An online fundraiser for a slain 13-year-old girl has raised more than $20,000.
A 14-year-old boy has now been arrested on suspicion of the murder of Tristyn Bailey, who was reported missing to police by her family at around 10 a.m. Sunday, May 9.
Tristyn was last seen around 1:15 a.m. that morning at the Durbin Amenity Center in northwest St. Johns County, wearing her white cheerleading skirt and a dark-colored shirt.
At around 6 p.m. that same day, the St. Johns Sheriff's Office found a body in a wooded area which was later revealed to be of the 13-year-old.
Dr. Predrag Bulic, the Chief Medical Examiner, determined the teenager's death a homicide as a result of "sharp force trauma by stabbing."
A GoFundMe page has since been set up in order to help the victim's family pay for her funeral expenses.
"This is a memorial fundraiser for Tristyn Bailey who was incredibly near and dear to so many," the page description reads.
"Her family has in no way asked for anything, but so many have reached out wanting to help. Thank you in advance for all of your prayers and support."
At the time of publication, the GoFundMe has raised more than $22,000 from 451 donors.
In a statement, the St. Johns Sheriff's Office announced that a 14-year-old boy had been taken in custody and charged with second degree murder in connection to Tristyn's killing.
"Based on the discovery of the body and [answers] during questioning, we refocused our investigation efforts," the sheriff's office said.
"We were able to obtain numerous warrants which led to the location of multiple items of evidentiary value at the suspect's home."
Both the suspect and the victim attended the Patriot Oaks Academy school.
The 14-year-old suspect appeared in a Volusia County Court on Tuesday morning and was ordered to be held in Department of Juvenile Justice custody for the next 21 days.
Dr. Justin D'Arienzo, a forensic and clinical psychologist who is not affiliated with the case, said during the hearing: "It's very rare that pure and impulsive behavior would lead a 14-year-old boy to stab a 13-year-old girl.
"Usually, when we dissect these cases, there is a history of something that led to that behavior."
The 7th Circuit State Attorney's Office has not yet decided if the 14-year-old will be charged as an adult.
The office has been contacted for further comment.
Tanya White, one of Tristyn's cheerleading coaches, described how the teen had a "beautiful smile and presence" at a candlelight vigil held Monday night at the South Durbin Crossing Amenity Center.
"She always was the first to hug me," White said, reported the Associated Press. "She was officially my favorite."
