Two people convicted in the 2010 murder of 15-year-old Dystiny Myers will be going away for life.

Rhonda Wisto and her son, Frank York, were found guilty of first degree murder, conspiracy … Click to Read More and see additional updates

Two people convicted in the 2010 murder of 15-year-old Dystiny Myers will be going away for life.

Rhonda Wisto and her son, Frank York, were found guilty of first degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping and torture.

They were sentenced today to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Dystiny's beaten and burned body was found in a shallow grave near Santa Margarita in September 2010.

Dystiny Myers' family and friends filled the courtroom to finally hear the fate of Rhonda Wisto and Frank York.

But before he was sentenced, York wrote down his thoughts.

"I know today is the day I must accept the punishment for the crime and act of violence that in my heart I know I would never let happen," wrote Frank York in a letter to Myers' family.

It was the first time Dystiny's family heard him apologize for being part of the 15-year-old girl's brutal murder.

"I'm sorry for the loss and the heartache that's happened in your everyday lives," wrote York in his apology letter.

But his remorse seemed to not be enough for some of the Myers family.

"And I do not forgive you at all and hope you rot," said Aileen Lucas, Dystiny's mother.

Dystiny's mother Aileen took a long pause before she looked at Wisto and told her she took away something that can never be replaced.

"Your words of ‘she was a nobody,' well look around lady, you are here all by yourself. She was a somebody. She will be now and she will be later," said Dystiny's Mother Aileen.

And before court was adjourned, Dystiny's grandmother gave Wisto and York one last look at the young woman her family says will never be forgotten.

"I look at this picture and think I'll never get to see my grandchildren. I'll never get to see my granddaughter married," said Dystiny's grandmother Kathy Clark.

Wisto and York will also have to pay $10,000 each in restitution costs to Dystiny's family.

They do have the opportunity to file for an appeal in the next 60 days.

Dystiny's family and friends wore ribbons today in her honor and they were green, which was Dystiny's favorite color.

Three others are also convicted in Dystiny's murder.

Ty Michael Hill and Cody Miller were convicted of first degree murder and were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Jason Greenwell testified against Wisto and York and made a deal with the District Attorney's office that would make him eligible for parole in 15 years.

A San Luis Obispo County Judge has sentenced two people convicted of murder to life in prison without the possibility of parole Wednesday.

Rhonda Wisto and her son Frank York were found guilty in March of killing Dystiny Myers. They were also convicted of conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping, and torture.

Myers' body was found beaten and burned near Santa Margarita in September of 2010.

Two of the people convicted of the murder of 15-year old Dystiny Myers will be sentenced on Wednesday.

Rhonda Wisto and her son, Frank York, were convicted in March of first degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping, and torture.

Dystiny's body was found badly beaten and burned near Santa Margarita in September 2010. Now more than two years later, her family may get some closure.

Dystiny's mother, Aileen, and her grandmother, Kathy, say justice is being served.

Her grandmother says what bothered her the most during the trial was that it was said Dystiny was a nobody and wouldn't be missed, but she says Dystiny was somebody and she'll never be forgotten.

"She's all around us," said Dystiny's grandmother, Kathy Clark.

Dystiny's mother and grandmother say even though they can't see her or hear her voice, they know Dystiny is always with them.

"And the rain coming down, it's her saying ‘it's okay guys,'" said Clark.

Dystiny would be 17-years old now, just about to graduate from high school and possibly head off to college.

"Her prom, her dances, her telling me ‘I don't look good and I have to go change clothes' and her graduation," are what Clark says she's missing.

"Nobody understands the emptiness and the loneliness. It's empty," said Clark.

Dystiny's mom, Aileen, says the sentencing of Wisto and York will bring her some comfort knowing they will have to live with what they did to her daughter.

"You knew when she was there, and when you met her, you never forgot her," said Dystiny's mother, Aileen Lucas.

They say their family is devastated.

"They took something that can never be replaced. Never. Nobody could ever replace Dystiny," said Clark.

But they say they stay strong for Dystiny and will always fight to keep her memory alive.

Wisto and York face life in prison without the possibility of parole

Three others were also convicted in Dystiny Myers' murder.

Ty Michael Hill and Cody Miller pleaded guilty to first degree murder and were sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Jason Greenwell took a deal with the District Attorney's Office and will have the opportunity for parole in 15 years.

A San Luis Obispo jury on Friday found both Rhonda Wisto and Frank York guilty of first degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping, and torture in the death of Dystiny Myers.

Wisto cried in the courtroom as her verdict was announced.

The mother and son were among five suspects charged in the 15-year old's death. The Santa Maria girl's body was found beaten and burned near Santa Margarita in 2010.

Ty Michael Hill and Cody Miller both pleaded guilty to first degree murder and were sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Jason Greenwell struck a deal with the District Attorney's Office, testified against Wisto and York, and will have the opportunity for parole in 15 years.

The jury has reached a verdict in the Dystiny Myers murder trial.

Rhonda Wisto and Frank York are charged with first degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping, and torture in the death of the 15-year old girl.

Jury deliberations lasted less than two hours.

Stay with KSBY for the latest on this developing story.

Closing arguments were presented Thursday in the Dystiny Myers murder trial.

Rhonda Wisto and her son, Frank York, are charged with first degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping and torture in the death of the 15-year-old girl, whose body was found beaten and burned near Santa Margarita back in September of 2010.

Now more than two years later, York and Wisto are the final two suspects left to be tried.

After almost 5 hours of closing arguments from both sides, the jury was sent to deliberate.

They'll have hours of testimony and evidence to sort through before deciding if Wisto and York were involved in Myers' murder.

After hearing from more than 40 witnesses and collecting 200 pieces of evidence, the prosecution put together the final pieces of its case.

"You got to put them together and when you put them together you see the answers. You can see truth," said prosecutor Tim Covello.

"She was bound with duct tape. Then, when they ran out of duc tape, they got the yellow rope. They wrapped it around her. They wrapped it around her body and up her back," said Covello.

Covello reviewed the weapons used and the evidence against Wisto and York and why prosecutors believe someone wanted the Santa Maria girl murdered.

"Rhonda was upset about Dystiny disrespecting her property, her home, and carving on a desk," said Covello.

Covello says it was a group effort, that Rhonda Wisto facilitated the murder and her son, Frank York, along with Ty Michael Hill, Cody Miller and Jason Greenwell, killed Dystiny.

The defense refutes those charges.

"Because I don't believe when you get back there and deliberate and start forming your opinions, I do not believe the facts and evidence of this case that you're going to find that Jason Greenwell was truthful. I think you're going to find that Jason Greenwell was what I told you before - A serial liar," said Wisto's defense attorney, Michael Cummins.

"Rhonda Wisto's fingerprints are no where to be found in the course of this investigation," said Cummins.

As for the other suspects in this case, Ty Michael Hill was charged with first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Cody Miller also pleaded guilty to first degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Jason Greenwell took a deal with the District Attorney's Office and will have the opportunity for parole in 15 years.

The Dystiny Myers murder trial is in its final stages.

The prosecution rested its case against Rhonda Wisto and Frank York on Tuesday and the defense didn't call any witnesses.

Wisto and York are two of five suspects accused of killing the 15-year-old girl back in September of 2010.

Her body was found near Santa Margarita.

Cody Miller and Ty Michael Hill have already been sentenced for their involvement in her murder.

Jason Greenwell accepted a plea deal with the District Attorney's Office.

Both sides will be making closing statements on Thursday.

The courtroom was closed on Wednesday for the defense and prosecution to prepare those statements and jury instruction.

On Tuesday, Cody Miller pleaded guilty to first degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison, and Jason Greenwell testified against Wisto and York.

Miller was also scheduled to testify, but refused.

"Did you agree to provide truthful testimony at a trial against any co-defendants?" asked a prosecutor.

"Yes," said Miller.

"Do you intend to do that?" asked a prosecutor.

"No," said Miller.

At his sentencing on Tuesday, Miller apologized to the Myers family.

"I am really sorry. I understand I've done terribly wrong to you guys. Nothing I could ever do will bring her back," said Miller.

Myers' family also heard from Jason Greenwell. He read from a letter he wrote to Myers' family after her body was found.

"My name is Jason Greenwell and I was involved in the brutal, cold hearted slaying of your daughter Dystiny. Even as she took her last breath, she said ‘tell my mom I love her,'" said Greenwell.

After hearing from Miller and Greenwell, Myers' family had the opportunity to speak for Dystiny.

"We will never get to see Dystiny graduate from high school, go to a prom, get married or have children," said Kathleen Clark, Dystiny's grandmother.

Since 2010, the County's Public Defender budget has spent $1 million for public defense for the five suspects.

Eighty-percent of that went to defense for Ty Michael Hill because his trial was a capital punishment trial. Those are more costly because there are fewer attorneys qualified to represent those cases.

