And just like that, a worrisome search for a missing teen became a shocking murder case that rocked a family and a community. Photo taken in Durbin Crossing community on Jan. 18, 2022. recalled last year during a public memorial, found Tristyns body by a retention pond, showed Fucci heading back in the other direction. Please Share This Post!A Florida MISSING CHILD Alert has been issued for 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey, last seen in St. Johns, Florida. They were defensive in nature." Investigators later confirmed that all the blood stains on Fuccis belongings tested positive for Tristyns DNA and that Fuccis DNA was found on Tristyns body. Hardwick said there could be forthcoming arrests in the case. Tristyns family told investigators that she was last seen at home around midnight. ST. JOHNS, Fla. Tristyn Bailey is being remembered as a student, athlete, friend, daughter and sister. The drain in the sink, where Smith was seen washing the jeans, also tested positive for blood, according to the arrest warrant. The News4JAX Morning Show team brings you breaking news from overnight -- local, national and international stories, as well as weather and traffic to start your day. Dani asked if its unusual for a suspect to have their phone out. [RELATED: Aiden Fucci pleads not guilty to the murder of Tristyn Bailey]. ), (Provided by St. Johns County Sheriff's Office/WJXT). It has now been determined by Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Predrag Bulic that the cause of death is sharp force trauma by stabbing. Tristyn was last seen in St. Johns,Florida, on Sunday morning after being reported missing by her family at 10am. ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. The teen accused of killing St. Johns County 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey appeared in court on Tuesday. SJSO did not say how the teen died or if there were any suspects in custody in connection to her death. 11:30 a.m.:Sheriff's office confirms identity of body found as that of Tristyn Bailey and announces arrest of Aiden Fucci, a 14-year-old classmate, on charges of second-degree murder. He said the juvenile justice system isn't equipped to handle cases like this. Anyone who saw Tristyn between midnight and early Sunday evening is asked to call the Sheriffs Office at 904-824-8304 or dial 911. Hardwick made the announcement about two hours later that they believed to have found her remains. If you have any information on the whereabouts of this child please contact the St Johns County Sheriff's Office at 904-824-8304 or 911. pic.twitter.com/8Zezo2Qese. Copyright 2023 News4JAX.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Right now, hes facing a second-degree murder charge. The judge will set a sentencing date at this hearing as well. According to the St. Johns County Sheriffs Office, the last time Baileys family saw her was about 12 a.m. Sunday. I ask that you put this out there and help us stand by this community and let them grieve together, the statement said read. An autopsy found the girl had been stabbed more than 100 times, many of them defensive wounds, and the tip of the knife broke off in one of her wounds. Judge R. Lee Smith approves the states request for a six-person jury instead of the usual 12-person jury in Fuccis murder trial. Tristyn Bailey, 13-year-old whose body was found in St. Johns County Sunday. The St. Johns County Sheriffs Office is searching for a 13-year-old girl who was last seen around 1:15 a.m. at the Durbin Amenity Center in St. Johns County. A celebration of life was held to honor the life of Tristyn. Cox Media Group. Some alsostarted a petition to have Fucci charged as an adult. A sprawling search was launched and at 6 p.m. her body was discovered in the immediate area near a retention pond, according to the arrest report. On Saturday, PDQ restaurants in Julington Creek and Bartram Park are raising money for Tristyns family. CRIME GUIDELINES NOTE: Each time a minor is arrested, Action News Jax discusses the seriousness of the charge they are facing. During that guilty plea, Fucci apologized in court. While he was booked in St. Johns County, he is being held at a Department of Juvenile Justice facility in Volusia County. Monday, that was confirmed. