangerous.**

He is linked to several open homicide investigations.

If anyone has information on Benjamin Williams' (aka Bambi) whereabouts, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS, to be eligible for the reward. Tips can also be shared by calling the St. Petersburg Police Department at 727-893-7780 or by sending a text that includes the letters "SPPD" and your tip to TIP411.

Release updated on 08-01-21 at 12:23 a.m.

Just after 5:30 p.m. on July 31, SPPD's Emergency Communications Center received a report of person shot in the 100 block of 60th St. S.

Officers arrived and found Joana Peca (DOB 04-10-1994) deceased from an apparent gunshot wound inside her vehicle. Her two young children were also found inside unharmed, but terrified.

There are no suspects in custody at this time. The investigation is ongoing.

We are asking anyone with information to come forward by calling the non-emergency line at 727-893-7780. Anonymous messages can be sent to detectives by texting the letters SPPD and your tip to TIP411.

Release posted on 07-31-21 at 9:16 p.m.

SPPD has launched an investigation into the death of a woman at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.

PIOs Sandra Bentil and Ken Knight are at the scene.

Media can park on the south or north sides of 1st Ave S in the 5900 block. Please call Sandra at 727-420-6448 when you arrive so you can be escorted to the media staging area.

Information will be released as it becomes available.