Teen who stabbed cheerleader 114 times sentenced to life in prison

The Florida teenager who fatally stabbed 13-year-old cheerleader Tristyn Bailey 114 times in 2021 was sentenced to life in prison on Friday, authorities said.

Tristyn Bailey’s family issued emotional reports Wednesday during the sentencing hearing for 16-year-old Aiden Fucci, who pleaded guilty to stabbing. Fucci was 14 years old at the time of his crime and arrest.

WATCH VIDEO ABOVE: Family of slain teenager speaks at sentencing hearing.

Check out the latest news and stream for free on 7plus >>

Fucci was presented with the verdict by Judge R. Lee Smith – it will be reviewed by a judge in 25 years.

Fucci pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in February.

Tristyn’s father, Forest Bailey, spoke on behalf of his family after the verdict on Friday. He sent a message to his daughter.

“Tristyn, I wanted to let you know that we are so extremely proud of the person you were during your time here,” he said.

“We saw that you did your best when you went out into the world. You should be proud of the friend you were, the teammate you were and what you left behind, and the people who knew you who we trust to carry on and make the world a better place place.”

His voice cracked as he continued to speak.

“In terms of what you mean to our family, it is in our hearts. There are no words for that. We love you. We will continue to carry you in our hearts and we will always be the Bailey Seven.”

He thanked the judge for the verdict he had rendered.

“We are very grateful for this result and felt it was the right verdict given how heinous the crime is and how Aiden is dealing with it.”

He added that Fucci’s family should not be mistreated because they are in pain too.

“Please show them kindness. They should receive mercy for the pain they are going through. They should not be burdened additionally.”

Tristyn was found dead in a woods outside of Jacksonville. According to a probable cause affidavit, Fucci told investigators that he got into an argument with her and pushed her to the ground after they left a mutual friend’s home before dawn on May 9.

While still a witness, Fucci snapped a photo of himself in the back of a police vehicle with a peace sign and posted the picture to social media with the caption, “Hey guys has anyone seen Tristyn lately?”

He was arrested on May 10 and initially charged with second-degree murder.

Days later, a grand jury indicted him with first-degree murder, and Fucci was scheduled to stand trial as an adult.

Prosecutor RJ Larizza stated that the number of stab wounds supported the prosecution and showed the attack was premeditated.

Family speaks at sentencing

Tristyn’s family provided emotional accounts during a sentencing hearing on Wednesday.

Her sister Alexis dropped 114 blue-green stones into a glass jar to represent each time Fucci stabbed her younger sister.

After each family member spoke, they dropped a white rock into the jar to represent what Fucci had taken from them.

“Aiden Fucci not only took Tristyn’s life that day, he took everything from us,” Alexis said during the hearing.

Alexis and another sister, Brittney Bailey Russell, said they have suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder since the murder. Russell was on her honeymoon when she found out her sister was missing.

“Agony isn’t painful enough. Crushed to the core, not crumbling the way I feel. Angry doesn’t even come close to the amount of anger I’m trapped in,” she said.

“And let me tell you, justice is just a word for comfort. It doesn’t bring her back,” she said.