St. Johns County teen appears in court in murder of Tristyn Bailey

Jacksonville, Fl — Another pre-trial hearing is now set for the teen accused in the stabbing death of his schoolmate in St. Johns County.

Nearly one year ago, the body of 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey was discovered in a wooded area in Durbin Crossing, hours after her family reported her missing. Now, 15-year-old Aiden Fucci is charged as an adult with 1st degree murder.

On Thursday, Honorable Judge Lee Smith set another pre-trial date for June 7th. Fucci appeared in court with a newly assigned public defender who told the Judge that she is not ready to present her case. She still has almost 80 depositions to take.

The dates that follow will remain the same as set during the last pre-trial hearing - October 26th as a pre-trial hearing with the trial date set to begin on November 2nd.

Fucci is the only suspect accused in Bailey’s death. On Mother’s Day 2021, her family reported Tristyn missing. Following a day-long search her body was found in a wooded area in Durbin Crossing North. Deputies say Bailey was stabbed more than 100 times.

“Teenagers are capable of things we have never imagined they could be. And this case is an example of that”, said State Attorney R.J. Larizza when announcing the charges last year.

Key evidence in the case includes DNA samples from Fucci’s family, jail calls, and surveillance footage. Also expected in court is the suspect’s mom. Crystal Smith is charged for tampering with evidence.

Because Fucci is a juvenile, a death sentence is not an option, but the charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.

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