Public Opinion Weighing On Byers' Case As Investigation Continues

Reports show investigators uncovered blood inside a home belonging to a woman who was found dead in Pottawatomie County.

Frank Byers, Makayla Meave-Byers' husband, has retained an attorney. With no arrests made or a definitive suspect identified, a friend of Frank Byers told News 9 that public opinion is taking a toll.

"Convicting somebody on your own accord without any proper authorities on it is not right," said Annie Gonzales.          

On Sept. 16, Gonzales said her friend's world began to unravel. Frank Byers went to the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office and filed a report for a missing person. 

"The information we were given is that she had left to go on a date and never returned home," said Pottawatomie County Undersheriff Travis Dinwiddie.

In the report, Frank told investigators he and his wife Makayla had an open marriage and claimed "she had gone on a date with someone she met on FB." That statement was denied by Makayla’s father who, investigators say, told them that some things Frank said "weren't adding up."

According to the report, he told investigators that his daughter "recently asked Frank for a divorce."

A search warrant also revealed the couple lived in separate homes on the same rural property. Inside Makayla's home, deputies said they found two .22-caliber bullet casings, broken glass, "blood spots on the floor," and "blood on the sheets of the bed." 

"I was told it was nothing more than a nose bleed," said Gonzales. Investigators said Frank told them Makayla owned a .22 rifle that she kept in his cabin next to his bed. Investigator said the rifle appeared to be recently fired and had residue on the barrel and breach. Four days after her disappearance, the sheriff's office said Makayla's body was found wrapped in carpet and dragged into a drainage ditch about 500 yards from her home.

"Makayla was the best mother that I knew, or anybody knew,” said Gonzales.

Since her death, Gonzales says people in their community have not allowed Frank to properly grieve. "He’s experienced pure hatred from the community," she said.

During a vigil Saturday, at Lexington High School, the school confirmed Frank wasn't allowed on the property due to the investigation. Gonzales says those attending used their trucks to prevent him from watching.

"He loved her, and still loves her," said Gonzales. Gonzales said everyone just wants to know what happened to Makayla. "Everybody just wants justice, including Franky’s side of the family," said Gonzales.

News 9 spoke to Frank Byers' attorney who said his client was fully cooperating with the investigation.