MEJIA TAKES A DEAL

The man who has gone on trial twice for killing another man in northwest Bakersfield then leaving the burned body in an orchard has pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter. Matthew Mejia also admitted to kidnapping victim Justin Brewer two years ago.

Mejia faces more than 36 years in prison at his sentencing in July. Three co-defendants took plea deals last year.

Kelli Forsch