ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – Thousands gathered on Tuesday to celebrate the life of 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey, who was found stabbed to death after she was reported missing.
Bailey was found dead May 9 in her St. Johns County neighborhood.
“When someone you love becomes a memory, the memories become treasures. Let Trystan become your treasure,” Tristyn Bailey’s sister Alexis Bailey said.
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A memorial was held at Celebration Church on R.G. Skinner Parkway in Jacksonville.
“Our job today is to love this family, to love Tristyn,” Pastor Andrew Smith said.
Principal Allison Olson loved her cheerful energy.
“It inspired me every day. Tristyn our sweet girl, you will be missed. I promise you we will remember you by becoming a little kinder, a little more patient and more compassionate,” Olson said.
Investigators arrested 14-year-old Aiden Fucci on murder charges in connection to Bailey’s death.
Fucci faces a second-degree murder charge and is currently in the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice in Volusia County. He is due back in court later this month.
More than 685,000 people have signed a petition urging prosecutors to charge Fucci as an adult.