The county is expecting to be $550,000 over budget at the end of the year.
$510,000 of that is from public defender costs for the Dystiny Myers case.

This budget doesn't include the District Attorney's Office costs in this trial.

With Miller and Hill being sentenced to life in prison, we also wanted to know how much it costs taxpayers to house an inmate in a state prison.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation says on average, it costs more than $53,000 a year to house an inmate, which includes security, housing, food, medical and dental healthcare. For 50 years, it may cost taxpayers almost $3 million to house one inmate in state prison.

Wisto and York are the last suspects to go to trial for the murder of Dystiny Myers.

They are both charged with first degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping and torture.

One of the men involved in the murder of 15-year-old Dystiny Myers was sentenced to life in prison today.

The girl's body was found in Santa Margarita back in 2010.

Cody Miller pleaded guilty to first degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder weeks ago, but in court on Monday, he revoked his initial guilty plea and refused to testify against two other suspects, Rhonda Wisto and Frank York.

On Tuesday, he again entered a guilty plea. Miller spoke directly to Myers' family and said he was sorry and didn't deserve to be forgiven.

Jason Greenwell also apologized when he was on the stand.

Myers' mother and grandmother had an opportunity to speak and Myers' grandmother says the people involved in Dystiny's murder took something precious from her family.

After more than a week of testimony and evidence, Dystiny Myers' mother and grandmother had the opportunity to speak for the girl.

"We will never get to see Dystiny graduate from high school, go to a prom, get married, or have children," said Kathleen Clark, Dystiny's grandmother.

"I am grateful I could have those 15 years with my daughter," said Aileen Myers, Dystiny's mother.

Myers' family watched as Cody Miller, one of the five people suspected in her murder, was sentenced to life in prison and listened as he turned to them and asked for forgiveness.

"I am really sorry. I understand I've done terribly wrong to you guys. Nothing I could ever do will bring her back, but if I could, I'd change it," said Miller.

While on the stand, Jason Greenwell gave specific details of what happened to Dystiny and apologized for his involvement in her murder.

"My name is Jason Greenwell and I was involved in the brutal, cold hearted slaying of your daughter Dystiny. Even as she took her last breath, she said ‘tell my mom I love her,'" said Greenwell.

Now more than two years after Dystiny's murder, her family may have some closure to go along with their memories.

"I want Mr. Miller to know that I do forgive him because I believe that's something I personally have to do in my heart," said Myers' grandmother Kathleen.

"She's impacted a lot of lives. People she didn't even know. If she walked into a room, there was something about her," said Myers' mother Aileen.

The prosecution rested its case and the defense didn't call any witnesses.

The next step is closing statements.

Two of the five people suspected of being involved in the murder of 15-year-old Dystiny Myers were on the stand Monday.

Myers' body was found beaten and burned near Santa Margarita back in 2010.

Cody Miller and Jason Greenwell were scheduled to testify today about what happened to Myers, and York and Wisto's involvement in her murder, but Miller did not testify.

In January, he pleaded guilty to first degree murder and agreed to testify against York and Wisto, but withdrew his guilty plea on Monday and will now stand trial.

If he would have testified, he may have been sentenced to a life term with minimal eligibility for parole in 39 years, but by invoking the Fifth Amendment, he may instead be sentenced to life in prison without parole.

"Did you agree to provide truthful testimony at a trial against any of your co-defendants?" asked a prosecuting attorney.

"Yes," said Miller.

"Do you intend to do that?" asked a prosecuting attorney.

"No," said Miller.

"Are you willing to testify and be called to the stand in this case?" asked a prosecutor.

"No ma'am," said Miller.

"Mr. Miller, were you involved in the murder of Dystiny Myers?" asked a prosecutor.

"I'm not testifying ma'am," said Miller.

Jason Greenwell did testify against Rhonda Wisto and Frank York.

Greenwell admitted to being involved in her murder and disclosed detailed information about the others involved.

Greenwell testified that Rhonda Wisto was upset with Myers because she thought Myers was stealing from her and was disrespectful.

Several members of Myers family sat in the front row as Greenwell gave his time line of events leading up to Myers' death.

He says the day Myers was murdered, Myers told Rhonda Wisto, Ty Michael Hill, Cody Miller, Frank York, and Jason Greenwell that she was leaving Wisto's home.
Greenwell says Ty Michael Hill told him, York and Miller to put on dark clothes and black rubber gloves.

He says Rhonda Wisto was telling her son Frank York what to wear.

Greenwell says at one point, York told Wisto he ‘didn't want to do this', but Wisto said ‘things like this just have to happen.'

Greenwell says Ty Michael Hill gave Dystiny a shot of heroin, so he could bind her hands together with tape.

He says York and Ty Michael Hill hit Dystiny with a baseball bat multiple times.

Greenwell says Ty Michael Hill told Frank York to ‘Mark Mcgwire her,' as they continued to stomp and kick her.

"On the way back from Santa Margarita, Ty mentioned something. He mentioned giving her a shot of heroin. He said, ‘how do you think I got her to let me tie her hands.'
She told them to tell her mom she loved her," said Greenwell.

Rhonda Wisto and Frank York are charged with first degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping and torture.

Ty Michael Hill pleaded guilty to first degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison without parole

On the fifth day of the Dystiny Myers murder trial, Judge Barry LaBarbera asked the jury not to be brought into the courtroom. He didn't want his discussion with the prosecution and defense attorneys to influence the jurors.

Rhonda Wisto and Frank York are on trial for the death of 15-year old Dystiny Myers back in 2010. Her body was found beaten and burned in Santa Margarita.

On Friday, the judge discussed the possibility of another suspect, Ty Michael Hill, taking the stand, but denied that request.

The jurors' seats were empty and Wisto and York were in handcuffs, but Thursday afternoon was a different courtroom.

Jurors were shown video of Frank York being questioned by investigators the day Myers' body was found.

In detail, York tells investigators what happened to Dystiny.

He says when he walked into his room at his mother's house that night, Ty Michael Hill and Cody Miller had Dystiny tied up.

He says they beat her, put her in a duffle bag and drove out to Santa Margarita.

He says they put Myers in a hole and Hill lit it on fire.

York said all he did was get the duffel bag for Miller and Hill and that Hill had planned Myers' murder.

"Who dug the hole?" asked an investigator.

"Cody, me and Jason because Mike told us to," said York.

"And then when you got back into the truck, then what happened?" asked an investigator.

"We took off," said York.

"And all three of you were in the front of the truck?" asked an investigator.

"Yes," said York.

"And then what happened? Where did you go?" asked an investigator.

"I told Mike I wanted to go home," said York.

"And did you go home?" asked an investigator.

"Yes," said York.

"Did you stop anywhere?" asked an investigator.

"We stopped at the Jack-In-the-Box," said York.

That Jack-in-the-Box York he is referring to is in San Luis Obispo.

Prosecutors showed a surveillance video of a truck pulling into the restaurant.

York says they went there for tacos after leaving Myers' body.

Jason Greenwell and Cody Miller are scheduled to appear in court on Monday to testify against Wisto and York.

Thursday was Day 4 of testimony in the Dystiny Myers murder trial.

Rhonda Wisto and her son, Frank York, are charged with the kidnapping, torture and murder of 15-year-old Dystiny Myers.

The Santa Maria teen's body was found beaten and burned near Santa Margarita in September 2010.

In court Thursday, prosecutors shared handwritten letters and personal conversations between the mother and son, and also with some of their close friends, even cellmates.

Some of these conversations give detailed information about Dystiny, and Wisto and York's potential involvement in her murder.

Damin Anderson was an inmate with Frank York at the San Luis Obispo county jail back in 2010.

Anderson says he used to sell and use drugs at Wisto's home and he knew Dystiny.

While exchanging letters, he asked York what happened to her.

"They picked up Dystiny and took her back to Rhonda's and this is two years ago, but said that they were prostituting her out of the residence. She was really high on drugs and at one point she wanted to leave," said Anderson, but Dystiny didn't leave and in one of the letters, York told him why.

"He decided to beat her with a bat. The other ones hit her with brass knuckles. They put her in a duffel bag, stuck her in the back of Rhonda's pickup truck and drove her to Santa Margarita," said Anderson.

The next witness was asked why someone would want Myers killed.

"There was some talk of a debt being owed," said Tabitha Brown, Rhonda Wisto's former cellmate.

Brown says during several conversations, Wisto said she didn't trust Dystiny.

"Girls like her are bad. They do bad things all the time because they're doping. They are prostitutes. She was a nobody someone would care about," said Anderson.

Investigators have screened more than 4,000 pages of letters that the five suspects -- York, Wisto, Ty Hill, Cody Miller and Jason Greenwell -- sent and received while in jail. This is often called mail cover.