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/krno3rvjfR. In a surveillance video taken inside his familys home, Fuccis mother, Crystal Smith, can be seen entering her sons bedroom after he was taken to the sheriffs office and scrubbing blood off Fuccis jeans. Shes just always motivated to work harder, the friend said. And lets let the attorneys office prosecute this case, Hardwick said, not wanting to address Fuccis background. Bailey was reported missing to the St. Johns County Sheriffs Office on May 9. Larizza called the Bailey family courageous, and he said they have been made aware of comments on social media and threats against them. The family, who calls themselves "The Bailey 7," released astatementto the public following Fucci's change of plea. Every time that arm went back, and every time that arm went down, that was premeditation," Larizza said. Smith: I want to make sure that you understand that you need to be talking to your attorney about that, do you understand sir? Here's what we know about the timeline of Tristyn Bailey's disappearance. Please Share This Post!A Florida MISSING CHILD Alert has been issued for 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey, last seen in St. Johns, Florida. Anway "Andy" Snober, hired to represent the 14-year-old suspect by his family, files towithdraw from the case; the motion is granted by the courts. Example video title will go here for this video. Tristyn Bailey's murder rocked the quiet St. Johns County community she called home. While families all over were celebrating Mothers Day, a search was underway for a missing St. Johns County teen, Tristyn Bailey. The purpose of these reports is to synthesize a picture of the defendant's background and circumstances. Everyones heart was in the right place, wanting to figure it out, she said. You can see team coverage of the latest developments in this story on CBS47 and FOX30 Action News Jax at 5, 5:30, 6 and 6:30. Im more worried about Tris and her family., UNCUT: Sheriff Hardwicks Monday morning news conference. This case does not end with the unfortunate death of Tristyn and it doesnt end with the arrest of our suspect. St. Johns County Sheriff's Office booking photo of Aiden Fucci, who is being held by the Department of Juvenile Justice. Editors note: This article contains details that some might find graphic in nature. Aiden Fucci,who was 14 at the time of her death, has been arrestedon a first-degree murder charge in the death ofTristyn. Rape survivor slams Gabby Petito Utah cop over handling of her case, 'Dark details' about boyfriend of US swim champ who mysteriously died, Disturbing red flags of Lindsay Clancy's psychosis before she 'killed 3 kids', Mysterious powder swamps US skies as residents report dust-covered cars, 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. 3:30 a.m.:Aiden arrested on charge of second-degree murder. Sheriff: Tristyn Bailey's death was the 'horrific, brutal murder of a 13-year-old child' Bailey was killed May 9 near her home in Durbin Crossing in northwest St. Discover something new every day from News, Sports, Finance, Entertainment and more! Vigil for Tristyn Bailey Dozens gather to honor Tristyn Bailey. Aiden appeared before a judge for a first appearance following the announcement that he would be charged as an adult. Web3 solved murders featuring Crystal Turner and Kylen Schulte, and Tristyn Bailey. Our goal in any investigation is to ensure proper accountability across the board for successful prosecution., He added, Crystal Smith will be held responsible for her role in this case and justice will be served for Tristyn Bailey and her family.. She was reported missing that morning by her family. Aiden Fucci, 14, charged with second degree murder in the death of 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey in St. Johns County. RELATED: 1 year later: Tristyn Baileys family reflects on her memory, impact. First Coast Newsobtained a copy of the witness list submitted by Fucci's defense team. The motive has never really been clear, although Fucci's friends said he had an obsession with knives and wanting to kill someone. Fucci lives 0.3 miles away from where Bailey was discovered. ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. Aiden Fucci was back in a St. Johns County courtroom Thursday morning to begin the next phase in his murder case. Surveillance footage and multiple Snapchat videos are among the new evidence released by the State Attorneys Office. Fellow Patriot Oaks Academy student Aiden Fucci was taken into custody overnight and is being held at the Department of Juvenile Justice. TIMELINE: Tristyns disappearance, investigation | RELATED: Search turns to grief after body found | Community comes together to support grieving family. Tristyns family reported her missing at around 10am on Sunday morning, according to the St Johns County Sheriffs Office. Fuccis DNA was found on Tristyns body. The body of Tristyn Bailey, 13, a seventh-grader at Patriot Oaks Academy in Saint Johns, was discovered Sunday, May 9, 2021, hours after her family was reported Every Mothers Day, shes going to be very sad.. The deadline to submit any additional discovery was Feb. 16. He will be housed in the state of