TRISTYN BAILEY: 13-year-old Florida murdered, 14-year-old Aiden Fucci arrested *GUILTY PLEA*

Tristyn Bailey

Timeline of events in disappearance, murder of St. Johns County teen Tristyn Bailey

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 Tristyn’s death.

www.actionnewsjax.com

 

[Summer_Breeze]

Ahead of sentencing, new audio reveals Aiden Fucci misled investigators

Newly released audio reveals then-14-year-old Aiden Fucci lied to investigators hours before the body of Trisyten Bailey was found.

www.courttv.com

Posted at 11:08 AM, March 17, 2023 and last updated 11:08 AM, March 17, 2023

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. (Court TV) — A Florida teenager facing 40 years to life for the brutal murder of his 13-year-old classmate lied to investigators, according to newly released audio of his initial police interview.

Aiden Fucci, then 14, misled investigators hours before Tristyn Bailey’s body was found riddled with stab wounds in a neighborhood pond in Saint Johns, Florida, on Mother’s Day 2021. Surveillance video showed Fucci and Bailey together around the time of her disappearance.

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Video at link. ~Summer

 

[Summer_Breeze]

Aiden Fucci appeared in court Monday to limit testimony about prior 'bad acts'

The teen who murdered St. Johns County cheerleader Tristyn Bailey wants to prohibit evidence about his behavior in school and jail.

www.firstcoastnews.com

Author: Anne Schindler
Published: 11:13 AM EDT March 20, 2023
Updated: 11:13 AM EDT March 20, 2023

A teen scheduled to be sentenced for the first-degree murder of a 13-year-old St. Johns County girl later this week will be in court Monday afternoon for a hearing on last-minute motions filed in the case.
The motions, filed by Aiden Fucci's lawyers late Friday, seek to limit testimony about his “prior bad acts,” including his conduct in school and in jail. A third motion seeks to prohibit the testimony of a psychologist that prosecutors intend to call as a witness.

<snip>
Two motions seeking to limit evidence of Fucci’s "prior bad acts" would preclude testimony about his conduct in jail, including fights, threats made to guards or other inmates and bullying other teens for commissary -- all complaints noted in his file. Less is known about Fucci’s school conduct, since those records are confidential, but reports obtained by First Coast News indicate that several of his teachers found him disrespectful. One teacher described him as “a jerk” and “a punk.”

Reports also show that Fucci got in trouble once for throwing a desk shield at a female classmate and threatening to her out a window.

A third motion says Dr. Gregory Prichard should not be allowed to testify about Fucci’s mental state because he has never evaluated the now 15-year-old defendant.

 

[Cousin Dupree]

Aiden Fucci appeared in court Monday to limit testimony about prior 'bad acts'

The teen who murdered St. Johns County cheerleader Tristyn Bailey wants to prohibit evidence about his behavior in school and jail.

www.firstcoastnews.com

Author: Anne Schindler
Published: 11:13 AM EDT March 20, 2023
Updated: 11:13 AM EDT March 20, 2023

A teen scheduled to be sentenced for the first-degree murder of a 13-year-old St. Johns County girl later this week will be in court Monday afternoon for a hearing on last-minute motions filed in the case.
The motions, filed by Aiden Fucci's lawyers late Friday, seek to limit testimony about his “prior bad acts,” including his conduct in school and in jail. A third motion seeks to prohibit the testimony of a psychologist that prosecutors intend to call as a witness.

<snip>
Two motions seeking to limit evidence of Fucci’s "prior bad acts" would preclude testimony about his conduct in jail, including fights, threats made to guards or other inmates and bullying other teens for commissary -- all complaints noted in his file. Less is known about Fucci’s school conduct, since those records are confidential, but reports obtained by First Coast News indicate that several of his teachers found him disrespectful. One teacher described him as “a jerk” and “a punk.”

Reports also show that Fucci got in trouble once for throwing a desk shield at a female classmate and threatening to her out a window.

