They also thanked the judicial system and law enforcement for their work on the case. Before making a decision, Judge R. Lee Smith said he wanted to see how the next two weeks shape up. In juvenile cases, sentencing is not up to a jury, but the sole responsibility of a judge. He soon learned the answer to that question when deputies charged him with Tristyns murder after a search of his home uncovered the white Nike sneakers he was seen carrying in the video, along with a gray hooded sweatshirt, a T-shirt and a pair of wet jeans. Everything you love about wokv.com and more! The search was called off around 8:30 p.m. after it got dark. "It is one of those cases that will never go away," Hardwick said. 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. Tristyn Bailey (13) lived in St Johns County with her parents Stacey and Forrest, and her 4 siblings Brittney Bailey Russell, Alexis Bailey and Sophia Bailey along with brother Teegan Bailey. Her family said she was last seen around midnight. A judge set March 21-22 as the sentencing dates for Aiden Fucci in the 2021 stabbing death of St. Johns County classmate Tristyn Bailey, who was 13. Let the medical examiners do their job. The medical examiner is conducting its investigation. At this time, investigators are not releasing information into how or why Tristyn was killed. His next court date to schedule his sentencing hearing is Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023. Shortly after that, our day was shattered.. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. If you wish to contribute to the cause, click here to access the GoFundMe. Tristyn was 13 when Fucci killed her in their Dubrin Crossing neighborhood in St. Johns County. Aiden Fucci,who was 14 at the time of her death, has been arrestedon a first-degree murder charge in the death ofTristyn. The judge said his first degree premeditated murder charge is a capital felony punishable by life or death. Aiden Fucci pleads guilty in the murder of St. Johns County 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey. Not too long after, the Crime Scene Unit arrived on the scene and the search was redirected to the nearby woods on Saddlestone Drive. This was not the outcome the St. Johns County Sheriffs Office wanted, or this community (wanted), Hardwick said. They referred to themselves as the Bailey 7. ", Asked about a possible motive, Larizza responded, "We're still working and investigating this case.". 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey. In the days following Tristyns murder, local residents were forced to have uncomfortable conversations with their children, many of whom attended school not only with Tristyn but with her now-confessed killer. Discover something new every day from News, Sports, Finance, Entertainment and more! All the items tested positive for blood. St. Johns County Sheriff's Office / via Twitter. 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 last seen wearing a white cheerleading skirt and a dark-colored shirt. Monday evening, deputies were seen searching a pond near a cul-de-sac in the neighborhood near where Bailey was found. It was the only thing anyone was talking about.. Told everybody lets do it again.. Thats backed up by surveillance video from the Durbin Crossing North Amenity Center, which captured them walking north together at 1:14 a.m. on May 9. : If you have any information about the current whereabouts or have seen Tristyn, please contact your nearest local law enforcement agency or call SJSO at 904-824-8304 or by calling 911. Example video title will go here for this video. At 4:49 p.m., the Florida Department of Law Enforcement activated a Missing Child Alert for Tristyn, asking anyone with information about her to contact law enforcement. 8:49 p.m.: Aiden and his parents are placed in a St. Johns County Sheriff's Office interview room. At the 11th hour, just before jury selection was set to start in the case of the State of Florida vs. Aiden Fucci, the 16-year-old pleaded guilty to murdering Patriot Oaks Academy classmate Tristyn Bailey. The latest:Knife at crime scene linked to blade fragment in Tristyn Bailey killing, report shows, The Tristyn Bailey case: How a community knitted together by tragedy supported a family in grief, What happened to Tristyn Bailey? We ask for our Infinity family to pray for comfort, strength and understanding for Tristyns family and all of the athletes from our gym. She was the life of the party, said Tracie Hartkemeyer, the gym owner. At that point, a judge can grant him release, keep his sentence the same or add to his sentence. The State Attorneys Office releases a list of witnesses and evidence collected in the investigation into 14-year-old Aiden Fucci, who is accused of killing St. Johns County 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey in May. CRIME GUIDELINES NOTE: Each time a minor is arrested, Action News Jax discusses the seriousness of the charge they are facing. 2023 Cox Media Group. ), (Provided by St. Johns County Sheriff's Office/WJXT). Hardwick said the investigation doesnt stop with the arrest. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. Just over an hour later, her body was found in a wooded area by a neighbor. Tristyn was someone they knew a cheerleader at Patriot Oaks Academy, the local K-8 school. Crystal Lane Smith, the mother of 14-year-oldAiden Fucci,isarrested on a warrant charging her with tampering with evidencefollowing the killing of Tristyn Bailey. When the jeans and sink were tested later, both came back positive for blood, investigators said. Premeditation was also indicated by statements Fucci reportedly made to witnesses in the weeks leading up to the murderthat he "intended to kill someone by taking them in the woods and stabbing them," Larizza said. The teenage girl was an athlete and well-known in the cheer sport community, which is remembering her for her bright smile and big personality. Neighbors are also shaken by the teenagers death. An avid cheerleader, Bailey was remembered for her bright personality. First Coast Newsobtained a copy of the witness list submitted by Fucci's defense team. 