Woman Receives 15-Year Sentence for Murdering Boyfriend and Concealing Body
A woman in southern California has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for killing her boyfriend and secretly burying his body under a concrete staircase more than a decade ago. Trista Spicer, now 46, was convicted of second-degree murder in November for the 2014 death of Eric Mercado, with the grim details emerging during a recent trial.
Fatal Altercation Over Cooking Complaint
The court heard that the violent incident occurred in October 2014 at Spicer's home in San Bernardino. According to testimony, Mercado complained about the beans and meat she had prepared for him, hurling the meal at her and ordering her to sit naked on a couch. When he then demanded coffee, Spicer went to the kitchen, retrieved a skillet, struck him on the head, and cut his throat.
A medical examiner testified that Mercado suffered a blow to his head that would have killed him within seconds, with his nose and eye socket "obliterated." Spicer claimed during the trial that Mercado had a history of physically and verbally abusing her, stating she was too frightened to report the abuse.
Eight-Year Concealment and Discovery
After the killing, Spicer, with help from a friend, hid Mercado's body under a concrete staircase in her backyard. They wrapped the corpse in a cut-open air mattress and built a brick wall to effectively entomb it. Mercado's family reported him missing in 2014, but his body remained undiscovered until 2022.
The San Bernardino Police Department received a tip about human remains at the property in 2022. Officer Chad Holgate noticed a slab of wood fixed to a doorway with a circular patch beneath it during a search. Upon investigation, officers found the hidden tomb, ending an eight-year mystery.
Background and Trial Testimony
Spicer testified that she had overcome a six-year meth addiction before meeting Mercado in early 2014. She relapsed weeks into their relationship after he offered her drugs, and the abuse began soon after. During the trial, Mercado's friends described him as a violent man, while Spicer maintained she acted out of fear.
In court, Mercado's sister, Mahira Torres, described Spicer as "evil" and spoke of the family's anguish. "You took my brother's life, and you shattered ours," she said, per The San Bernardino Sun. Torres added that life grew "harder and harder" during the years Mercado was missing, with the family seeking answers while others allegedly knew the truth.
Sentencing and Aftermath
Spicer was arrested in September 2022 and charged with murder. She received a 15-year prison sentence, though her attorneys have filed an appeal, according to court records obtained by The LA Times. In a statement read by a victim advocate, Mercado's mother, Guadalupe Plascencia, expressed pity for Spicer, saying she lacked "feelings, sensitivity and empathy."
The case highlights the prolonged trauma for victims' families and the complex dynamics of abusive relationships, with Spicer's claims of abuse juxtaposed against the brutal nature of the crime. The discovery after eight years underscores challenges in missing persons investigations and the enduring impact of violent acts.
