Woman Sentenced for Killing Boyfriend, Burying Body Under Staircase

Trista Ann Spicer hid the murder for nearly 8 years until her new boyfriend turned her in to police.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:52am

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A San Bernardino woman named Trista Ann Spicer was sentenced to 15 years in prison for killing her boyfriend Eric Israel Mercado and burying his body under the staircase of their home. Spicer killed Mercado in 2014 after an argument over a meal she had cooked, but the murder remained hidden until 2022 when Spicer's new boyfriend Waylan Gentry reported the crime to authorities.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences of domestic violence and the lengths some perpetrators will go to cover up their crimes. It also raises questions about how long violent incidents can go undetected in a community, and whether more could have been done to prevent this tragedy.

The details

According to testimony, Spicer struck Mercado with a frying pan and cut his throat with a box cutter while he was sleeping on a love seat in their home. Spicer then buried Mercado's body under the staircase, where it remained undiscovered for nearly 8 years. Spicer's new boyfriend, Waylan Gentry, eventually came forward in 2023 and told police that Spicer had confessed the murder to him, leading to her arrest and conviction.

  • In 2014, Mercado was reported missing by his family.
  • On August 23, 2022, police discovered Mercado's body buried under the staircase of the home.
  • In 2023, Spicer's new boyfriend Waylan Gentry reported the murder to police.

The players

Trista Ann Spicer

A 43-year-old San Bernardino woman who was convicted of second-degree murder for killing her boyfriend Eric Israel Mercado and burying his body under the staircase of their home.

Eric Israel Mercado

The 42-year-old boyfriend of Trista Ann Spicer who was killed by Spicer in 2014 after an argument over a meal she had cooked.

Waylan Gentry

Trista Ann Spicer's new boyfriend who came forward in 2023 and reported to police that Spicer had confessed to killing Mercado.

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What they’re saying

“Spicer told him she had struck Mercado with a frying pan, and cut his throat with a box cutter while he slept on a love seat.”

— Waylan Gentry, Trista Ann Spicer's new boyfriend

“Spicer had been talking to Gentry about moving to Illinois but told Gentry she first needed to 'get rid' of her boyfriend.”

— Waylan Gentry, Trista Ann Spicer's new boyfriend

What’s next

Spicer's attorneys have filed an appeal of her second-degree murder conviction.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for greater awareness and intervention around domestic violence, as well as the importance of prompt reporting and investigation of missing persons cases. It also underscores the lasting trauma and community impact that can result when violent crimes go undetected for years.