Ty Michael Hill pleaded guilty to first degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Cody Miller accepted a deal on first degree murder charges and conspiracy to commit murder.

He, and fifth murder suspect Jason Greenwell, have agreed to testify against Wisto and York.

Wednesday marked the third day of the Dystiny Myers murder trial.

Rhonda Wisto and her son Frank York have been charged with the first degree murder of the 15-year-old, who was found buried near Santa Margarita in 2010.

They are also charged with conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping and torture.

Prosecutors called a witness to the stand Wednesday who gave detailed information about the alleged drug activity that was going on at Rhonda Wisto's home, including the selling and using of methamphetamines, heroin and ecstasy.

It was emotional testimony and the District Attorney's Office asked that this person's identity not be shared for their safety, but we were able to get surveillance footage prosecutors hope will help piece together a time line of what happened to Dystiny.

The surveillance video was taken around 3 a.m. the day Dystiny's body was found.

It shows a man wearing a black sweatshirt shopping in the Chevron gas station in Pismo Beach.

"He seemed nervous and talkative. He asked me if I had one of those day," said Mark Gable, a cashier at the Chevron gas station in Pismo Beach.

Gables said two men wearing black sweatshirts pulled up in a truck to get gas and to buy supplies.

"They got a flash light, some sodas and then he came back to the counter and said ‘mines going to get better," said Gable.

Gable said one of the men went to the bathroom, but he identified one of the men as Ty Michael Hill, one of the five people suspected in Dystiny's murder.

Gable says Hill was wearing black gloves and when he removed one of them, Hill had his hand taped.

Gable noticed something odd.

"While he was talking to me, he had said ‘have you ever had one of those days' and he pulled off his gloves. I noticed his hands were wrapped and had blood on them," said Gable.

As the man identified as Ty Hill leaves the gas station, a police officer is next in line.

Prosecutors also showed surveillance video from a Jack in the Box in San Luis Obispo a few hours after Hill was seen at the Chevron gas station.

Investigators also found two black sweatshirts in a dumpster at the Jack in the Box nearby where that truck was sitting

Two others are also charged with the murder of Dystiny Myers - Cody Miller and Jason Greenwell. They are expected to testify.

Tuesday marked the second day of the Dystiny Myers murder trial.

Rhonda Wisto and her son, Frank York, are charged with the first degree premeditated murder of the 15-year-old, along with conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping and torture.

The Santa Maria teen's body was found beaten and burned near Santa Margarita back in 2010.

Prosecutors on Tuesday targeted Rhonda Wisto's home and the evidence found inside.

Previous reports from deputies with the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office say Myers was beaten at Wisto's home in Nipomo before her body was found in a hole off of Highway 58 in Santa Margarita.

One piece of evidence presented on Tuesday was a baseball bat, found in the garage at Wisto's home.

It's playing a role in this case because of what was found on it.

"I observed on the end of the bat, where you're going to strike a ball, there was a red stain. It looked consistent with blood stains," said Ken Jones, forensic specialist with the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office. The stains were blood.

Jones says after further testing, he found a fingerprint match on the handle.

"Two of the prints were matched to Mr. York. One of the prints to his left middle finger and one of the prints to his right palm," said Jones.

Prosecutors continued to try to make a connection between what was found at Wisto's home and where Myer's body was found.

"Were you able to feel any blankets at the house at 311 Mars Court?" asked a prosecutor.

"Yes," says Jones.

"Were you able to feel anything that looked and felt similar to the blanket found with the body," asked a prosecutor.

"Yes, I did," said Jones.

This led investigators to Wisto's blue Toyota truck where they found the bed liner and tailgate removed with two backpacks and shovels inside.

One of those backpacks held more questionable items.

"I believe there were a knife sharpener, some gloves, and several different types of gloves. I recall a set of brass knuckle," said Jones.

Forensic specialists say they found blood droplets in the back of the truck and on the shovels.

Two swords were also found in the truck that had evidence of blood and hair.

We also heard testimony from neighbors near Wisto's home that say there were always several visitors at the home early in the morning and at night.

Myers died from physical trauma and suffocation, and she had a toxic level of methamphetamine in her body.

Three others were also charged in this case. They are Ty Michael Hill, Cody Miller
and Jason Greenwell.

Opening statements started Monday in the Dystiny Myers murder trial.

The 15-year old's body was found beaten and burned in Santa Margarita back in September 2010.

Rhonda Wisto and Frank York, mother and son, are accused of murdering Myers.

Three others have also been linked to her death.

Ty Michael Hill pleaded guilty to first degree murder. He's been sentenced to life in prison.

Cody Miller also pleaded guilty to first degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder and has agreed to testify against Wisto and York.

Jason Greenwell has also made an agreement with the District Attorney's office to testify against the others in this case.

Wisto and York are charged with first degree premeditated murder and conspiracy to commit murder with additional charges of kidnapping and torture.

It was a full court room as both sides gave their opening statements.

Assistant District Attorney Timothy Covello addressed the jury using detailed photos.

Covello said drugs and gang-like activity were involved in what happened to Dystiny and that Rhonda Wisto encouraged and facilitated the events leading up to Myers' death.

The defense says Wisto didn't encourage the crime, but that Ty Michael Hill facilitated the murder of Myers, calling him evil and a master of manipulation and intimidation.

Several witnesses were called to the stand Monday, including firefighters first on scene at Parkhill Road near Santa Margarita.

The call initially came in as a grass fire, but they then found Myers' body in a hole.

Deputies with the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office and a forensic specialist also testified.

Key pieces of evidence were introduced, including photographs at the scene where Myers' body was found.

Wisto and York were previously charged with the attempted premeditated murder of Cody Miller, but the district attorney dropped those charges.

First degree murder charges usually carry sentences of 25 years to life in prison, but under special circumstances, they may be eligible for the death penalty or life in prison without parole.

Dystiny Myers, 15, was found beaten and burned in Santa Margarita back in September 2010.

Jury selection was completed this week and the trial will take place in San Luis Obispo.

Frank York and Rhonda Wisto will be tried for the murder of Myers.

York and Wisto are mother and son.

Three others were also charged.

Ty Michael Hill of Santa Maria pleaded guilty to first degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Cody Miller of Fresno accepted a deal on first degree murder charges and conspiracy to commit murder.

He'll testify against York and Wisto.

Fifth murder suspect Jason Greenwell has also agreed to testify.

More than two years later, we take a look back at the case.

In the early morning hours of September 26, 2010, fire crews were called to a grass fire near Santa Margarita, but what they discovered was the badly burned body of 15-year-old Dystiny Myers.

For several hours, investigators searched the scene for evidence trying to find any details that would lead to an arrest.

The investigation led to the arrests of Cody Miller of Fresno, Ty Hill of Santa Maria, and Jason Greenwell, Jacob York, and Rhonda Wisto, all of Nipomo.

The details of Myers murder began to surface.

Her body was found wrapped in a heavy canvas bag, duct taped shut.

She had been beaten and burned.

Myers' friends and family remember her as a generous spirit and full of life.

"She was a very bright and very talented person. She sang and was in our talent show," said Bob Quirk, Dystiny's 7th Grade Science Teacher.

But they say Dystiny also had a troubled past.

She would often run away from home and party with friends.

"Teenage is always a difficult age, but no way we would have ever predicted anything like this would have happened. It's taking us all pretty hard," said Quirk.

Now every year, on September 26, the community continues to mourn the loss of Dystiny and may soon have more answers to why.

The trial starts Monday, March 11.

The trial surrounding the murder of Dystiny Myers got underway on Wednesday in San Luis Obispo with jury selection. The 15-year old girl was found beaten and burned near Santa Margarita back in September 2010.

Judge Barry LaBarbera weeded through a section of 128 potential jurors as prosecutors and defense attorneys listened.

Frank York and Rhonda Wisto will be tried for the murder of Myers. Potential jurors gasped when they judge made the announcement. Three other defendants were charged in the murder.

Last month, Ty Michael Hill of Santa Maria, plead guilty to first degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping, and other counts. He was sentenced to life without possibility of parole.

Also in January, Cody Miller of Fresno, accepted a deal on charges of first degree murder, and conspiracy to commit murder. As part of his deal, he will testify against York and Wisto. He faces 39-years to life in prison.

And, the fifth murder suspect, Jason Greenwell, has also agreed to testify.

The questioning of potential jurors begins next Tuesday.

The two suspects accused of killing Dystiny Myers were in court Monday afternoon. The District Attorney has dropped the charges against Rhonda Wisto and Frank York for the attempted premeditated murder of Cody Miller.

Wisto and York both pleaded not guilty to murdering 15-year-old Dystiny Myers and will stand trial. Her body was found badly beaten and burned near Santa Margarita back in 2010.