Florida. That may be something you and your attorneys decide, if there are some experts or mental health experts whom youve been talking to, who at this time, are not listed on your witness list, do you understand that? Aiden Fucci, a 14-year-old from St. Johns County, hasbeen charged with first-degree murder, accused of stabbing his 13-year-old classmate Tristyn Bailey114 times. In this case, Aiden Fucci is facing a second-degree murder charge, which is a felony, so that is why we have decided to show his photo. The body was discovered fully clothed in the woods near Durbin Crossing just after 6pm on May 9. Credit: St. Johns County Sheriff's Office. By 10 a.m. that day May 9, 2021 they called the St. Johns County Sheriffs Office to report her missing. 2023 www.staugustine.com. Monday evening, deputies were seen searching a pond near a cul-de-sac in the neighborhood near where Bailey was found. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. For St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick, May 9 will be forever etched in his mind. At about 6:30 p.m., a diver was seen coming out of the pond holding an item in his hand. RELATED: St. Johns County Sheriffs Office says body found is believed to be reported missing 13-year-old girl, community is grieving. Teenage boy accused of killing Tristyn Bailey 13-year-olds body was found in wooded area just over 16 hours after she was last seen at communitys amenity center All the items tested positive for blood. Subscribe to 104.5 WOKV newsletter(Opens a new window), 104.5 WOKV facebook feed(Opens a new window), 104.5 WOKV twitter feed(Opens a new window), 104.5 WOKV instagram feed(Opens a new window), MISSING PERSON: 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey. Less than an hour later, the Sheriffs Office posted a message to its Facebook page asking the community for help to find the missing teen. A search warrant was executed at Fuccis house where police found clothing in Fuccis bedroom that yielded a presumptive positive test result for the presence of blood. When Fucci was taken into questioning, the arrest report details that Fucci changed his story several times, but ultimately made several admissions. A Florida Missing Child Alert was issued for Tristyn. Yesterday was a Mothers Day, Rodriguez said. About 10 a.m., the Sheriffs Office said, Baileys family reported her missing. Less than an hour later, the Sheriffs Office posted a message on social media asking for information about her whereabouts. Whatever it takes for like the team to get to the next level, shes the person to like help push the team forward, Sparks said. SJSO said they would provide an update on the case on Monday, May 10. Fucci will be back in court for another status hearing on March 8. He was set to be tried as an adult with jury selection slated to begin Monday morning. RELATED: Detective: Killing of Tristyn Bailey probably one of the most tragic and difficult cases that we have faced | Confused-looking Aiden Fucci: Demons are going to take my soul away. RELATED: Tristyn Bailey case: Juvenile law expert questions murder suspect Aiden Fuccis past. MAIL. Aiden Fucci enters a St. Johns County courtroom on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023. Tristyn was 13 when Fucci killed her in their Dubrin Crossing neighborhood in St. Johns County. Hardwick said it is possible charges against Fucci could be upgraded in consultation with the State Attorneys Office. ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. Nearly two years after investigators say he fatally stabbed 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey more than 100 times, now-16-year-old Aiden Fucci has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in Tristyns death. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. WATCH: FDLE confirms blade pulled from retention pond matches piece found in Tristyns wound: At the same time that neighbors and deputies were searching for the missing girl on Mothers Day, investigators were already digging into what might have happened to the 13-year-old. Larizza took the case to a grand jury, and Fucci was indicted May 27, 2021, on a first-degree murder charge. Fuccis trial is pushed to 2023. Tristyn Bailey fought for her life, and for nearly two years, law enforcement and her family fought for justice. Judge R. Lee Smith accepts Fuccis plea to the count of first-degree murder. Investigators will share that information with Tristyn's family before determining if or when to release it to the media. Nearly one year after her death, Tristyns friends and loved ones reflected on the news that shook up their lives. Tristyn was last seen in St. Johns, Florida, on Sunday morning after being reported missing by her family at 10am. Investigators say she returned the jeans to Aidens room a couple of hours later. Copyright 2021 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved. (Copyright 2023 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved. The prosecutions list of witnesses for sentencing confirms that Baileys loved ones will be called to make victim impact statements. 