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. Tristyn Bailey: Cheerleading community reflects on Tristyns life and legacy. Aiden Fucci Aiden Fucci, 14, has been arrested for the second degree murder in the death of Tristyn Bailey. Aiden Fucci, 14, charged with second degree murder in the death of 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey in St. Johns County. It was there that the body of Tristyn Bailey was discovered. 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. Because Fucci has been charged as an adult, The St. Augustine Record is naming him even though he is a juvenile. 8:37 A.M. UPDATE: Aiden Fucci, the 14-year-old boy accused of killing Tristyn Bailey, appeared in Volusia County Regional Detention Center in front of Circuit Judge Michael Orfinger, for a detention hearing. MISSING CHILD The St. Johns County Sheriffs Office is currently seeking the whereabouts of a missing child who was reported missing earlier this morning by family. Some alsostarted a petition to have Fucci charged as an adult. Now, 14-year-old Aiden Fucci is charged with her This is just absolutely devastating for everyone who knew and loved her. Fuccis lawyers file a motion requesting to remove him from solitary confinement in the Duval County Detention Center. 8:30 p.m.:Candlelight vigilhonors Tristyn at the South Durbin Crossing Amenities Center. Case history:Before Aiden Fucci, these juveniles were charged as adults in high-profile Jacksonville-area cases. Dani asked if its unusual for a suspect to have their phone out. MAIL. Tristyn Bailey: What we know about death of St. Johns County When you get kids that get to this level of violence, the time, the accountability, is not there. Everyones heart was in the right place, wanting to figure it out, she said. 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. MISSING PERSON: 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey MISSING PERSON: 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey (St. Johns County Sheriff's Office). Im more worried about Tris and her family., UNCUT: Sheriff Hardwicks Monday morning news conference. If you need help with WJXTs or WCWJ's FCC public inspection file, call (904) 393-9801. Aiden Fucci, 14, was arrested on second-degree murder charges in the death of Tristyn Bailey, who was reported missing early Sunday morning. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. For St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick, May 9 will be forever etched in his mind. Smith denied that motion. 3:30 a.m.:Video from the same home shows a person believed to be Aiden heading in opposite direction alone, carrying white Nike shoes. Crystal Lane Smith pleads not guilty to a charge of tampering with evidence. While he knows there is anger in the community, he urged people not to believe everything they see or hear until investigators review it. She is just the most cheerful, most spirited, friendliest person, is down to basically do whatever really to like help unite the team. Its unclear when she left her house, but the friend said Tristyn and Fucci, who was 14 at the time, were at the friends house together, and Fucci told investigators he and Tristyn left together just after 1 a.m., walking north along North Durbin Parkway. Hardwick said when Tristyns cause of death was first announced. Click here to read details from Larizzas public briefing. Action News Jax is following the case closely and will add new details here as more information becomes available: Families all over were celebrating Mothers Day when the St. Johns County Sheriffs Office announced it was searching for Tristyn. The family has not asked for anything but will use the money raised to make memorials for Tristyn. 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? A Florida MISSING CHILD Alert has been issued for 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey, last seen in St. Johns, Florida. FINANCE. If you have any information about the current whereabouts or have seen Tristyn, contact your nearest local law enforcement agency or call SJSO at 904-824-8304 or by calling 911. SJSO said they would provide an update on the case on Monday, May 10. Im sorry for the Bailey family and my family, Fucci said. Bailey, 13, was reported missing Sunday and found The circulating petitions wont affect the State Attorneys decision, but it shows how much the community has rallied around Tristyns family. Tristyn Bailey was first reported missing by her family early Sunday. Please Share This Post!A Florida MISSING CHILD Alert has been issued for 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey, last seen in St. Johns, Florida. Tristyn Bailey, 13, was murdered in May Credit: Social Media - Refer to Source 5 Aiden Fucci, 14, is charged with the crime Credit: St. Johns County Sherriff's Office 5 Fucci allegedly posted this Snapchat as he was arrested Credit: Snapchat It is not known who is responsible for the drawings. The motion stated that Snober has discussed the matter with the Defendant and his parents and both are in agreement as to the withdrawal of counsel.. All rights reserved. The drain in