Santa Maria man pleads guilty to charges in murder of Dystiny Myers

Posted: Jan 2, 2013 6:29 PM by Keli Moore, KSBY News
Updated: Jan 3, 2013 9:55 AM

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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.