SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (AP) — A California death penalty defendant has pleaded guilty to the beating and burning death of a 15-year-old Santa Maria girl.
The Tribune of San Luis Obispo says Ty Michael Hill, whose trial was expected to start next month, entered a plea on Wednesday to first-degree murder. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
The battered and partially burned body of Dystiny Myers was found by firefighters in Santa Margarita in September 2010.
Prosecutors say Rhonda Maye Wisto ordered the death of Myers because the teen had been disrespectful.
Wisto, her son Frank Jacob York and Cody Lane Miller face trial next month.
Another defendant, Jason Adam Greenwell, has agreed to a plea deal in exchange for his testimony.
Hill was the only defendant facing the death penalty.
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Information from: The Tribune, http://www.sanluisobispo.com
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