Back in January, Cody Miller pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in the death of the teenager and agreed to testify against the other suspects in the case.

Another defendant, Ty Michael Hill, was the first to plead guilty to first degree murder. Hill was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Miller will face 39 years to life with the possibility of parole when he is sentenced in May.

A fourth suspect, Jason Adam Greenwell, has made an agreement with the District Attorneys office to testify against the others in the case.

Meanwhile, jury selection gets started Wednesday in the case against Wisto and York.

An update to the Dystiny Myers murder case.

You may remember, the Santa Maria teen's body was found beaten and burned near Santa Margarita back in 2010.

Monday the district attorney dropped a charge against two of the suspects, Rhonda Wisto and Frank York.

They were charged with the attempted premeditated murder of another suspect, Cody miller.

Last month Miller pleaded guilty to murder charges and agreed to testify against the other suspects.

Wisto and York still face charges in Myer's death. Jury selection for their trial is scheduled to start on Wednesday.

A fourth murder suspect, Jason Greenwell, has also agreed to testify. The fifth person involved, Ty Michael Hill, pleaded guilty and was sentenced.

A second defendant in the Dystiny Myers murder case pleaded guilty Monday.

Cody Miller accepted a deal on charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

Dystiny Myers, 15, of Santa Maria, was found badly beaten and burned near Santa Margarita in 2010.

Five people were charged in her death.

Last week, one of the other defendants, Ty Michael Hill, was the first to plead guilty to first degree murder. Hill was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Miller will face 39 years to life with the possibility of parole when he is sentenced in May.

According to court testimony, on the night of the murder, Miller told first responders that he was forced into participating in Myers' murder.
He also said he saw two of the defendants beat Myers with a baseball bat before putting her in a canvas bag and taking her to Santa Margarita where she was burned and buried.
Judge Barry LaBarbera ruled that the statements Miller made can be used in the trial of the remaining three defendants.
In agreement with the plea deal, Miller will have to testify in that trial if he's called upon.

"What you're admitting and pleading guilty to is that you helped other people, commit willful, deliberate premeditated murder," said LaBarbera.

Miller quickly replied yes.

The District Attorney has set the date for Miller's sentencing for May 15.

The last three defendants will go on trial February 25.

Cody Miller pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the 2010 death of Santa Maria teenager, Dystiny Myers.

Sentencing was scheduled for May 15.

It's just the latest plea in the case, which started with five defendants.

Watch KSBY News at 5 and 6 p.m. for more on this story.

One of five people charged in the murder of Dystiny Myers will spend the rest of his life in prison. Ty Michael Hill pleaded guilty Wednesday afternoon to first degree murder and other charges.

Myers' body was found near Santa Margarita in Sept. of 2010. The 15-year-old from Santa Maria had been beaten and burned.

As part of the deal made Wed. Hill will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole. This comes a month before his trial was set to begin. If he'd gone to trial and was convicted, he would have faced the death penalty.

Hill was sentenced immediately after pleading guilty to first degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping and other counts.

By admitting to kidnapping on top of murder there's no chance he'll be released from prison.

Myers' family filled the courtroom seats. It was quiet as San Luis Obispo County Judge Barry LaBabera explained what the plea means. Many tears flowed from Hill and from Myers' family. Her grandmother, mother and two aunts got up and spoke to the courtroom remembering the teenager.

"I'll never see her have children or graduate from high school or go to prom. It breaks my heart. We miss her and love her so much," said Myers' grandmother.

A representative from the DA's office said Hill will be sent to Wasco immediately where he will spend 90 days. The California prison system will then decide where he will spend the rest of his life.

A few charges were dismissed Wed. One that's note-able is count three, which was attempted murder of Cody Miller, who is co-defendant in the case.

The trial for three of the remaining defendants will begin the first week in Feb. There is a fourth defendant who has agreed to testify against the others.

One of five people charged in the 2010 murder of Dystiny Myers pleaded guilty Wednesday to premeditated murder in the first degree and other charges.

Ty Michael Hill cried as he entered the plea in a San Luis Obispo County courtroom.

He also admitted to kidnapping Myers, who was 15 when she was found dead in Santa Margarita.

Hill was sentenced to life without parole.

Watch KSBY News at 5 and 6 p.m. for more on this story.

A San Luis Obispo Superior Court Judge ordered two separate juries on Tuesday for the case against five people charged with kidnapping and murdering a 15-year old Santa Maria girl.

Judge Barry LaBarbera decided one jury will hear the case against defendant Ty Michael Hill of Santa Maria, and a second jury is for the other four defendants in the case, which include: Jason Adam Greenwell, Frank Jacob York, Rhonda Maye Wisto, all of Nipomo, and Cody Lane Miller, of Fresno.

Both juries will hear arguments and testimony at the same time. Judge LaBarbera says tentative plans for the courtroom will have one jury sitting just elevated above the second jury. The prosecution had originally proposed three juries, but Judge Barbera said he couldn't justify logistics or time, among other things, for a third jury.

The victim in this case, Dystiny Myers, was killed in September 2010. Her body was found near Santa Margarita. She had been beaten and burned.

According to a trial brief filed by prosecutors in August, Miller claimed he was cut and sodomized by Hill, and said he felt the other defendents were going to kill him.

Hill faces special enchancements and is the only defendent who faces the death penalty. All five defendents have entered not guilty pleas.

Myer's grandmother and mother told KSBY after court that they had hoped for three separate juries, but are happy with the judge's decision of two. They said ever since Myer's death over two years ago, time for them has stopped.

Tuesday September 26th marks two years since Santa Maria teenager Dystiny Myers was murdered.

Myers was found buried off Highway 58 in Santa Margarita in 2010.

She would have been 17 years old now.

Five suspects were arrested in the case.

Those suspects include Rhonda Wisto, Ty Michael Hill, Jacob York, Jason Greenwell and Cody Miller.

They've all pleaded not guilty to the first degree murder charges.

Family and friends, along with some people that barely knew her, gathered in Santa Maria on Saturday afternoon to celebrate the seventeenth birthday of Dystiny Myers, who was murdered in Santa Margarita back in 2010.

The past two years have been tough for the family, but they spent Saturday remember Dystiny.

Her mother, Aileen Myers, wonders what she would look like today and if Dystiny would like the gift she gave her.

Aileen said, "Don't take them (your children) for granted, 'cause you never know when they will walk out that door and you hear them say, 'I love you, I'll be back later.'
Don't forget to say 'I love you' when they walk out that door. You can't take it for granted 'cause in a blink of an eye it can be gone."

Five people are accused of beating and burning Dystiny a month after her fifteenth birthday.

Attorneys for the defendants in the Dystiny Myers murder case say it's unlikely the trial will start in August.

Thursday, the judge heard two motions from the attorneys.

The first was granted. It will require full disclosure of anyone visiting the defendants in jail, and the names of their cellmates.

The second motion would make the defense's scientific review of evidence private. The judge denied that request, but couldn't make a blanket motion covering all evidence. So attorneys say they plan to make the same motion for well over 280 pieces of the evidence individually, and that will likely be a lengthy process.

Ty Hill, Cody Miller, Rhonda Wisto, Jason Greenwell and Frank Jacob York are charged with killing Dystiny Myers, 15. Her burned body was found in Santa Margarita in September 2010. Hill faces the death penalty.

There's new information on the case against five people accused of murdering 15-year-old Dystiny Myers.

The earliest the five defendants could be put on trial is next September.

The San Luis Obispo County District Attorney's office says the attorneys for the defendants need more time to get their cases together. One of the defendants recently got a new attorney.

Myers was found buried off highway 58 in Santa Margarita on September 26 of last year.

Family and friends will pay tribute to 15-year-old Dystiny Myers Monday night at a remembrance ceremony. Today, marks one year since her body was found in rural Santa Margarita. The Santa Maria teen was found buried off Highway 58 on September 26th of last year. Five suspects were arrested in the case and all have pled not guilty to the first degree murder charges. Those suspects include Rhonda Wisto, Ty Michael Hill, Jacob York, Jason Greenwell and Cody Miller.

The news of what happened hit our community hard. A candlelight vigil was held just days after the Santa Maria teen's body was found and now a year later, it's still painful for her grandmother, Kathy Clark. "There is no closure, there's none," said Clark. She was raising her 15-year-old granddaughter. "I don't believe it was time for Dystiny to go. I believe these people were evil people and I believe they made that choice to take Dystiny." Still, she admits Dystiny was teetering between two worlds. "She went astray and I'm the first to admit it. She went astray," said Clark. "Dystiny knew right from wrong but unfortunately, when we get caught up with something it's so hard to get out of it."

