by San Bernardino, CA – A chilling case of domestic violence and murder has culminated in a guilty verdict for Trista Ann Spicer, a 46-year-old woman who was found guilty of killing her ex-boyfriend and burying his body in a concealed “makeshift tomb” in her backyard. The victim, 42-year-old Eric Israel Mercado, had been missing since 2014 until his remains were discovered in 2022 on Spicer’s property.
This shocking incident unfolded in San Bernardino County, where Spicer allegedly smashed Mercado’s head with a frying pan and slit his throat before hiding his body wrapped inside a sliced air mattress in a hidden storage compartment beneath concrete steps at her home.
The Murder and Discovery
The jury convicted Spicer on one count of second-degree murder with a sentencing enhancement for using a deadly weapon. The violent act reportedly occurred in 2014, but Mercado’s disappearance remained a mystery for years until a tip from Spicer’s then-boyfriend, Waylan Gentry, in 2022 led police to obtain a search warrant and uncover the grim scene.
- The hidden compartment was approximately 8 feet wide, 6 feet high, and 3 feet deep.
- Mercado’s body was wrapped inside a sliced air mattress inside this compartment.
- The medical examiner noted that Mercado’s nose and eye socket were “obliterated,” injuries that would have caused death within seconds.
“During the service of the search warrant, investigators observed what appeared to be a makeshift tomb on the property,” police reported, emphasizing the chilling nature of the discovery.
Allegations of Abuse and Self-Defense Claim
During the trial, Spicer claimed that Mercado was abusive, both physically and emotionally, and that she acted in self-defense when she killed him. She stated that after meeting Mercado in 2014, he encouraged her to resume using methamphetamine, which led to a cycle of violence.
Spicer described a harrowing incident in October 2014 when Mercado became enraged, throwing dinner at her and stabbing her in the neck before she fought back with a frying pan and ultimately cut his throat to defend herself.
“He was prone to fits of violence, and I was afraid to report the abuse,” Spicer testified.
Investigation and Testimonies
The investigation was triggered by Gentry’s decision to inform police after Spicer allegedly planned to move Mercado’s body to another location. Gentry testified that Spicer asked for help to “get rid of” Mercado’s remains before relocating from California to Illinois.
This case, extensively reported by Law&Crime, highlights how crucial citizen tips and thorough police work can unravel long-unsolved disappearances.
Read Also: Three York County Corrections Officers Indicted in Money Exchange Scheme with Inmate
Sentencing and Legal Outcome
Trista Ann Spicer is scheduled for sentencing on January 20, 2026, where she faces a potential sentence of 16 years to life in a California state correctional facility.
What This Means for Domestic Violence Awareness
This tragic case underscores the devastating impact of domestic violence and the complex legal challenges surrounding claims of self-defense. It also raises awareness of the importance of support systems and intervention for abuse victims.
Key Points to Remember
- Trista Ann Spicer found guilty of second-degree murder.
- Victim Eric Mercado was missing for eight years before discovery.
- Body hidden in a makeshift tomb comprised of a sliced air mattress and concealed storage area.
- Spicer claims self-defense amid reported history of abuse.
- Sentencing set for January 20, 2026, with a potential life sentence.
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