Woman Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison 12 Years After Murdering Boyfriend and Burying His Body in Backyard

Trista Ann Spicer, a 46-year-old woman from Southern California, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the murder of her boyfriend, Eric Mercado, in October 2014. Spicer was found guilty of second-degree murder in November 2022, following a trial that brought to light the chilling details of the crime.

The case had remained dormant for several years until it resurfaced dramatically in 2022 when Spicer’s former boyfriend, Waylan Gentry, reported her confession to authorities. This revelation ultimately led to the tragic discovery of Mercado’s remains, which had been buried under a staircase in Spicer’s backyard in San Bernardino.

During the trial, Spicer contended that she had acted in self-defence during a violent altercation with Mercado, who was 42 at the time of his death. She testified that after serving him dinner, he became angry, prompting her to strike him multiple times with a cast-iron skillet. Spicer then claimed to have stabbed him in the neck with a kitchen knife he had dropped in the scuffle. The jury, however, rejected her self-defence claims and instead found her guilty of murder.

Eric Mercado had been reported missing by his family shortly after his disappearance in October 2014, with Spicer alleging at the time that he had left after a fight and had not returned. In the years that followed, Mercado’s family actively campaigned for his return, distributing missing persons posters online and seeking assistance from law enforcement. The case took a significant turn when Gentry brought new information to the San Bernardino Police Department, which subsequently led to an investigation.

In court, Gentry testified about conversations he had with Spicer in 2022. He recounted her mentioning a need to “take care of something” and her request for help to “get rid of” Mercado. Initially incredulous, Gentry said that it was difficult to believe her at the time when she revealed that Mercado was buried under her stairs. He further stated that Spicer described how she had attacked Mercado while he was asleep and how she had later hidden his body in her backyard storage.

Following Gentry’s testimony, the San Bernardino Police Department launched a search at Spicer’s residence on August 23, 2022, looking for potential human remains. Their efforts led to the discovery of what was described as a “makeshift tomb” on the property, within which the human remains of Mercado were found.

At the sentencing hearing, family members of Mercado expressed their anguish and loss, highlighting the emotional toll the murder had taken on them. The court proceedings served as a painful reminder of the events that transpired nearly a decade ago, leaving those who loved Mercado grappling with unanswered questions and a lasting sense of grief.

As Spicer begins her prison sentence, the case stands as a stark reminder of the consequences of domestic violence and the complexities surrounding issues of self-defence. The legal system’s rejection of Spicer’s claims underlines the importance of seeking justice for victims and the ongoing societal need to address and combat domestic abuse effectively.

In the aftermath of the trial, discussions around domestic violence continue to rise, raising awareness of the signs and impacts. Many advocates are urging communities to foster dialogues that empower victims to seek help and highlight the importance of preventive measures to ensure such tragedies do not repeat themselves.

The tragic fate of Eric Mercado resonates with many, calling for increased resources and support for those in similar situations. As memories of Mercado fade, his story remains a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of violent relationships and the vital need for vigilance within society to protect those at risk.