On Wednesday, frustrated family and friends of a murdered Madera teen, Krista Pike, gathered to hold a rally. The 18-year old was killed back in January of 2008. Two suspects are in jail for the crime, but after five years they still haven't gone on trial.
Dozens carried signs covered with powerful messages as they marched around Courthouse Park in Madera.
Their goal was to raise awareness of the ongoing battle to get justice for Krista Pike.
“My family tree has been broken and it's like we're at a stand still,” said Russel Pike, Krista’s father.
Russel Pike says the lack of progress in the prosecution of his daughter's accused killers, Dustin Gran and Brittney Navarra, has caused him to lose faith in the Madera County District Attorney's Office.
“It’s not like they're wondering who did it. It's the matter of just proving,” said Russel Pike.
The case has change hands several times in five years. The latest hold up points to Deputy D.A. Ed Gill, who last week was found to have committed misconduct.
District Attorney, Michael Keitz, has since dismissed gill from the case. He’s appointed Assistant D.A, Miguel Valdovinos and Senior Deputy D.A., Linda Dunn, to take over prosecution duties.
“The downs are too much to keep on going. We just need this to happen for all parties. Everyone needs closure so we can move forward with our lives,” said Stacie Pike, Krista’s mother.
The slow pace has caught the attention of Victim Advocate Attorney Monrae English. She's officially putting the Madera County D.A. on notice.
“The public is watching, we are watching and we believe there should be no more excuses and no more delays. Prioritize this case, take it to trial and give closure to the family,” said Monrae English, Attorney at Wild, Carter & Tipton.
Defense attorneys tell CBS47 they plan to file more sanctions against the D.A.'s office next week. They want Madera County prosecutors off the case and are asking for it to be turned over to the State Attorney General's Office.