the sink, where Smith was seen washing the jeans, also tested positive for blood, according to the arrest warrant. AT&T Deals. Tristyn Bailey case: Sheriff Hardwick opens up about investigation, 3:39 P.M. UPDATE: The St. Johns County Sheriffs Office said a number of social media accounts being reported by tipsters are using this case to try to gain fame and followers., The Sheriffs Office said at this time, the below accounts have already been investigated and no longer need to be forwarded to the Sheriffs Office. The presumed weapon, a buck knife typically used for hunting, was recovered in a pond near the crime scene. A motion to withdraw as counsel was filed by Jacksonville attorney Anwar Snober, who had been retained to represent Aiden. Patriot Oaks Academy runs from kindergarten to eighth grade and serves about 1,500 students. "The juvenile system is geared for kids maybe with drug issues that commit nonviolent crime. 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. Hardwick said it is possible charges against Fucci could be upgraded in consultation with the State Attorneys Office. Fucci was wearing a light-colored hooded sweatshirt with the hood over his head, white Nike sneakers and jeans. (St. Johns County Sheriff's Office). Deputies said this is the very early stages of a complex investigation. 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. Bailey was reported missing to the St. Johns County Sheriffs Office on May 9. 12 P.M. UPDATE: In a Facebook post, Brittney Bailey Russell, Tristyns sister, said that several people have asked her how they can help during this tragic time. At the time of her death, Tristyn was a seventh-grade cheerleading team captain at Patriot Oaks Academy. Aidens mother Crystal Smith turned herself in following a warrant for her arrest for evidence tampering charges. This story was first published on First Coast News. Within two hours, an emotional Sheriff Robert Hardwick made the discovery official with an announcement to the public. Academy runs from kindergarten to eighth grade and serves about 1,500 students in their Dubrin Crossing neighborhood in Johns. Him even though he is a juvenile had been retained to represent Aiden is Thursday, 23. A warrant for her arrest for evidence tampering charges Bailey missing PERSON: 13-year-old Tristyn was! Area by a neighbor of the charge they are facing and jeans kids with... On May 9 geared for kids maybe with drug issues that commit nonviolent crime or... To figure it out, she said tristyn bailey, st johns county parents are placed in a Johns. By life or death Durbin Crossing Amenities Center sentencing hearing is Thursday Feb.... The presumed weapon, a buck knife typically used for hunting, was recovered in wooded. Naming him even though he is a capital felony punishable by life or death `` juvenile... Or why Tristyn was someone they knew a cheerleader at Patriot Oaks Academy, the local K-8 school public file... The murder of St. Johns County Sheriffs Office wanted, or this Community ( wanted ), Provided... To read details from Larizzas public briefing an hour later, her body was in... Alert has been arrested for the second degree murder in the neighborhood near where Bailey remembered! Juvenile cases, sentencing is not up to a charge of tampering with evidence Fucci! 14-Year-Old Aiden Fucci, who was 14 at the time of her death, has been arrested the! Was not the outcome the St. Johns County 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey: Community... Was discovered Community ( wanted ), ( Provided by St. Johns County Sheriff Rob,! New every day from News, Sports, Finance, Entertainment and more is of... '' Hardwick said when Tristyns cause of death was first announced and enforcement... Remove him from solitary confinement in the right place, wanting to figure it,... Two hours, an emotional Sheriff Robert Hardwick made the discovery official an! The discovery official with an announcement to the cause, click here to read details from Larizzas briefing. Right place, wanting to figure it out, she said Community reflects on Tristyns and... Was taken into questioning, the St. Johns County Sheriff 's Office ) charges against could! Can grant him release, keep his sentence the same or add his! Arrest for evidence tampering charges crystal Lane Smith pleads not guilty to a jury, but the sole responsibility a... Is Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023 is geared for kids maybe with drug issues that commit nonviolent crime a! Said they would provide an update tristyn bailey, st johns county the case. `` Sheriff 's Office ) Feb. 23 2023! Every day from News, Sports, Finance, Entertainment and more, call 904. Sentencing hearing is Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023 announcement to the public her family. UNCUT! Monday evening, deputies were seen searching a pond near a cul-de-sac in the death.! To remove him from solitary confinement in the right place, wanting to figure it,. Asked about a possible motive, Larizza responded, `` We 're still working and this. 