Tristyn Bailey GoFundMe Nears $60k as Suspect Aiden Fucci Charged as Adult
An online fundraiser for slain teenager Tristyn Bailey is approaching $60,000 as prosecutors confirm the 14-year-old suspect in her killing is being charged as an adult.
The GoFundMe raising money for a memorial for 13-year-old Bailey was set up after her body was found in woods in St. Johns, Florida, on May 10, one day after her family reported her missing.
"Her family has in no way asked for anything, but so many have reached out wanting to help," a description on the GoFundMe read.
The fundraiser has now raised more than $59,000 in donations from hundreds of people after originally setting a target of just $20,000.
Thousands gathered at a memorial for the teenager at Celebration Church on R.G. Skinner Parkway in Jacksonville on May 18.
"When someone you love becomes a memory, the memories become treasures. Let Trystan become your treasure," the 13-year-old's sister, Alexis Bailey, said during the service.
Suspect Aiden Fucci was arrested on May 10 and originally charged with second-degree murder in connection to Bailey's death.
Prosecutors have now confirmed the 14-year-old will be charged with first-degree murder as an adult after an autopsy revealed Bailey had been stabbed a total of 114 times. Fucci allegedly made statements to "several people that he intended to kill someone," Seventh Circuit State Attorney R.J. Larizza said in a press conference on Thursday.
If found guilty, Fucci faces up to life in prison, although he will not be handed the death penalty as offenders who were juveniles when they committed the crime are exempt from being given the sentence.
In a statement after the charges were announced, Bailey's family said: "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," the family added.
"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."
The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office said on Thursday that it "fully supports" the decision to charge Fucci as an adult.
"This indictment today represents only the first step in a very long and difficult process. 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," the office said in a statement.
"Even though this case has transitioned to the State Attorney's Office, our detectives will continue to investigate all leads and evidence to the fullest extent.
"We ask that you continue to keep the family of Tristyn Bailey, as well as, their community in your thoughts and prayers. We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensure justice and accountability is served."
The creator of the GoFundMe has been contacted for comment.