She remembers the teen as being full of life and having a generous spirit. "She helped serve at the homeless shelter here in Santa Maria. She was very involved in our youth program at our church," said Clark. As Clark struggles each day to cope with the pain, she hopes her tragedy will serve as a strong warning for parents. "Life is too short," said Clark. "We have a lot of kids that are out there struggling with things and we need to listen, listen to them but be the parent."

The remembrance ceremony will take place at Pacific Christian Center in Santa Maria. It's open to the public and begins at 7 pm. The church is located on the 3400 block of Santa Maria Way.

It's been one year since investigators found the badly burned body of 15-year-old Dystiny Myers in Santa Margarita.

A remembrance ceremony is schedule to take place for Myers at 7 p.m. at Pacific Christian Center in Santa Maria and tonight on KSBY News, you'll hear from the young teen's grandmother.

Karen Clark is speaking out in hopes of preventing another tragedy and has a warning for parents.

The teen was found buried off Highway 58 in Santa Margarita on September 26th of last year.

Five suspects were arrested in the case and all have pled not guilty to the first degree murder charges.

Those suspects include Rhonda Wisto, Ty Michael Hill, Jacob York, Jason Greenwell and Cody Miller.

KSBY News Reporter Monica Quintero will have a live report from Pacific Christian Center on KSBY News at 5 and 6.

On Sptember 26th of last year, investigators found the burned body of Dystiny Myers buried off Highway 58 in Santa Margarita.

Although five suspects were arrested and are awaiting trail... Dystiny's grandmother, Kathy Clark said she has no closure.

"There really isn't. We take it one day at a time and we know that Dystiny is with Jesus. I think that's what keeps me personally going, knowing that Dystiny is at peace with her maker," said Kathy.

She said her granddaughter was full of life. A generous spirit, involved with the youth program at her church and a volunteer at a homeless shelter.

"When she walked in the room, the party started. Everyone knew Dystiny was there," said Kathy.

But she said Dystiny was also a teenager who, shortly before her death, started making bad decisions and hanging out with people Kathy didn't know.

"She went astray and I'm the first to admit it. She went astray. Dystiny was teetering in between the two worlds. She knew right from wrong. But unfortunately when we get caught up with something, it's so hard to get out of it," said Kathy.

At the preliminary hearing, detectives laid out a gruesome account of her death from interviews with suspects. They said she was injected with heroin before being bound and beaten with a baseball bat and brass knuckles at suspect Rhonda Wisto's Nipomo home.

Investigators found her body burned and buried in Santa Margarita.

"I believe these people were evil people and I believe they made this choice to take Dystiny," she said.

A year later Kathy said she finds strength in her faith and gets support from her church family. She wants people to know, Dystiny was a loving child and reminds parents to stay involved with your kids no matter how much they may push you away.

"Know where your kids are, you take care of your kids, and most important, always tell them you love them because you never know what's going to happen," said Kathy.

The five suspects... Cody Miller, Jason Greenwell, Frank Jacob York, Ty Michael Hill, and Rhonda Wisto are expected to appear in court for a pre-trial hearing in early October.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Ty Michael Hill.

A memorial service will take place at Pacific Christian Center in Santa Maria at 7 p.m.

A new lawyer has joined the defense for the Dystiny Myers murder case.

Tom McCormick is officially representing Rhonda Wisto. He's replacing David Wells, who chose to step down last month, saying he didn't have the energy needed to represent her. We caught up with McCormick outside the courthouse.

"I've gone through the entire file and feel comfortable about the case," he said. "There's no motive for my client to commit this crime."

McCormick says the five defendants in the case could be tried separately because some of them have made statements against each other. The judge continued the case until June 1st. Myers' burned body was found in Santa Margarita last September. She was 15 at the time.

The five people accused in the murder of 15-year-old Dystiny Myers are expected in court Friday morning.

Rhonda Wisto, Ty Hill, Jacob York, Jason Greenwell and Cody Miller could find out when their trial will begin. They each face murder charges in the teenager's death.

Wisto could also learn Friday whether a new attorney will take over her case. Her previous lawyer removed himself from the case citing it was too time intensive.

Myers' burned body was found in Santa Margarita last fall.

We could find out if a new lawyer will take over the defense for one of the five suspects in the Dystiny Myers case.

Case information was turned over to Attorney Thomas McCormick last week. He's expected to come back to court Tuesday morning to let a judge know if he'll represent Rhonda Wisto. Her previous lawyer removed himself from the case, citing it was too time intensive.

Wisto and four others are accused in the death of Dystiny Myers. Her burned body was found in Santa Margarita last fall.

We now know who could take over the defense for Rhonda Wisto in the Dystiny Myers' murder case.

Wisto is one of five people accused of murder in the death of 15-year-old Myers.

David Wells, Wisto's attorney, says he wants to withdraw from the case. Wells says he doesn't have the energy needed to represent her.

In court this morning, Wells turned over case file information to attorney Thomas McCormick. McCormick will let the court know if he can represent Wisto on April 5.

"I need to review the file, and it's quite extensive. I want to see if there are any conflicts. I have quite a few homicides that I'm currently involved in, and just need to see if I have the actual time to participate and represent her properly," said McCormick.

Myers' burned body was found in Santa Margarita last September.

One of the suspects in the Dystiny Myers case might find out who her new attorney is Wednesday.

Rhonda Wisto's attorney stepped down two weeks ago because of the demanding nature of the case. Wisto had been receiving hate mail.

Wisto was supposed to be assigned a new public defender last week, but the case was continued. Wisto is one of five suspects in the case.

Dystiny Myers' burned body was found near Santa Margarita last September.

The attorney dismissed yesterday in the Dystiny Myers murder case says he formed a close bond with defendant Ty Hill and wishes he could continue to defend him.

Hill is facing the death penalty, which requires two attorneys.

Yesterday, Judge Barry LaBarbara dismissed Raymond Allen, one of Hill's attorneys, saying Allen did not "reach requirements of the court" for this case.

Hill is among five suspects charged with Myers' murder.

Her burned body was found near Santa Margarita back in September.

"We had a very good relationship," Allen said. "Mr. Hill was very open, forthright with me."

Allen says he was dismissed from defending Hill because he's never represented a murder suspect, a requirement for any appointed attorney defending someone facing the death penalty.

"Anytime you're fighting for somebody's life, it's difficult," he said. "It's a lot of work, and it's a lot of stress because you're literally fighting for that man's life."

Two attorneys now represent Hill--another requirement in a capital case.

KSBY News asked Allen about a surveillance video investigators say caught two of the suspects at a gas station hours before Myers was found.

Allen, however, was hesitant to comment on any specifics, citing a gag order.

"Do I know about the video?" he said. "Yes. Yes. There's been a lot of reports about it, but I think it's probably safer if I don't comment."

Allen does say he doesn't believe in the death penalty and would keep defending Hill if he could.

"It's not going to do anything to alleviate any of the pain for the victims," he said. "It doesn't cause closure. I don't think there's an upside to having a state kill somebody."

Another attorney in the case stepped down last week too.

Rhonda Wisto is another defendant, and her attorney left because of the case's demanding nature.

It will be at least another week before we know who will represent Wisto.

All five suspects in the case have plead not guilty.

A judge has dismissed an attorney representing one of the suspects in the Dystiny Myers case.

Ty Hill is facing the death penalty, which requires two attorneys. On Wednesday a judge said one of Hill's attorneys was dismissed because he doesn't "reach requirements of the court" for this particular case.

Meantime it will be at least another week before defendant Rhonda Wisto knows who will be representing her. Wisto's attorney stepped down last week because of the demanding nature of the case.

The burned body of 15-year-old Dystiny Myers was found near Santa Margarita back in September.

A new attorney could be appointed on Wednesday for one of the suspects accused of killing Dystiny Myers.

The attorney for Rhonda Wisto announced last week he wants to step down because he feels the case is too demanding.

A new attorney could be appointed as early as Wednesday afternoon.

The burned body of 15-year-old Dystiny Myers was found near Santa Margarita in September.

All of the five suspects have pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution in the Destiny Myers murder trial says it will not seek the death penalty for defendant Rhonda Wisto.

Wisto, along with Ty Hill, Cody Miller, Jason Greenwell, and Frank Jacob York are all facing murder charges for the death of 15-year-old Myers.

Myers, of Santa Maria, was found dead off Highway 58 in Santa Margarita in September 2010.

All five defendants were back in court today.

It is still unclear who will represent Hill now that he is facing the death penalty.

The judge has also issued a gag order for all of those involved in the case.

Watch KSBY at 5 and 6 p.m. for the latest information on the trial.

The San Luis Obispo County District Attorney's Office will seek the death penalty in the Dystiny Myers murder case.

The 15-year-old girl's body was found burned and buried off Highway 58 in Santa Margarita last September.

Defendants Cody Miller, Jason Greenwell, Ty Michael Hill, Frank Jacob York and Rhonda Wisto have all plead not guilty to first-degree murder charges in her death.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Ty Michael Hill.

