ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – A judge on Tuesday ordered a 14-year-old boy accused of killing his 13-year-old classmate in St. Johns County to be held on murder charges for 21 days or until another court order is issued.
Aiden Fucci, who is in custody on a second-degree murder charge in the death of Tristyn Bailey, appeared before Circuit Judge Michael Orfinger in Volusia County via a Zoom call.
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Orfinger said there’s probable cause to believe the offense was committed.
The state attorney’s office said it will make a decision whether Fucci will be tried as an adult within 21 days.
Fucci was arrested after Tristyn Bailey’s body was found Sunday.
The sheriff’s office announced Fucci’s arrest a little more than 24 hours after Bailey was reported missing.
Police say investigators zeroed in on Fucci after her body was found in a wooded area.
“Based on the discovery of the body and admissions during questioning, we refocused our investigative efforts,” the sheriff’s office said.
Since then, investigators have spent hours searching Fucci’s home.
The sheriff’s office said investigators found several pieces of evidence at the house. They are also looking into any potential evidence on social media.
The sheriff confirmed the two teenagers went to the same school, Patriot Oaks Academy.
Bailey’s body was found in a wooded area about 6 p.m. Sunday by a neighbor who was out for a stroll, about eight hours after the girl’s family called 911 to report her missing, the sheriff said. Authorities did not specify where exactly the discovery was made.
A cause of death has not yet been released.
Classmates, friends and family members gathered Monday night for a candlelight vigil to honor Bailey, who was a cheerleader.