“Aiden Fucci didn’t just take Tristyn’s life that day; he also took everything from us,” said the sister of a Florida cheerleader, who was fatally stabbed nearly two years ago.
Tristyn Bailey’s relatives provided emotional accounts Wednesday at the sentencing hearing.
Alexis Bailey, the first to stand, dropped 114 teal rocks into a glass container to symbolize each time Fucci had stabbed her younger sister.
“I have nightmares about that particular moment. In my dreams, you can see me reaching out to grab her and asking her for the night. This is to stop what happened hours later. Alexis Bailey stated that she could not get to her because the door always closes behind me.
She claimed that she fell ill on May 9, 2021 after detectives informed her family Tristyn was killed. She said, “Our family broke that morning, and I don’t recognize any of them anymore.”
Brittney Bailey Russell and Alexis, a sister to Brittney, claimed they suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTS) since the murder. Russell was on her honeymoon at the time Russell learned her sister was missing.
“Agony doesn’t have to be painful. It doesn’t feel like I feel shattered to my core. She said that infuriated is not even close to the level of rage she feels. “And let’s just say justice is just a word to comfort. It won’t bring her back.”
Each family member spoke and then dropped a small white stone into the jar. This was to symbolize what Fucci took away from them.
Tristyn, a cheerleader aged 13, was found dead in the woods near Jacksonville. According to a probable cause statement, Fucci, who was just 14 at the time, said that he had an argument with Tristyn and then pushed her to death after leaving a friend’s house before dawn on May 9, 2021.
He was still considered a witness and took a selfie behind a police car flashing a peace symbol. He then posted the picture on social media with the caption: “Hey guys, has anyone seen Tristyn lately?”
Tristyn was also accompanied by other family members and friends during the sentencing hearing. Teegan Bailey, her brother, stated that he suffers from “breakdowns” as well as feeling like he “failed his sister” because he did not prevent her death.
Tristyn’s mom, Stacy Bailey was tearful as she spoke about the many nights that Tristyn had spent in bed since her death.
“The sleep deprivation has taken a toll on my mental and physical health. She said that she doesn’t recognize the person in the mirror. “I feel like my whole life is out of control.”
One of his letters shows that Tristyn Bailey’s father Forrest Bailey addressed Fucci in one of his letters.
He said, “I loathe the very existence of you and know that nothing within your being reflects even the smallest amount or human decency.”
Fucci was charged with second-degree murder and was taken into custody on May 10, 2021. A grand jury indicted Fucci on May 10, 2021 for second-degree murder. State Attorney R.J. Larizza stated that the number and severity of the stab wounds support the charge and show that the attack was premeditated.
Fucci is being tried in adult court. Prosecutors claim they will seek to impose the maximum sentence of life imprisonment on Fucci.
