HORROR befell a local Florida community when a 13-year-old girl was found dead.
Aiden Fucci - who was named the prime suspect in Tristyn Bailey's murder investigation - was sentenced to life in prison on March 24, 2023.
What was Aiden Fucci's verdict?
On March 24, 2023, Aiden Fucci was sentenced to life in prison.
Judge Lee Smith called the crime "the most difficult and shocking case" St. Johns County has ever seen.
Previously, on February 6, 2023, Fucci pleaded guilty to the first-degree murder of Tristyn Bailey.
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In a brief statement to the court, Fucci said: "I’m sorry for the Bailey family and my family."
Following his guilty plea, St. Johns County Sheriff Robert Hardwick issued a statement on behalf of the local police.
Sheriff Hardwick announced: "Aiden Fucci’s decision to enter a guilty plea today is nothing more than a testament to the hard work and dedication of the exceptional men and women of the SJSO.
"This was an all-out agency effort. This was also an incredible community effort.
"The citizens of St. Johns County always show up and this case was no different.
"The immediate assistance from our community reaffirms the partnership we have with our citizens.
"The support they showed the Bailey Family was something special to witness."
He added: "Lastly, the cooperation between our agency and the Bailey Family has been unparalleled.
"Their strength and grace throughout this case has been incredible."
When was Fucci sentenced for Tristyn Bailey's murder?
On March 24, 2023, Fucci was sentenced for the brutal murder of his classmate, Tristyn Bailey.
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He faced a minimum of 40 years and a maximum of life in prison.
Due to his age, he is not eligible for the death penalty.
Despite this, Fucci was charged as an adult and was sentenced to life in prison on Friday.
What happened to Tristyn Bailey?
On May 9, 2021, Tristyn Bailey was reported missing that Sunday morning by her family.
Later that same day, local authorities discovered her lifeless body near a retention pond only about half a mile from her home.
On May 10, Fucci was arrested in connection with Bailey's homicide.
The late 13-year-old's autopsy revealed she was stabbed a total of 114 times.