Sentence to be determined: What's next for teen killer Aiden Fucci?

At the 11th hour, just before jury selection was set to start in the case of the State of Florida vs. Aiden Fucci, the 16-year-old pleaded guilty to murdering Patriot Oaks Academy classmate Tristyn Bailey.

Tristyn was 13 when Fucci killed her in their Dubrin Crossing neighborhood in St. Johns County. She suffered 114 stab wounds according to the medical examiner, nearly 50 of them deemed defensive.

The motive has never really been clear, although Fucci's friends said he had an obsession with knives and wanting to kill someone. They had been visiting another friend's home and were last seen walking together after 1 a.m. on May 9, 2021.

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Fucci was 14 at the time.

So what happens now? Will the Baileys get to address Fucci? And how long could he spend in prison?

How much time will Aiden Fucci get?

Fucci has pleaded guilty to charges of first-degree murder. This means he faces a maximum of life in prison and a minimum of 40 years.

When deciding his sentence, the judge must consider 10 potentially mitigating factors, including the nature of the crime, the effect of the crime on the victim’s family and the community, the defendant’s upbringing, prior criminal history and potential for rehabilitation.

Because Fucci was a juvenile when he committed the crime, his case will be up for review in 25 years.

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At that point, a judge can grant him release, keep his sentence the same or add to his sentence.

Fucci will mostly likely be housed apart from adults — at least until he's 18 years old. At that point, he could be sent to a youthful offenders' facility.

He will be housed in the state of Florida.

When will Aiden Fucci be sentenced?

In juvenile cases, sentencing is not up to a jury, but the sole responsibility of a judge. The date for Fucci's sentencing has not been set at this time.

The deadline to submit any additional discovery was Feb. 16. Fucci's next hearing is set for 9 a.m. Thursday in the St. Johns County Courthouse.

At that time, the defense must submit a pre-sentence investigation and a pre-disposition report.

The purpose of these reports is to synthesize a picture of the defendant's background and circumstances. This could include evidence of Fucci's disciplinary history at school, grades, health history, family history, home life and any family criminal history.

The judge will set a sentencing date at this hearing as well. The sentencing phase is expected to last two days.

What happens at Aiden Fucci's sentencing?

The sentencing hearing could involve expert witnesses on both sides. This could include psychologists or any doctors who can offer an opinion on Fucci's mental health — something that has been called into question in the past. (Fucci said at his Feb. 6 plea that he is on several medications but has not been diagnosed with a mental disorder.)

The trial could also include character statements from Fucci's family members, teachers or anyone who knew him before the crime.

Fucci's legal team may try to prove that he feels remorse for the crime.

Will Tristyn Bailey's family get to address Aiden Fucci?

Victim impact statements are usually part of the sentencing phase. The Bailey family will have the opportunity to address Fucci at his sentencing.

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The family, who calls themselves "The Bailey 7," released a statementto the public following Fucci's change of plea. They said in part: "This morning's surprise change of plea brings our family significant relief... Just as Tristyn fought for her life, we equally fought for her and would not agree to any plea deal." They also thanked the judicial system and law enforcement for their work on the case.

Who else might testify in Aiden Fucci's sentencing phase?

First Coast News obtained a copy of the witness list submitted by Fucci's defense team. It says these people "may be called as witnesses for the defense in the pending sentencing hearing." The list of 22 includes eight minors, four employees of the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office and employees of both Fruit Cove Middle School and Patriot Oaks Academy.

This story was first published on First Coast News.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Aiden Fucci set for Tristyn Bailey sentencing phase in St. Johns County