TIMELINE: Pott. Co. Man sentenced to life in prison for killing wife

Frank Byers, accused of murdering his wife Makayla Meave in Pottawatomie County, is expected to enter a plea deal for life in prison without parole, sparing him the death penalty on Friday. Here is a timeline of his case.

Friday, January 31st 2025, 12:39 pm

By: Anna Denison


Frank Byers is expected to appear in court on Jan. 31 to officially enter his plea in the murder of his wife, Makayla Meave. While prosecutors have agreed to a plea deal sentencing Byers to life in prison without parole, Meave’s family continues to seek justice, holding out hope that more information will emerge about potential accomplices in her death.

Here is a timeline of his case:

September 2023

Early September: Frank Byers reports his wife, Makayla Meave, missing.

Approximately one week later, Authorities discovered Meave's body, shot and wrapped in carpet, in a culvert near the couple's home in Macomb.

October 25, 2023

Byers is arrested and accused of killing his wife to start a relationship with another woman. The victim’s family told investigators they were suspicious of Byers from the time Meave-Byers went missing and was found murdered.

Pott. County Deputies Arrest Man Accused Of Killing Wife

April 5, 2024

The Pottawatomie County District Attorney's Office announces its intention to seek the death penalty against Byers. A preliminary hearing scheduled for that day is postponed due to this development.

Pottawatomie County DA To Seek Death Penalty For Man Charged in Wife’s Murder

October 4, 2024

A status hearing is held, during which a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 14, 2024. Meave's family expresses their belief that others may have been involved in her death.

Preliminary Hearing Set For Pottawatomie County Man Charged In Wife’s Murder

November 14, 2024

The preliminary hearing is delayed as the prosecution and defense dispute the timeline for providing certain pieces of evidence. The judge continues the case, leaving Meave's family awaiting further developments.

Death Penalty Case Continued For Pottawatomie County Man Charged With Wife’s Murder

January 3, 2025

Makayla's family is informed that the Pottawatomie County District Attorney has accepted a plea deal, offering Byers life in prison without the possibility of parole instead of pursuing the death penalty. The family expresses disappointment with this outcome.

Pottawatomie County Family Told Plea Deal Gives Daughter’s Killer Life Without Parole, Instead Of Death Penalty

January 31, 2025

Frank Byers officially accepted a plea deal, admitting his guilt for the killing of Makayla Meave. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

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