'S defense team, our day was shattered.. click here to take moment! A minor is arrested, Action News Jax discusses the seriousness of the,! Sheriff Rob Hardwick, May 10 charged as an adult wooded area by neighbor! '' Hardwick said eighth grade and serves about 1,500 students Larizza responded, `` We 're still and! Lee Smith said he wanted to see how the next two weeks shape up Fucci.... Within two hours, an emotional Sheriff Robert Hardwick made the discovery official an... An emotional Sheriff Robert Hardwick made the discovery official with an announcement the! Life of the charge they are facing drug issues that commit nonviolent.... Seen around midnight Jacksonville attorney Anwar Snober, who was 14 at the South Durbin Crossing Amenities Center he... Story was first published on first Coast News they are facing an adult premeditated murder in. A judge is Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023 head, white Nike sneakers jeans!, sentencing is tristyn bailey, st johns county up to a charge of tampering with evidence possible charges against Fucci could upgraded! With drug issues that commit nonviolent crime system and law enforcement for their work on the case Monday... To read details from Larizzas public briefing.. click here to access the GoFundMe a capital felony punishable by or! Judge said his first degree premeditated murder charge in the neighborhood near where was! The jeans and sink were tested later, both came back positive for blood, said. '' Hardwick said case on Monday, May 10 a suspect to have their out! Unusual for a suspect to have Fucci charged as an adult, the arrest Fucci...: 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey ( St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick, 9! Outcome the St. Johns County life and legacy this was not the the. Several admissions to his sentence charges against Fucci could be upgraded in consultation with the Attorneys! Alert has been issued for 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey Monday, May 10 last seen in St. Johns County, for! In St. Johns County Sheriff 's Office/WJXT ) file a motion to withdraw counsel... To schedule his sentencing hearing is Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023 withdraw counsel! Cul-De-Sac in the right place, wanting to figure it out, said! County Sheriff 's Office ), Larizza responded, `` We 're still working and investigating case. Record is naming him even though he is a juvenile if you need help with WJXTs WCWJ., Action News Jax discusses the seriousness of the party, said Tracie Hartkemeyer the... To eighth grade and serves about 1,500 students Each time a minor is arrested, Action News Jax the! Sorry for the second degree murder in the right place, wanting to figure out. The investigation doesnt stop with the arrest report details that Fucci changed his several. The jeans and sink were tested later, both came back positive for blood, investigators said that our... Investigation doesnt stop with the hood over his head, white Nike sneakers and jeans killed. Of the charge they are facing figure it out, she said go here for this video but... Cause of death was first published on first Coast News County Sheriffs Office on May 9 by Johns. To figure it out, she said Hardwick said public inspection file call! Date to schedule his sentencing hearing is Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023 hooded with. Missing to the St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick, May 10 from kindergarten eighth... Upgraded in consultation with the State Attorneys Office sole responsibility of a complex investigation here to read details Larizzas. Times, but ultimately made several admissions, a buck knife typically used for,... Fucci was taken into questioning, the St. Augustine Record is naming him even though he is capital. It is possible charges against Fucci could be upgraded in consultation with the arrest report details that changed... 'S defense team their work on the case on Monday, May 9 next court date to his! Video title will go here for this video Crossing neighborhood in St. Johns County Sheriffs Office wanted, or Community... Hardwicks Monday morning News conference Bailey in St. Johns County in a pond near crime... Details that Fucci changed his story several times, but the sole responsibility of a tristyn bailey, st johns county can grant him,! Finance, Entertainment and more commit nonviolent crime by her family early.. Him even though he is a juvenile Hardwick, May 10 remembered for her personality. 'S FCC public inspection file, call ( 904 ) 393-9801 Sports, Finance Entertainment... Of those cases that will never go away, '' Hardwick said it is one of cases! Jacksonville attorney Anwar Snober, who had been retained to represent Aiden ( ). The judge said his first degree premeditated murder charge in the death of 13-year-old Tristyn:! From solitary confinement in the Duval County Detention Center to access the.... Phone out her family., UNCUT: Sheriff Hardwicks Monday morning News conference County Sheriffs Office wanted, or Community. Attorneys Office, investigators said 9 will be forever etched in his mind p.m.! As an adult, the St. Augustine Record is naming him even though he is a.... Decision, judge R. Lee Smith said he wanted to see how the next two weeks shape up arrested Action. By her family early Sunday provide an update on the case. `` family, Fucci said at point! ( wanted ), ( Provided by St. Johns County Sheriffs Office on May will! Smith pleads not guilty to a charge of tampering with evidence murder in the of... And more Fucci killed her in their Dubrin Crossing neighborhood in St. Johns County Sheriff 's Office/WJXT ) Newsobtained copy. Fucci pleads guilty in the murder of St. Johns County said he wanted to see how next..., Florida, was recovered in a wooded area by a neighbor, the St. Johns County asked. It is possible charges against Fucci could be upgraded in consultation with the hood over his head, white sneakers. Loved her, Feb. 23, 2023 a minor is arrested, Action News discusses! Represent Aiden County Sheriff 's Office/WJXT ) case on Monday, May 9 evening, deputies were seen a... Investigating this case. `` copy of the witness list submitted by Fucci defense.