ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFTS) – A man accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend while she held their baby is behind bars after three years on the run, thanks to a true crime TikTok video and a Good Samaritan.

Benjamin Williams, also known as “Bambi,” is charged with first-degree murder for the 2021 shooting of his ex-girlfriend, Joana Peca, 27, and two counts of child abuse.

Police say Williams convinced Joana Peca to meet him at a cemetery on July 31, 2021, so he could meet her infant son. As the 27-year-old sat in her van with the baby in her arms, Williams allegedly shot her several times in the face, killing her.

“Instead of going to get a white dress for my daughter’s wedding, I was going to get the white coffin to bury my daughter,” said the victim’s mother, Eleni Peca.

Police also said Joana Peca’s 4-year-old son was in the back seat of the van, but none of the children were injured.

“I will always miss his smiles. I’m going to miss my daughter being with me and being with her kids and playing with her kids,” Eleni Peca said.

Authorities issued a warrant for Williams’ arrest, and three years later, Joana Peca’s family received justice.

“Three years and three months is too long. He was running, but he could no longer hide. All eyes are on him, and finally, he is behind bars, where he belongs,” said Eleni Peca.

Recently, Jasmeen Alexander posted a video on her true crime TikTok page that contained WFTS’ original report on the case. Police say someone saw the video and called them to say Williams, now 41, was living in Mexico. This led to the arrest of the suspect.

“She went to the U.S. Embassy and informed the Marshal’s Office who informed us,” St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway said. “Nothing we do can replace the loss of your daughter, but at least we have a dangerous person off the streets. »

Alexander says she’s happy her TikTok can help her.

“I cover so many cases every day, and it’s really heartbreaking, especially her case because her kids were in the car and I’m a mom. So it really made me feel good to be able to help bring closure to his family,” she said.

With Williams’ arrest, Eleni Peca says her family will feel safe again this holiday season.

“I feel like this is a Christmas present for me and my little boys arrived earlier this year, and I couldn’t ask for more than this phone call I received from the police department,” he said. she declared.

Williams is being held in the Pinellas County Jail without bail.

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