A third motion says Dr. Gregory Prichard should not be allowed to testify about Fucci’s mental state because he has never evaluated the now 15-year-old defendant.

Those should DEFINITELY be considered.

 

[Guess Who]

Those should DEFINITELY be considered.

Especially since he can't seem to stay out of trouble while incarcerated. They should definitely get that info and be able to evaluate if they really want him out in public when he acts like that while being locked up.

 

[Summer_Breeze]

Judge reaches decision regarding motions ahead of Aiden Fucci’s sentencing hearing

The defense team for Aiden Fucci presented a series of motions on Monday ahead of his sentencing hearing set for Tuesday and Wednesday.

www.actionnewsjax.com

By ActionNewsJax.com News StaffMarch 20, 2023 at 5:34 pm EDT

<snip>
The first motion presented by Fucci’s defense team asked the judge to not allow any examples of “post-arrest bad acts” to be considered during Tuesday and Wednesday’s sentencing hearings. Some of those actions include threats allegedly made by Fucci against inmates and guards during his time at the Duval County Jail.

However, the state argued, these aspects will be critical to the sentencing. Prosecutors cited another case as precedent.

“And that includes the juvenile’s immaturity, lack of judgment, possibility of rehabilitation, in determining whether your Honor should impose a life sentence,” state prosecutor Jennifer Dunton said.

In a second motion, the defense asked the judge to exclude prior bad acts – that is, before Fucci’s arrest. Some of those “bad acts” include things like allegedly disrespecting teachers and getting in fights at school.

Ultimately, the judge decided to table both motions, and will decide whether to allow discussion of pre- or post-arrest bad acts on a case by case basis.

The judge also struck down the defense’s third motion, asking to exclude the testimony of a psychologist. The state wants that witness to provide his professional opinion of who Fucci was as a person at the time of the crime. Now, that testimony will be allowed.

Fucci’s sentencing hearings are set to begin at 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday. He is facing a possible life sentence.

 

[Summer_Breeze]

Sentencing hearing begins Tuesday for Aiden Fucci in murder of Tristyn Bailey

More than 22 months after 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey was found stabbed to death on May 9, 2021, in Durbin Crossing, her killer’s sentencing hearing begins Tuesday.

www.news4jax.com

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Live feed of sentencing hearing at link, for anyone that may be interested. ~Summer

 

[kdg411]

 

[GrandmaBear]

Most know I think that I have had little time to stay up on all the cases I have followed/we have followed and that includes the recent sentencing of this evil "child". I saw a bit and read a bit here but was not nearly up on it. Just watched this and for anyone who didn't see victim impact statements, I think it takes the most poignant points etc. of each and it has me in tears. It also brings back my family doing the same and how stressful the entire crime, process and finally statements and sentencing are over generally years. And how you feel it is finally your one and only chance to have a say and the pressure is huge as you want to get through that the perp needs to go away forever or for a very long time, etc. I can feel it and I can see it in this family.

Any doubts that this "kid" deserves to be looked at again in the future or ever get out, I think this would take them away for most. He IS evil. 114 stab wounds. A young girl.

I also had never seen his parents in the room at the police station with him and that was interesting.

Anyhow, I promise once a few minutes into this, you will have no problem listening to it to the end. A good recap I think it likely is of the key parts of the victims' family and friend's statements.

 

[kdg411]

Judge Smith sentenced Aiden Fucci to Life and due to his age at the time of the crime a statutory review will be available after 25 years.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Judge Smith sentenced Aiden Fucci to Life and due to his age at the time of the crime a statutory review will be available after 25 years.

Yeah one or two of the victim's family members addressed the 25 year review.

I think it's b.s. in his case he gets such a chance and he would still be relatively young. I guess he has 25 years to try to look like a totally rehabilitated good person. He will still be pretty young. He isn't off to a very good start though as I gather his behavior while incarcerated hasn't been very good.

 

[Cousin Dupree]

Yeah one or two of the victim's family members addressed the 25 year review.

