ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — A Florida teen who fatally stabbed a 13-year-old girl 114 times will be charged as an adult.
Prosecutors said Thursday Aiden Fucci, 14, should be charged as an adult in the murder of Tristyn Bailey partly because of the grisly nature of it, WJAX reported.
“It was clear to us after we looked at what happened, that it was not only appropriate to charge the defendant as an adult, but it was really the only choice that we could make. There were defensive wounds on this young lady and she was fighting for her life,” State Attorney R.J. Larizza said, indicating 49 of her wounds were found on her hands, arm and head.
Prosecutors said Fucci told friends he planned to kill someone. He said he would take them into the woods and stab them. No one reported him.
A grand jury agreed. Fucci was charged with first-degree premeditated murder, WFTV reported. He was initially charged with second-degree murder. Because Aiden is a juvenile he will not face the death penalty; however, he does face life in prison. He is being held without bond.
“This indictment today represents only the first step in a very long and difficult process,” the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “We remain confident in the strength and thoroughness of the investigation and will be fully prepared to present all of the facts and evidence to a jury at the appropriate time.”
Tristyn Bailey’s family was grateful for the outcome.
“We greatly appreciate the tremendous community outpouring from all parts of the world. Particularly for those in St. Johns that have helped from the Mother’s Day search, the vigils, remembrances and memorials. With the press conference sharing details of this heinous crime, the caring and love shown from the people and businesses to raise up the memory of Tristyn and the resolve of our community serve as a beacon of light in the darkness. As shared in the Celebration of Life on the battle of the two wolves, it helps us to feed the good wolf,” the family said in a statement. “As we move forward, we will seek to keep Tristyn’s memory alive and the spirit of the community.”
NEW: Updated mug shot of Aiden Fucci following first court appearance on first degree murder charge. Updated story: https://t.co/NaydpPhQ68@WOKVNews @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/tUgAGUXbgw
— Rich Jones (@RichJonesJax) May 28, 2021
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