Judge eyes late 2022 for trial of teen accused of killing Tristyn Bailey

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — Aiden Fucci, the St. Johns County teen charged with first-degree murder in the stabbing of his 13-year-old classmate Tristyn Bailey appeared in court Thursday.

Today was the first time Fucci appeared in court in person. In previous court appearances, he either appeared virtually or did not appear at all.

Judge Howard M. Maltz said he hoped to set the teen’s murder trial date for late 2022. The defense said it needs more time, as one of Fucci’s attorneys said he is working on a separate case involving the death penalty.

RELATED: Mother of teen accused of killing Tristyn Bailey charged for tampering with evidence

Tristyn was found dead on Mother’s Day near the wooded area on Saddlestone Drive several hours after her family reported her missing.

Fucci and his mother Crystal Smith were both expected in court for their pre-trial hearings at 9 a.m. but only Fucci showed. Smith is accused of tampering with evidence in the case. Security footage from inside their home appears to show Smith taking a pair of blue jeans into a bathroom and scrubbing them in the sink.

The arrest warrant stated that the same jeans tested positive for blood. The drain in the sink also tested positive for blood.

Fucci and Tristyn were classmates and both grew up in the same neighborhood. Investigators said video footage showed the two walking together early that morning and then Fucci returning to his home alone.

MORE: Timeline of events in disappearance, murder of St. Johns County teen Tristyn Bailey

State Attorney R.J. Larizza later told reporters that Bailey had been stabbed 114 times.

Fucci is the only suspect in her death.

Another pre-trial hearing is set for both Fucci and his mother for Wednesday, Feb. 2 at 9 a.m. At that hearing, Fucci’s trial date is expected to be set for late next year.

Both Fucci and his mother intend to waive their right to a speedy trial.

Action News Jax will provide an update on what happens in court on CBS47 at Noon.

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