A Florida teen accused of stabbing a classmate more than a hundred times on Mother’s Day 2021 pleaded guilty Monday morning to first degree murder.

Jury selection in the trial of Aiden Fucci, 16, was set to begin Monday morning, but his decision to change his plea halted the proceeding, WJXT reports.

Fucci was charged as an adult for luring 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey into a wooded area on Mother’s Day 2021 and stabbing her to death. He was arrested the day after Bailey was found dead, as CrimeOnline previously reported.

State Attorney R.J. Larizza said at the time that Fucci had told friends he intended to lure someone into the woods and kill them, but no one came forward until it was too late.

In court on Monday, Fucci asked to make a statement after changing his plea.

“I just want to apologize to the Bailey family,” he said, according to WJXT.

Fucci told Circuit Judge R. Lee Smith that he understands the decision he made and has had time to talk it over with his parents and attorneys, one of whom noted that prosectors had rejected several plea offers from the defense team. Smith noted it was a “straight plea deal” not negotiated with the prosecution.

A sentencing hearing is expected in March or April. A preliminary hearing to go over issues for sentencing will be held on February 23, WJAX reported.

Fucci faces a sentence of 40 years to possibility of life in prison.

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[Feature Photo: Tristyn Bailey/Family Handout; Aiden Fucci/County Regional Detention Center]