Twenty-eight-year-old Ty Michael Hill appeared visibly shaken just moments after learning his life is now on the line. Testimony during the preliminary hearing said Hill was giving orders that September day, when 15-year-old Dystiny Myers was murdered. Her body was buried and set on fire in Santa Margarita.

If convicted, it would be the first capital conviction for San Luis Obispo County in nearly 10 years. Rex Krebs was sentenced to death in May of 2001 for raping and killing Cal Poly student Rachel Newhouse in 1998, and Cuesta College student Aundria Crawford in 1999. Krebs is still on death row.

However in the Myers case Hill may not be the only one facing the death penalty. The district attorney is still pouring over evidence, trying to decide if 47-year-old Rhonda Wisto will also face capital punishment.

Myers' beatings reportedly started at Wisto's Nipomo home and preliminary hearing testimony said she ordered the killing, but only time and testimony will tell who did what to Dystiny.

The other three defendants face life in prison without parole.

Since this is now a capital case there are certain guidelines the court must follow. For example, Hill will need to have two attorney instead of one and the court will be looking over their credentials to make sure they are qualified to try a death penalty case.

That is just one of the things they will be discussing when the case heads back to court on March 17.

The attorneys in the case are also considering asking the trial take place outside San Luis Obispo County because of fears of a tainted jury pool. The Rex Krebs case was tried in Monterey County.

According to our KSBY News crew in the courtroom Thursday morning, the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney's Office will seek the death penalty for Ty Michael Hill in the Dystiny Myers murder case. Prosecutors could also seek the death penalty against another suspect, Rhonda Wisto.

Hill and Wisto, along with Cody Miller, Jason Greenwell, and Frank Jacob York are all facing first degree murder charges for the death of 15-year-old Myers.

Lawyers for all parties have met and are discussing the possibility of moving the case out of the area due to a potentially tainted jury pool. Another court date was set for March 17.

Myers, of Santa Maria, was found dead off Highway 58 in Santa Margarita in September 2010.

Watch KSBY News at 5 and 6 p.m. for complete coverage.

A judge has declared there is enough evidence to send the murder of a 15-year-old Santa Maria girl to trial.

Gruesome new details about the death of Dystiny Myers came to light today as the second day of the preliminary hearing wrapped up.

She was found dead off of Highway 58 in Santa Margarita last september.

The suspects have all plead not guilty to first-degree murder charges; they are Cody Miller, Jason Greenwell, Ty Michael Hill, Frank Jacob York and Rhonda Wisto.

Detectives who spoke to four of the five defendants say Myers was beaten at Wisto's Nipomo home with all five present.

An investigator who interviewed Greenwell says Hill gave Myers a shot of heroin that night--like he had been doing so every night--and that Myers was then tied up, bound and duct-taped.

Detective Robert Burgeson of the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department says Hill started beating her with a baseball bat before giving it to miller, telling him to "Mark McGwire" her legs.

"(Greenwell) said that (Miller) was hitting her in the area of the legs and that the noise from the bat bashing against her legs was making him sick and he couldn't think," Burgeson said.

Detectives say at least two of the defendants admitted to beating Myers at some point that night with the bat, brass knuckles and their hands and feet.

"I asked him why he had kicked Dystiny, and he told me that she was making noise and that he kicked her twice and that she stopped making noise," Burgeson said.

Wisto is York's mother, and according to testimony, he told her the killing wasn't right.

She said sometimes, "stuff" has to happen.

"She told him that he would be okay and that she loved him and that she wanted the best for him," Burgeson said.

York also said Hill told him to hit Miller while they were digging the hole in Santa Margarita where Myers was buried.

"Mike wanted Cody Miller killed," Burgeson said. "He also said that Mike had mentioned that he was going to cut Cody's head off."

After the fire was lit to burn Myers, York said he, Hill and Greenwell got in the truck without Miller and drove back to San Luis Obispo, stopped at Jack in the Box and then returned home.

As for a motive, nothing concrete has surfaced yet; the closest reason revealed today was that York said Wisto ordered the killings because Myers was being disrespectful.

The five will now stand trial on first-degree murder charges.

First-degree murder convictions usually carry sentences of 25 years to life in prison.

However, if a murder happens with special circumstances--like in this case--the defendant becomes eligible for the death penalty or life in prison without parole.

Their arraignment is set for February 24th.

The gruesome details surrounding this case has Rhonda Wisto's neighbors shocked at the brutality inflicted on the teen.

Wisto owned a mobile home on the 300 block of Mars Court in Nipomo.

Investigators believe Myers was attacked at that home by the five defendants. They also say that's where the teen had been staying.

Wade Dunn, neighbor, said, "This isn't a bad neighborhood, it just happened that a bad thing happened unfortunately." It happened three doors down from Dunn's home. He said, "It's just hard to believe a house right here, right next to my house. It's just unbelievable."

Dunn has lived on the street for nine years. He said, "A lot of my friends think that. They're real iffy about coming over here which I don't understand because this has always been a great neighborhood until that." Juana Martinez, neighbor, said, "It's scary to have some neighbors like that, it was scary for everybody and it was a surprise for us."

In fact, it seems to have scared some residents out of the area. Neighbors say one family moved because of what happened. While those who live on that street are shocked by the violent attack, they weren't surprised to hear about illegal activity. Dunn said, "I did suspect that there was drugs going on, drug trafficking and stuff like that."

Dunn didn't know Wisto personally but did see her around. Dunn said, "She just kind of kept to herself, real strange kind of." But adds since she and the others have been in custody, the once high volume of traffic on that street has disappeared. "Now that they're gone and they're not coming back, it won't be like that every again hopefully," said Dunn.

KSBY News tried talking with about half a dozen neighbors who didn't want to go on camera. Many felt the same way as Dunn. They say they didn't feel comfortable talking about this because they either feared for their safety or knew family members of the suspects.

While there are some residents who believe the murder has given the neighborhood a bad rap, there are others who disagree and say this type of crime can happen anywhere.

The gruesome details surrounding Dystiny Myers' case has one of the defendant's neighbors shocked at the brutality inflicted on the teen.

Rhonda Wisto owned a mobile home on the 300 block of Mars Court in Nipomo.

Investigators believe Myers was attacked at that home by the five suspects.

They also say that's where the teen had been staying.

KSBY News talked with neighbors and has reaction.

Watch KSBY News at 5 and 6 for more on this story.

Two of the five suspects charged in the murder of Dystiny Myers, 15, gave contradicting statements to investigators, according to our KSBY News crew in a San Luis Obispo County courtroom for Tuesday's preliminary hearing.

A sheriff investigator who interviewed suspect Frank York testified that York told him another suspect, Ty Hill, is greatly responsible for Myers' murder and that Hill wanted Myers and another suspect, Cody Miller, killed. That contradicts what Hill told investigators.

York, Hill, Miller, along with Jason Greenwell and Rhonda Wisto are accusing of murdering Myers, who was from Santa Maria. Her burned body was found in Santa Margarita in September 2010.

Watch KSBY News at 5 and 6 p.m. for more on what happened in court today.

Neighbors living in the neighborhood where 15-year-old Dystiny Myers had been staying before being brutally killed are reacting to Monday's testimony.

Investigators believe Myers was attacked by five suspects at a Nipomo home in the 300 block of Mars Court.

In the preliminary hearing on Monday, the coroner who examined her body said Myers suffered from choking, blunt force trauma and a meth overdose.

He also said Myers had a pair of sweatpants tied tightly around her neck and a cloth glove stuffed into her mouth and upper airway.

The Santa Maria girl was found badly burned last September in a shallow grave off Highway 58 in Santa Margarita.

Five people have plead not guilty to first-degree murder charges in the case.

They are Cody Miller, Jason Greenwell, Ty Hill, Frank York and Rhonda Wisto.

See reaction from neighbors on KSBY News at 5 and 6.

The second day of the preliminary hearing for the 15-year-old Santa Maria girl found dead in September continues today.

Defendants Cody Miller, Jason Greenwell, Ty Hill, Frank York and Rhonda Wisto have all pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges in the death of Dystiny Myers.

Disturbing new details about Myers's death came to light in yesterday's testimonies.

Watch KSBY News at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. for what happens today.

