ST JOHNS, Fla. — The woman accused of attempting to cover up her son’s brutal crime was in court Tuesday ahead of her criminal trial.
Crystal Smith is charged with evidence tampering for allegedly washing blood out her son’s jeans hours after he fatally stabbed his 13-year-old classmate Tristyn Bailey 114 times.
Aiden Fucci is currently serving a life prison sentence for the May 2021 murder.
Tuesday’s hearing focused on whether a state expert can testify that it’s possible she was unable to collect DNA from blood evidence on Aiden Fucci’s jeans because they’d been washed.
Crystal Smith’s attorney argued she should not.
The judge disagreed, and said he’d allow the testimony.
Jury selection to find six jurors and two alternates gets underway Monday.
Statement from the Bailey 7:
"On this extremely difficult day, the second anniversary of our daughter’s and sister’s death, we attended a court hearing on the case against Crystal Smith. It was antagonizing to say the least, and anger ridden as she has continuously failed to take responsibility.
We were hoping that a plea deal would be reached. This obviously would be a benefit to our family so that we can take our next step forward in focusing on the life and legacy of Tristyn. We also strongly feel this would benefit the community, particularly the children who have had to endure these years of lost innocence replay over and over in their mind.
We say this, as we are fully confident in the State Attorney’s office. We say this, as we are fully confident in the evidence and investigation by the Saint Johns Sheriff's Office. We say this, as we are sure that a just verdict would be reached. We say all of this, as it is time for our family and this community to heal..."