The heartbreaking murder of 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey by her classmate Aiden Fucci is explored in the latest season of ITV’s documentary series, TikTok: Murder Gone Viral.
The second episode, titled The Killing of Tristyn Bailey, features intimate interviews with the victim’s family, friends, and the investigators who worked tirelessly to uncover the truth. It is set to air on ITV1 on Tuesday, November 4 at 9 pm.
Aiden Fucci was only 14 years old when he stabbed Tristyn 114 times. On the early morning of May 9, 2021, he convinced Tristyn to sneak out of her home. Her family, unaware of her absence, reported her missing the following morning.
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Initially, Fucci denied any involvement but later told police that they had an altercation after visiting a friend’s house. He claimed that he pushed Tristyn, causing her to fall and hit her head. However, the evidence told a far more brutal story—Tristyn had suffered 114 stab wounds, 49 of which were defensive injuries indicating she fought desperately to survive.
In a disturbing detail, the words ‘karma’ and a smiley face were found written on Tristyn’s ankles, though it remains unclear who marked them.
Police searched Fucci’s home and found a knife sheath matching one discovered at the scene, along with blood-stained clothing. Shockingly, Fucci took a selfie from the back of a patrol car and posted it on Snapchat with the caption, “Hey guys has anybody seen Tristyn lately?” Later, several videos surfaced of him smiling and joking while in police custody.
Initially charged with second-degree murder, Fucci’s charge was upgraded to first-degree murder after further evidence and witness testimony emerged. During a press conference, State Attorney RJ Larizza revealed that Fucci had told friends about his plan to “take someone to the woods and stab them.”
Fucci was held in Duval County Jail awaiting trial but eventually pleaded guilty, eliminating the need for a trial. In March 2023, he received a life sentence without the possibility of the death penalty due to his age at the time of the crime. His appeal earlier this year was rejected, and he must serve at least 25 years before becoming eligible for a review. He is currently incarcerated at Cross City Correctional Institution in Florida.
Fucci’s mother, Crystal Smith, was also implicated in the case. She was charged with tampering with evidence after allegedly washing blood from Fucci’s jeans. Surveillance footage captured her washing the clothing, and blood traces were found in a sink drain in her home.
Smith changed her plea from not guilty to no contest, meaning she neither admitted nor disputed the charges, but accepted the court’s conviction. She was sentenced to five years of probation and 30 days in the St. Johns County Jail, with credit for time already served.
This tragic case continues to captivate the public as ITV sheds light on the devastating impact of youth violence and the ripple effects on families and communities.