The preliminary hearing for five people charged with the death of 15-year old Dystiny Myer's began Monday. The Santa Maria girl was found badly burned in Santa Margarita last September. The suspects have all pleaded not guilty to first degree murder charges. They are Cody Miller, Jason Greenwell, Ty Hill, Frank York and Rhonda Wisto. The detectives who interviewed the suspects testified about what they were told. According to Cody Miller, he walked into a room to see Meyers being tied up and beaten. San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's detective Eric Twisselman says Miller told him, "she was placed into some type of a duffle bag and taken outside the residence and ultimately placed in the back of a pick up truck." Miller told the detective that he was following direction from Rhonda Wisto and Ty Hill. He sat in the bed of the truck while Meyers was bagged up as Hill drove the truck. Miller said at one point he hit Meyers a number of times to keep her quiet while they stopped to fill up with gas. When the truck arrived at a rural location in Santa Margarita, Miller says Hill told him to start digging a hole to bury Myers in. Miller says while digging he was hit from behind. Greenwell told the detective that York hit Miller from behind with a baseball bat. Greenwell says on the way to Santa Margarita they had talked about killing Miller because they were afraid he might snitch. Miller says he was hit twice with the bat but was able to get away and hide. Hill says it was Miller who killed Myers while she was bagged in the back of the pick up. "Hill inquired (to Miller) how he knew she was dead and Cody said that he had rammed a glove down her throat and that he had plucked her eye out" said Santa Maria police detective Dan Cohen. Myers was found in a hole with parts of her body burned beyond recognition. According to testimony Rhonda Wisto stayed at home while the murder happened. Hill says Rhonda had told him that she wanted Dystiny Myers and Cody Miller Killed. The judge will hear more testimony and make a decision on whether there's enough evidence to proceed to trial. When a murder happens with the special circumstances of this case, the defendant is eligible for the death penalty.

15-year-old Dystiny Myers was found wrapped and hog-tied with her arms bound in front of her and legs bent backwards behind her, according to the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department Coroner's Office.

Today was the first day of the preliminary hearing for the five people accused of murdering Myers.

The Santa Maria girl was found badly burned in Santa Margarita last September.

Defendants Cody Miller, Jason Greenwell, Ty Hill, Frank York and Rhonda Wisto have all pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges.

Stuart MacDonald, who works at the San Luis Obispo County Coroner's Office, says Myers was found in a hole with parts of her body--including her skull--burned beyond recognition.

He pointed to three possible causes of death--blunt force trauma, meth overdose and asphyxiation--but said that choking was the primary cause.

Myers had a pair of sweatpants tied tightly around her neck and a cloth glove stuffed into her mouth.

He said she also had bruising on her body from her face to her legs and fractures on her skull.

An investigator testified that Miller told him the beatings by all five defendants started at Wisto's home in Nipomo.

"She was placed into some type of duffel bag and taken outside the residence and ultimately placed into the back of a pickup truck," said Detective Eric Twisselman, who is with the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department.

He said Miller also told him Myers was alive until they reached Santa Margarita.

He said he was forced to beat her, tie her up and carry her to a hole the others had dug.

"Mr. Hill inquired how he knew she was dead, and Cody said that he had rammed a glove down her throat and that he had plucked her eye out," said Santa Maria Police Sgt. Dan Cohen.

A forensic specialist also testified on finding a baseball bat inside Wisto's car along with samurai swords and brass knuckles.

He said he found blood on the bat and a palm print that matched York's.

The judge will hear more testimony tomorrow morning and make a decision on if this case has enough evidence to proceed to trial.

First-degree murder convictions usually carry a sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

However, if a murder happens with special circumstances--like in this case--the defendant becomes eligible for the death penalty or life in prison without parole.

An expert testified Monday that the 15-year-old Santa Maria girl found dead and burned most likely died from asphyxiation but also suffered from methamphetamine toxicity and blunt force trauma.

The first day of the Dystiny Myers preliminary hearing is now underway.

Cody Miller, 20, Jason Greenwell, 20, Ty Hill, 20, Frank York, 19, and Rhonda Wisto, 47, have all pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges stemming from the death of Myers.

San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's deputies say they found the body of Myers near Santa Margarita back in September. Her body was badly burned.

A San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department forensics specialist was among those who testified in the morning.

Kenneth Jones said he had examined a baseball bat found in a car registered to Wisto at her Nipomo residence in September

He said he found fingerprints and blood on the bat; a palm print on there matched York's.

Jones also said he found three samurai swords and brass knuckles in that same blue pick-up truck; two of the swords had blood stains and strands of long, dark hair on them.

Jones also said there were numerous blood stains in the pickup; the blood has not been tested for DNA.

A San Luis Obispo County deputy sheriff with the coroner's office also testified.

Stuart MacDonald said Myers's burned body was discovered wrapped in a heavy canvas bag, duct tape, several blankets and/or comforters and nylon rope.

He also said her body had been "hogtied," that her legs were bound and bent backwards with her arms bound and crossed in front of her.

He said there were three possible causes of death, but that mechanical asphyxiation was the primary cause. Blunt force trauma and methamphetamine toxicity were the other two causes. He said the amount of methamphetamine in her system was in the potentially toxic range and that she would have needed additional oxygen in her system because of it. However, he said she most likely asphyxiated in about four minutes.

He said Myers had a pair of dark sweatpants tied tightly around her neck and a cloth fabric glove stuffed into her mouth and upper airway. She also had bruising on her body from her face to her back to her legs. She also had fractures on her skull and below her eye socket.

He said parts of her body, including her skull, were burned beyond recognition.

First-degree murder convictions typically carry a sentence of 25 years to life in prison. However, if a murder happens with special circumstances, like in Myers's death, the defendant becomes eligible for the death penalty or life in prison without parole.

When the hearings are over, a judge will decide if there is enough evidence to require a trial.

Watch KSBY News at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. for more on this story.

The five suspects charged in the murder of a 15-year-old girl appear in court Monday for their preliminary hearing.

Cody Miller, 20, Jason Greenwell, 20, Ty Hill, 20, Frank York, 19, and Rhonda Wisto, 47, have all pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges stemming from the death of 15-year-old Dystiny Myers.

San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's deputies say they found the body of Myers near Santa Margarita back in September. Her body was badly burned.

First-degree murder convictions typically carry a sentence of 25 years to life in prison. However, if a murder happens with special circumstances, like in Myers' death, the defendant becomes eligible for the death penalty or life in prison without parole.

Each of the five defendants remains in custody at the San Luis Obispo County Jail, without bail.

We have a KSBY News crews inside the courtroom for Monday's preliminary hearing. It's expected we learn more about what evidence the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney has against the five suspects charged in the case. When the hearings are over, a judge will decide if there is enough evidence to require a trial.

Stay with KSBY.com and KSBY News at 5 and 6 for the latest on this developing story.

A memorial service was held on Wednesday for the Santa Maria teen whose body was found badly burned. The body of Dystiny Myers was discovered in Santa Margarita on September 26th. Five people have been arrested in the case.

But Wednesday, was a time of reflection for family and friends on the young girl's life. The memorial service took place at Pacific Christian Center in Santa Maria. Quentin Johnson, Dystiny's friend, said, "I fell in love with her at a young age, thinking I was going to marry her. Dystiny Myers will always have a special place in my heart."

Lots of emotion filled the church sanctuary, there were many tears. Ishmael petersen, Dystiny's friend, said, "It's not goodbye, but I'll see you again someday." Loved ones remembered the young teen they say was so full of life. Kathleen Clark, Dystiny's grandmother, said, "Dystiny touched so many lives in her young life."

Her grandmother, who was raising her and loved her as her own, also spoke briefly about her granddaughter. Clark said, "I know for a fact, that Dystiny's in heaven with Jesus." She goes on to say, "Yes, she went astray for a little bit but I know she's there."

Dystiny's pastor also talked about forgiveness. Pastor Rick Bloom, Pacific Christian Center, said, "The people who've taken Dystiny from us must not be allowed to take our souls from us." "Just keep us in your prayers because you know we have a long road to go," said Clark.

About 150 people were in Santa Maria for that memorial service including Dystiny's brothers. She has four siblings. After the service, Dystiny was laid to rest at the Santa Maria Cemetary.

The family also says Dystiny sang the lead in productions by the children's choir at Pacific Christian Center. They say she dreamed on one day becoming a model.

A Santa Maria teenager who was murdered nearly two weeks ago was remembered today by her grandmother.

About 150 people attended a memorial service to honor 15-year-old Dystiny Myers. It was held on Wednesday morning at Pacific Christian Center in Santa Maria.

Dystiny's grandmother briefly spoke about her granddaughter.

Kathleen Clark, Dystiny's grandmother, said "Dystiny touched so many lives in her young life. I know for a fact, that Dystiny's in heaven with Jesus." She goes on to say, "Yes, she went astray for a little bit but I know she's there."

Dystiny's pastor also talked about forgiving those responsible for the teen's death.

Myers' body was found badly burned in Santa Margarita on September 26th.

A memorial service for the Santa Maria teenager murdered last month will take place at her church Wednesday morning.

The body of 15-year-old Dystiny Myers was found burned on the side of Parkhill Road in Santa Margarita on Sunday, September 26.

San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's deputies believe she was killed in Nipomo, then her body brought to Santa Margarita.

