Myers Murder Trial Day 2: Key evidence found in Wisto's home and truck

Posted: Mar 12, 2013 6:38 PM by April Hansen, KSBY News
Updated: Mar 14, 2013 8:35 AM

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Day 2 of Dystiny Myers Murder Trial focuses on evidence

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.