I think it's b.s. in his case he gets such a chance and he would still be relatively young. I guess he has 25 years to try to look like a totally rehabilitated good person. He will still be pretty young. He isn't off to a very good start though as I gather his behavior while incarcerated hasn't been very good.

Yeah, looking like a good person in prison doesn't seem possible for him.

 

[Summer_Breeze]

Aiden Fucci's mom, Crystal Smith, expected to appear in court on evidence tampering charge in Tristyn Bailey murder

Deputies say surveillance video shows her washing blood out of her son’s jeans after he stabbed his St. Johns County classmate over 100 times.

www.firstcoastnews.com

Author: First Coast News Staff
Published: 9:01 PM EDT April 3, 2023
Updated: 10:52 AM EDT April 4, 2023

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Crystal Smith, the mother of convicted killer AIden Fucci, is expected to have her final pretrial hearing Tuesday.

She’s charged with evidence tampering in the stabbing death of 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey. Smith has pleaded not guilty. Deputies say surveillance video shows her washing blood out of her son’s jeans after he stabbed the child over 100 times.

According to deputies’ reports, when Smith was with Fucci in the Sheriff’s Office interrogation room, she advised him to “find his story and stick with it.”

Reports say she also “attempted to convince him” he was wearing khakis the night of the murder, rather than the allegedly bloody blue jeans.

The reports say Smith whispered the word “blood” to him as if to remind him the pants were not clean.

Fucci was booked into prison last month following an emotional sentencing hearing.

 

[Summer_Breeze]

Crystal Smith appears in court ahead of evidence tampering trial

Crystal Smith, Aiden Fucci's mother, is charged with evidence tampering in the stabbing death of 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey.

www.firstcoastnews.com

Author: First Coast News Staff
Published: 9:11 AM EDT April 12, 2023
Updated: 9:14 AM EDT April 12, 2023

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Crystal Smith, Aiden Fucci's mother, will appear in court on Wednesday morning ahead of her evidence tampering trial. The defense has filed a motion for continuance, meaning a request to reschedule the trial.

Smith is charged with evidence tampering in the stabbing death of 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey. Smith has pleaded not guilty. Deputies say surveillance video shows her washing blood out of her son’s jeans after he stabbed the child over 100 times.

According to deputies’ reports, when Smith was with Fucci in the Sheriff’s Office interrogation room, she advised him to “find his story and stick with it.”

Reports say she also “attempted to convince him” he was wearing khakis the night of the murder, rather than the allegedly bloody blue jeans.

The reports say Smith whispered the word “blood” to him as if to remind him the pants were not clean.

 

[Summer_Breeze]

Aiden Fucci's mother appears in court, trial delayed until May

Crystal Smith, Aiden Fucci's mother is charged with evidence tampering in the stabbing death of 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey.

www.firstcoastnews.com

Author: Sarah Glenn, First Coast News Staff
Published: 10:45 AM EDT April 12, 2023
Updated: 10:57 AM EDT April 12, 2023

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Crystal Smith appeared in St. Johns County court on Wednesday morning ahead of her trial for evidence tampering in the murder of Tristyn Bailey. The appearance follows the defense's request for a continuance.

Smith's trial was delayed until May. Jury selection will begin on May 15 and trial will begin once the selection is finished. The court anticipates the trial lasting around two days.

 

[Summer_Breeze]

Aiden Fucci's mom, Crystal Smith in court Tuesday

A new hearing Tuesday discussed whether prosecutors must prove Crystal Smith meant to destroy DNA blood evidence on her son’s clothes.

www.firstcoastnews.com

Author: First Coast News, On Your Side
Published: 10:38 AM EDT May 9, 2023
Updated: 2:03 PM EDT May 9, 2023

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — A St. Johns County mother charged with evidence tampering after her son fatally stabbed 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey in two years ago is back in court today.

