Memorial cross honors murder victim Todd Pinion
Murder victim Todd Pinion and his dog Spock.
Family, friends place memorial cross near Tassajara Creek
– A memorial cross honoring murder victim Todd Pinion has been placed near Tassajara Creek Bridge, the area where his body was discovered. The project was a collaborative effort spearheaded by Kristi Myrick and Melody Pinion, with significant contributions from local mixed-media artist Jennifer Del Rio.
Myrick and Pinion said they often share similar thoughts when it comes to honoring Todd’s memory. They approached Del Rio last week with the idea for the memorial cross. Del Rio, who has known Melody Pinion for about 20 years, visited immediately to discuss the concept.
The three brainstormed together, drawing inspiration from Todd’s personality, interests, and belongings.
Melody Pinion, Todd’s mother, standing next to the memorial cross.
Del Rio, who did not personally know Todd, attended his Celebration of Life, which she said gave her a deep sense of who he was. According to Del Rio, conversations with Melody and Kristi provided additional insight into Todd’s love of art and dream catchers, as well as his character.
As the project developed, the three worked together, incorporating personal elements such as a walking stick and streamers from Todd’s belongings stored in Myrick’s garage.
In addition to the memorial cross, Tyler Bishop, one of Todd’s high school friends, designed and provided remembrance bracelets.
“When the three of us were putting the piece together, as the artist, it was good to have Melody and Kristi help with these final steps,” Del Rio said. “It gave the piece more meaning.”
On the final day of the project, Myrick, Pinion, and Del Rio gathered with tools in hand to place the memorial cross at Tassajara Creek Bridge. The location was chosen for its significance as the site where Todd’s body was found.
Bracelets, window clings, and magnets bearing the hashtag #JusticeForTodd and various symbols are being sold to support the family.
Myrick, who has known the Pinion family for more than 30 years, first met them through her sister, April Eriksen. Eriksen’s connection to Lea Pinion, Todd’s older sister, led her to babysit and nanny for Todd and his younger sister, Shanna.
In addition to the memorial cross, Tyler Bishop, one of Todd’s high school friends, designed and provided remembrance bracelets. Bishop and Myrick have since collaborated on additional items aimed at raising public awareness about Todd’s murder and generating funds for his family’s ongoing expenses.
Todd’s immediate family lives in Oklahoma and faces financial burdens related to flights, lodging, meals, and lost work as they seek justice.
This piece of art of Todd was gifted to Melody by local mixed-media artist Jennifer Del Rio.
The bracelets are being sold for $5 each and are currently at both Red Scooter locations in Paso Robles as well as Derby Wine Estates tasting room. Additionally, Myrick will hold pop-ups at Sunken Gardens as well as will continue to sell through FB and Messenger contact.
Bracelets, window clings, and magnets bearing the hashtag #JusticeForTodd and various symbols are being sold to support the family. Those interested in purchasing items can contact Myrick through Facebook or Messenger.
A Meal Train has also been established to collect direct donations for the Pinion family. The link for donations is here.
Suspect Tyler Stevens pleads not guilty to murder, animal cruelty charges
Tyler Stevens, 21, is the Paso Robles man accused of killing Todd and his dog. The murder was believed to be a hate crime, committed against Todd because he was gay.
During his arraignment on Wednesday, Stevens pleaded not guilty to murder and animal cruelty charges, according to a report by the San Luis Obispo Tribune.