Five people have been arrested for the teen's death.

Services to honor Myers are set to begin at 11 am at the Pacific Christian Center.

That's located at 3435 Santa Maria Way in Santa Maria.

Tune into KSBY News at 5 and 6 for more on this story.

Memorial services get underway Wednesday morning, in honor of the Santa Maria teenager who deputies say was murdered last week.

The body of 15-year-old Dystiny Myers was found burned on the side of Parkhill Road in Santa Margarita last Sunday morning. San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's deputies believe she was killed in Nipomo, then her body brought to Santa Margarita.

Services to honor Myers are set to begin Wednesday morning at 11:00. They take place at her church, the Pacific Christian Center. That's located at 3435 Santa Maria Way in Santa Maria.

We're learning more about the troubled life of a Santa Maria teen whose body was discovered last week in Santa Margarita.

Santa Maria police say 15 year-old Dystiny Myers had run away many times as a child. Her pastor says she had lost her way in the past year. Her burned body was found September 26th in Santa Margarita. Five suspects were arrested in connection with her murder.

15-year-old Dystiny Myers grew up in Santa Maria, where she was raised by her grandmother. She graduated from El Camino Junior High School two years ago, where teachers and staff say she was full of energy.

"My first memory of Dystiny is the first day of school as a 7th grader when the little blonde child came flyin' around the corner on a scooter, said El Camino Principal Ann D'Angelo-Orton.

"She could have gone to college she could have done anything. Very bright. Very talented person. Sang. She was in our talent show," said Dystiny's 7th Grade Science Teacher Bob Quirk.

But her MySpace photos paint a different picture, showing her partying with friends. The dark hair and tatoos are far from the angelic Dystiny many knew.

Teenage is always a difficult age, but no way we would have predicted anything like this would have happened. It's just taking all of us pretty hard," Quirk said.

Dale Arends said he knew that house spelled trouble and so did police.

"There were people coming and going at all hours of the night for several months and the police had been over here several times for drug raids, said Dale Arends of Nipomo.

Arend's brother witnessed investigators storming the house in Nipomo where they believe Dystiny was murdered. A girl with so much promise. . .gone before she could get a second chance.

"If a kid like this can end up in this situation, it can happen to anybody," Quirk said.

School officials say Dystiny started as a freshman at Santa Barbara High School last fall, but dropped out after five weeks. She is survived by her parents and two brothers.

Myers' church is planning a memorial service for her this week. It's scheduled for Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Pacific Christian Center in Santa Maria.

It appears the Santa Maria teenager whose burned body was found in Santa Margarita last week had a troubled past.

On Friday, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department identified the body as that of 15 year-old Dystiny Myers.

Myers lived with her grandmother in Santa Maria. She was a member of Pacific Christian Church in Santa Maria.

Pastor Rick Bloom tells KSBY News she was full of energy and loved to sing and perform. Bloom also says in the last year Myers had gotten off track and had lost her way.

We'll take a closer look at what might have led the teenager down the wrong path. Watch KSBY News tonight at 5 and 6 for more on this developing story.

The 15-year-old girl whose burned body was found in Santa Margarita last week is being remembered as full of life. On Friday, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department revealed that the body is that of 15-year-old Dystiny Myers.

Myers lived with her grandmother in Santa Maria. She graduated from Robert Bruce Elementary school before heading to El Camino Junior High, where she finished 8th grade. Myers was a member of Pacific Christian Church in Santa Maria. Pastor Rick Bloom tells KSBY News she was full of energy and loved to sing and perform. She was the lead in many productions in the church's children's choir.

Myers' body was found badly burned off of Parkhill Road in Santa Margarita early Sunday morning. An autopsy was performed Tuesday, but results have not yet come in.

Five people are in custody on murder charges related to her death. They include 20-year-old Fresno resident, Cody Miller, 20-year-old Nipomo resident Jason Greenwell, 28-year-old Ty Hill of Santa Maria, 19-yea-old Nipomo resident Frank York, and 47-year-old Rhonda Wisto, also of Nipomo.

Those suspects all pleaded not guilty to murder charges in court Thursday. More information about the case is expected to come out during a preliminary hearing set for October 15th.

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department has identified the 15-year-old girl who was found dead Sunday in Santa Margarita as Dystiny Myers of Santa Maria.

The body was found early Sunday morning in the 5300 block of Parkill Road, a few miles east of Highway 58. Firefighters were initially called out on report of a grass fire, but then found a body engulfed in flames.

All five suspects charged with her murder entered not guilty pleas in court Thursday.

The suspects include Cody Miller, 20, of Fresno, Jason Greenwell, 20, of Nipomo, Ty Hill, 28, of Santa Maria, Jacob York, 18, of Nipomo and Rhonda Wisto, 47, also of Nipomo. They will be back in court on October 13th. All five are being held with out bail.

The San Luis Obispo County Coroner has identified the the remains of the body found on Sunday in Santa Margarita as a 15-year-old girl from Santa Barbara County.

The body was found early Sunday morning in the 5300 block of Parkill Road, a few miles east of Highway 58. Firefighters initially were called out on report of a grass fire, but then found a body engulfed in flames.

Five people were arrested previously on murder charges in relation to the case this week. Cody Miller, 20, of Fresno, Jason Greenwell, 20, of Nipomo, Ty Hill, 28, of Santa Maria, Jacob York, 18, of Nipomo and Rhonda Wisto, 47, also of Nipomo, were booked into the the San Luis Obispo County Jail.

The San Luis Obispo Sheriff's Department said the five suspects will be arraigned Wednesday afternoon and have an appearance in court on Thursday morning.

Autopsy results are pending.

San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's deputies say a fifth person has been taken into custody on murder charges related to a burned body that was found in Santa Margarita last weekend.

Deputies say 20-year-old Fresno resident Cody Lane Miller (pictured) was taken into custody Monday afternoon. They say he was under guard at a local hospital for an unknown length of time before he was booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail.

The body was found early Sunday morning in the 5300 block of Parkhill Road, a few miles east of Highway 58 in Santa Margarita. Firefighters were initially called out on report of a grass fire, but then found a body engulfed in flames. Deputies have not released the identify of the body. Coroner's investigators are working on an autopsy Tuesday in an attempt to determine a cause of death of the positive identification of the body. "We have a working theory that we know who the victim is," said Rob Bryn, PIO for the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department. Investigators say they are also looking through what they believe is a secondary crime scene in Nipomo, but they won't give an exact location until they're done collecting evidence.

Miller is the latest person to be arrested in the case. Deputies arrested 20-year-old Nipomo resident Jason Adam Greenwelll, 28-year-old Santa Maria resident Ty Michael Hill, 19-year-old Nipomo resident Jacob York and 47-year-old Rhonda May Wisto who is also of Nipomo. "At this point all suspects in custody have been charged with murder," said Bryn.

The four suspects arrested Monday are being held in jail without bail. No word if the same goes for Miller.

Deputies have arrested four people in connection with a body found in Santa Margarita Sunday morning.
Investigators are now ruling the case a homicide.
Deputies arrested 20-year-old Jason Greenwell of Nipomo, 28-year-old Ty Hill of Santa Maria, 19-year-old Frank York of Nipomo and 47-year-old Rhonda Wisto of Nipmo.
All were booked into County Jail on murder charges.
It all started around 5 a.m. when fire crews were called to a grass fire in the 5300 block of Parkhill Road, a few miles east of Highway 58 in Santa Margarita.
Since then investigators have been scouring the area, looking for evidence.
Investigators are still working to get a positive identification.

Investigators are expected to remain on scene throughout the night, processing evidence after a body was found in the 5300 block of Parkhill Road, a few miles east of Highway 58 in Santa Margarita early this morning.

One lane of Parkhill Road remains closed. Deputies say the death is "suspicious."

At around 5 a.m. fire crews were called out to a grass fire in the area and that is where they discovered a badly burned body.

Investigators initially believed the body may be that of a local resident, but they are still working to get a positive identification.

Stay with ksby.com and tune in tonight for a special edition of KSBY News after NFL Football for the very latest.

San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's spokesperson Rob Bryn tells KSBY News the body found burned on the side of the road Sunday morning is that of a local resident.

Bryn says the family still has not been notified, so the name of the person is not yet being released.

Crews found the body about three miles east of Hwy. 58 on Parkhill Road at 5:00a.m. Sunday. They were originally called out to a fire, and discovered the body upon arrival. The incident is being called suspicious.

Be sure to watch KSBY News tonight for the latest on this story.

San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's deputies are investigating a body found on Parkhill Road early Sunday morning.

The incident was initially called out as a fire at 5:00a.m. Sunday, but when crews arrived, a body was discovered. Investigators will not say whether it is a man or woman.

Be sure to watch KSBY News after football tonight for the latest on this developing story.