A teenager in Florida pleaded guilty on Monday to stabbing a 13-year-old cheerleader 114 times in a crime that shook Durbin Crossing, a sleepy suburb of Jacksonville. 

Aiden Fucci entered the surprise guilty plea on the same day he was set to face trial in the stabbing death of Tristyn Bailey, whose blood-soaked body was dumped in a wooded area near their homes.

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“I just want to say I plead guilty, and I’m sorry for the Bailey family and my family,” he said in court.

Though he was charged as an adult, Fucci will not face the death penalty, per Florida law. Because he was a minor when he committed the crime, he will receive 40 years to life in prison. Had he been an adult, he would have faced the death penalty for his crime.

Fucci has apparently not been a cooperative prisoner while awaiting trial. Jail incident reports indicate he has fought with other inmates, threatened guards, and bragged about the stabbing that landed him behind bars.

Fucci was arrested at the age of 14 in connection to the killing that occurred on May 9, 2021, according to the state’s attorney’s office for Florida’s Seventh Judicial District.

Bailey, a popular cheerleader at Patriot Oaks Academy, went missing from her home on May 8. Surveillance cameras clocked her with Fucci and another friend at around 1:45 a.m.

Her parents alerted authorities after she failed to show up for a Mother’s Day brunch.

Fucci posted several Snapchat videos of himself in the back of a squad car before his initial interview with authorities.

His mother, Crystal Smith, was charged with evidence tampering after she allegedly tried to wash her son’s blood-soaked jeans after the murder. Smith has posted bail and is due back in court on April 4.

After Monday’s guilty plea, Bailey family attorney Matthew Hinson praised prosecutors and law enforcement officials.

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“Since this nightmare began, we have had the love and support of so many. We know so many have lifted Tristyn, our family, and her friends up in prayer. The members of our community have been simply exceptional in the support that they have given us,” he said.

Fucci’s next court appearance is on Feb. 23.

Original Location: Florida teenager pleads guilty to fatally stabbing 13-year-old cheerleader 114 times

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