St. Johns County

New details into Tristyn Bailey’s murder investigation in one-on-one with SJC Sheriff Hardwick

ST. JOHNS, Fla. — Action News Jax Dani Bozzini had a one-on-one interview with St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick Tuesday to learn more about the murder investigation of 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey.

The sheriff shared different aspects of the investigation, including that investigators are working around the clock to make sure Tristyn Bailey gets justice and her family has closure.

He also said they wouldn’t be at this stage of the investigation if it wasn’t for the community’s help.

RELATED: Could Aiden Fucci, the teen accused of killing 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey, be charged as an adult?

“This case was solved because of involvement in the partnership between the media, our community, and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. Otherwise, I think we’d be looking for Tristyn still today,” Sheriff Hardwick said.

The Sheriff says he’s confident the right person is being held accountable for Tristyn’s death, 14-year-old Aiden Fucci.

Fucci is facing a second-degree murder charge and made his first court appearance Tuesday.

VIDEOS: Community mourning, friends honor Tristyn Bailey + The latest on the investigation

Dani Bozzini asked Sheriff Hardwick if Fucci is cooperating with investigators.

“Was he cooperating in the beginning? Sure. But it was a missing person’s case in the beginning,” the sheriff said.

“As it got a little bit more intense as we got closer and closer to him being identified as a suspect he no longer cooperated,” he said.

When asked if there will be more arrests, Hardwick said there are no other suspects, but the investigation is ongoing.

Tristyn Bailey: Cheerleading community reflects on Tristyn’s life and legacy

The dive and forensic teams have finished collecting possible evidence and are starting to examine everything now, according to Sheriff Hardwick.

The case is not over with, and Sheriff Hardwick said they will follow every lead, and close every loose end of the case to bring justice to Tristyn and closure to the Bailey family.

As of Tuesday evening, just one of six crime scenes still roped off.

MORE STORIES ON TRISTYN BAILEY’S CASE:

Investigating Tristyn Bailey’s murder, Sheriff says “Our investigators are not done”

Timeline of events in disappearance, death of St. Johns County teen Tristyn Bailey

Tristyn Bailey: Who was the Florida teen reported missing and found dead on Mother’s Day?

Bailey Husker

Bailey Husker, Action News Jax

Bailey Husker is a digital content producer and assignment editor for Action News Jax.