California Woman Sentenced for Concealing Murder

Trista Ann Spicer, 43, was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Friday for the murder of her boyfriend, Eric Israel Mercado. The sentencing stems from a case where Mercado’s remains were discovered hidden beneath a staircase in San Bernardino, California.

Discovery of the Body and Initial Investigation

On August 23, 2022, San Bernardino police responded to a tip regarding human remains in the 1400 block of East Davidson Street. Investigators discovered what they described as a ‘makeshift tomb’ containing the body of Eric Israel Mercado, 42. Mercado had been reported missing by his family in 2014.

The Confession and Arrest

The case broke open when Spicer confessed to her new boyfriend, Waylan Gentry. Gentry testified in court that Spicer admitted to killing Mercado after an argument. He reported her confession to police after urging from his mother.

Details of the Crime

According to Gentry’s testimony, Spicer stated she struck Mercado with a frying pan and then cut his throat with a box cutter while he slept on a love seat. Spicer reportedly told Gentry she needed to “get rid” of Mercado before moving to Illinois.

Spicer’s Account and Defense

Spicer pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and offered her own account of the events. She testified that the argument began when Mercado became angry with a meal she had prepared, throwing it at her and demanding she sit naked on the couch.

She claimed that when he ordered her to get him coffee, she instead attacked him with a skillet and then a blade. During the trial, three former friends of Mercado testified, stating they believed he was violent and often avoided him.

Conviction and Appeal

In November, Spicer was convicted of second-degree murder. Court records indicate that her attorneys have filed an appeal of the conviction. The case highlights a disturbing concealment that lasted nearly eight years before being brought to light.