“Aiden Fucci didn’t just take Tristyn’s life that day, he took everything from us,” said the sister of a 13-year-old cheerleader who was fatally stabbed 114 times nearly two years ago in Florida.
Tristyn Bailey’s family provided emotional accounts Wednesday during the sentencing hearing for Fucci, who pleaded guilty to the stabbing. Fucci was 14 years old at the time of the crime.
Alexis Bailey, who was the first to take the stand, dropped 114 teal stones into a glass jar to represent each time Fucci stabbed her younger sister.
«I have nightmares about that moment. In my dreams, I try to reach out and grab her, beg her to spend the night, anything to prevent what happened just a few hours later. Yet each time, the door closes before I can.» I can get to her.» her,» said Alexis Bailey.
She said that on May 9, 2021, she became physically ill when detectives told the family that Tristyn had been murdered. «Our family broke up that day and I don’t recognize any of us anymore,» she said.
Alexis and another sister, Brittney Bailey Russell, said they have suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder since the murder. Russell was on his honeymoon when she found out that her sister was missing.
«Agony isn’t painful enough. Shattered to the core it doesn’t fall apart the way I feel. Enraged doesn’t even come close to touching the amount of rage I find myself trapped in,» she said. «And let me tell you, justice is just a word for comfort. It doesn’t bring her back.»
After each family member spoke, they dropped a white stone into the jar to represent what Fucci took from them.
Tristyn was found dead in the woods outside of Jacksonville. Fucci, who was 14 at the time of the crime, told authorities that he argued with her and knocked her to the ground after they left a friend’s house before dawn on May 9, 2021, according to an affidavit from probable cause.
While still considered a witness, he took a selfie in the back of a police vehicle displaying a peace sign and posted the image on social media, writing in the caption: «Hey guys, no one’s seen Tristyn lately.» .
Other friends and family of Tristyn also spoke at the sentencing hearing. Her brother, Teegan Bailey, said she has «breakdowns» and feels he «failed» her sister because she didn’t prevent her death.
Stacy Bailey, Tristyn’s mother, was in tears talking about her sleepless nights since Tristyn was murdered.
«Lack of sleep is affecting me mentally and physically. I don’t recognize the person looking at me in the mirror,» she said. «I feel like my life has gotten out of control.»
In one of his letters, Tristyn’s father, Forrest Bailey, addressed Fucci.
«I hate your very existence and I know there is nothing inside of you that reflects the slightest amount of human kindness or decency,» he said.
Fucci was arrested on May 10, 2021 on a second degree murder charge. Days later, a grand jury indicted him on one count of first-degree murder, with State Attorney RJ Larizza saying the number of stab wounds supported the charge and showed the attack was premeditated.
Fucci is on trial as an adult. Prosecutors have said they will seek the maximum sentence of life in prison.