Myers Murder Trial: Miller sentenced to life in prison, apologizes to Myers family

Posted: Mar 19, 2013 6:15 PM by April Hansen, KSBY
Updated: Mar 20, 2013 3:58 AM

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One suspect sentenced for Dystiny Myers murder

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.