'He's Not Human': Mother's Message To Slain Daughter's Killer

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — A manhunt has been launched by local and federal authorities for accused St. Pete killer, Benjamin Robert Williams, 38, who shot his girlfriend multiple times in the face Saturday inside a car near a cemetery, Chief Anthony Holloway told news reporters Thursday.

Joana Peca, 27, went to Woodlawn Memorial Gardens with Williams to pay respect to the memory of his sister at her gravesite that evening, according to Joana's mother, Eleni Peca. The 4-month-old baby Joana and Williams shared, and her 4-year-old child went with them. It's unclear at this time in the investigation what happened between Williams and Joana that led to her shooting. When she was shot in the face, she was holding that 4-month-old baby, Holloway said.

Witnesses who saw Joana slumped over in the passenger seat of the car and her 4-year-old child crying in the backseat told authorities they didn't know she was holding a baby until they moved her to render aid. That baby was so close to being killed, Holloway said. Neither of her children were injured.

"If the father of the baby killed the mother, he's not human," Eleni said as she cried at a press conference held at the St. Petersburg Police Department. "He's not human. My daughter didn't deserve that shot from him. She was only 27 years old. She had two babies to take care of."

A $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading up to Williams arrest, Holloway said. Williams' locations is currently unknown to authorities.

"There are no new details in the homicide investigation, but we are here to talk about the search for the suspect," Sandra Bentil, public information officer, said. "The manhunt for Benjamin R. Williams is a coordinated effort among the St. Petersburg Police Department, the Bureau of Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Marshal's Service. If you have information on Benjamin Williams whereabouts, please call 1-877-WANTED-2."

Williams is considered armed and extremely dangerous. Do not approach him if you see him. Immediately call the above number if you see him. He is connected to other open homicide cases in St. Petersburg, Holloway said.

ATF Assistant Special Agent Craig Kailimai said it is very important the information about Williams be shared, and that he needs to get off the streets as soon as possible.

The suspect stands 5-feet-8 and weighs 135 pounds. He is known to go by the name, Bambi.

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