Q: May marks the four-year anniversary of the murder of 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey in NW St. Johns County. How did this tragedy impact you personally?
A: I’ve been involved in numerous homicide investigations throughout my career. Tristyn’s murder was the first major case I was involved in as sheriff of St. Johns County and one of the most tragic I’ve seen.
Q: Do you have a relationship with the Bailey family?
A: They have become close personal friends to Kendell and me, and are part of our SJSO family. They are a phenomenal family and are so involved in helping others in our community.
Q: How does SJSO partner with the Bailey family in the community?
A: Our Women Against Violent Encounters (WAVE) team hosts self defense classes for women in collaboration with the Tristyn Bailey Foundation. Additionally, we partner with the family to provide online safety presentations at locations throughout the county
Q: How do we find additional information?
A: There are a number of websites to visit, including the Tristyn Bailey Foundation (https://tbstrong.org/) as well as our website with information about WAVE (www.sjso.org/public-affairs/wave). You can also follow SJSO on social media: @teamsjso.
Q: What is the best way for our readers to contact you with any questions or suggestions about this article?
A: They can email me at sheriff@sjso.org or call me at (904) 824-8304. Also, our website, www.sjso.org has a wealth of resources, from alarm registration to Crime Stoppers to our Neighbors app.