The hearing is on a new motion filed by prosecutors. They want to prevent Crystal Smith’s defense team from telling jurors she would have needed to actually destroy or damage DNA evidence in order to be convicted on the tampering charge.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Aiden Fucci's mom, Crystal Smith in court Tuesday

A new hearing Tuesday discussed whether prosecutors must prove Crystal Smith meant to destroy DNA blood evidence on her son’s clothes.

www.firstcoastnews.com

Author: First Coast News, On Your Side
Published: 10:38 AM EDT May 9, 2023
Updated: 2:03 PM EDT May 9, 2023

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — A St. Johns County mother charged with evidence tampering after her son fatally stabbed 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey in two years ago is back in court today.

The hearing is on a new motion filed by prosecutors. They want to prevent Crystal Smith’s defense team from telling jurors she would have needed to actually destroy or damage DNA evidence in order to be convicted on the tampering charge.

They shouldn't be allowed to say any such thing as that's b.s. and speculative anyhow. She first of all could have been clueless to that BUT even if she knew, she figured less chance they'd look at something that had visible blood on them, etc. or thought he wasn't wearing, etc., etc. There is no doubt she was trying to save her son, and put together with the other evidence of it as well, it all says so.

Why is this woman fighting this and not taking a deal? Maybe they haven't offered her one? Isn't it enough she lost her son and has a son that is a vicious killer and now she wants to fight this charge for what reason?

Maybe she and some think what she did was minor...? That any parent would do it? It isn't and not just any parent would. She'd get along with Mrs. Laundrie quite well though if she needs a friend...

 

[Summer_Breeze]

Mother of Tristyn Bailey’s killer expected to plead guilty to tampering with evidence charges

The mother of a teenager now serving a life sentence for killing 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey is expected to plead guilty on Friday to charges related to her son’s case.

www.news4jax.com

Marilyn Vaca, Digital Director, Jacksonville
Published: May 11, 2023 at 4:50 PM
Updated: May 11, 2023 at 5:00 PM

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – The mother of a teenager now serving a life sentence for killing 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey is expected to plead guilty to charges related to her son’s case.

Crystal Smith, the mother of Aiden Fucci, is accused of tampering with evidence in connection with the case, which is a felony.

<snip>
Jury selection was set to begin in the trial on Monday, but court documents posted online Thursday indicate there’s a hearing Friday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. at which time Smith is expected to change her plea to guilty and be sentenced.

Tampering with evidence carries a maximum sentence of up to five years.

 

[kdg411]

Aiden Fucci’s mom will be in jail on Mother’s Day for washing killer son’s blood-soaked jeans after Tristyn Bailey stabbed 114 times

Smith will be required to start her sentence immediately, leaving her to spend Mother's Day behind bars just like her son. Bailey's body was found on Mother's Day two years ago.

lawandcrime.com

The mother of convicted teen killer Aiden Fucci will spend the next 30 days in jail for helping her son cover up his brutal murder of 13-year-old cheerleader Tristyn Bailey.

Crystal Lane Smith, 36, pleaded no contest to one count of tampering with evidence during a court appearance on Friday.

Smith washed away bloodstains from her son’s jeans after he stabbed Bailey 114 times in May 2021.



While the tampering evidence conviction is a third-degree felony that carries a maximum of five years in state prison, the maximum Smith could’ve been sentenced to was 12 months given the guidelines in the state. Smith instead will serve 30 days in jail followed by five years of probation as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors. She will also be able to apply for early termination of her probation after three years.

Bailey’s mother called out Smith during sentencing for never apologizing.

“The irreparable damage you have caused by your actions will forever be etched in our lives,” Stacy Bailey said during the hearing. “The choices you made on Mother’s Day May 9, 2021, will haunt me for the rest of my life.”

 

[Summer_Breeze]

30 days? Wow, that is some plea deal.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Tampering with Evidence… up to 5 years but she could have only gotten a max of a year?
Tampering with MURDER evidence should carry a heavier penalty than that.