1:30 p.m.:Sheriff's office reports thatChief Medical Examiner Predrag Bulic determined that the cause of Tristyn's death is sharp force trauma by stabbing and that video placed the pair walking near the scene in that time frame. The Bailey family released a statement after Thursday's press conference recognizing the work of the Sheriff's Office and State Attorney's Office and thanking people in the community for their support. Aidens mother Crystal Smith turned herself in following a warrant for her arrest for evidence tampering charges. 8 p.m.:Sheriff's office announcesbody found and preliminarily identified as Tristyn Bailey. Restaurants making donations to Bailey family. Aiden Fucci, 14, is in custody and is facing a second-degree murder charge, the sheriffs office announced during a news conference. Victim impact statements are usually part of the sentencing phase. They are starting to comb through those items right now. As students return to school this morning, grief counselors are being made available to her classmates at Patriot Oaks Academy. Bailey was found stabbed to death on Mothers Day in 2021 near a wooded area of her neighborhood. The individual has been identified as Tristyn Bailey who is a 13 year old white female. They said in part: "This morning's surprise change of plea brings our family significant relief Just as Tristyn fought for her life, we equally fought for her and would not agree to any plea deal." She always has a smile on her face, always lighting up, always has a positive mindset and positive words towards others., Another friend of Baileys told News4Jax: Shes a really nice, sweet girl and shes strong and shes a great athlete., TIMELINE: What we know about Tristyn Baileys disappearance. Told everybody lets do it again.. Hardwick said the Sheriffs Office got word about the search for Tristyn every way it could think of and praised the community for stepping up in a big way. The St. Johns County Sheriffs Office is searching for a 13-year-old girl who was last seen around 1:15 a.m. at the Durbin Amenity Center in St. Johns County. On May 27, it was announced that Aiden is being charged as an adult on first-degree murder. Larizza said. My daughter told me to do it, So, I do it from my heart, neighbor Endrna Rodriguez said. RELATED: Cheer community selling T-shirts in memory of Tristyn Bailey, proceeds go to Baileys family. NEWS. Reports newly released by the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office Thursday revealed that Fucci has reportedly engaged in multiple disturbing instances while incarcerated at the Duval County Jail. Left lane blocked due to stalled vehicle on FL-202 Butler Blvd Eastbound at Hodges Blvd. (St. Johns County Sheriff's Office). While a motive for killing the 13-year-old cheerleader has never been made clear, friends of Fucci told detectives he owned several knives, and that hed thought about killing someone. The community gathered at Veterans Park around 4 p.m. to conduct their own search, desperate to find the missing victim. For the past year, Bailey also cheered at Infinity Allstars, which posted this message on social media: It is with our deepest sorrow that we inform you of the passing of our beloved athlete and friend, Tristyn Bailey. Just before jury selection was set to start in the case of Aiden Fucci, the 16-year-old pleaded guilty to murdering Tristyn Bailey. Memorial: Tristyn Bailey remembered as someone who brought 'life to everyone around her'. 1:33 Less than a week after 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey was found stabbed to death, St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick is calling the crime a "horrific, brutal All rights reserved. Tristyn was last seen early Sunday morning in Durbin Crossing neighborhood. Aiden Fucci, 14, has been arrested for the second degree murder in the death of Tristyn Bailey. Her name WILL live on because our baby Bailey was taken far too soon from us. SJSO said Tristyns family notified them of her disappearance at 10 a.m. on May 9. Smith was washing blood out of her sons jeans in the bathroom sink. SJSO said Aiden attended Patriot Oaks Academy, a K-8 school on Longleaf Pine Parkway, with Tristyn and both grew up in the same neighborhood. Before making a decision, Judge R. Lee Smith said he wanted to see how the next two weeks shape up. 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