The husband of an Oklahoma teacher found dead in a drainage tunnel claims they had an open marriage and that she was last seen on a date with a man she met on Facebook.
Makayla Fay Meave-Byers, 30, was found by her relative in a four-foot-deep drain just miles from home on September 20, days after she allegedly left with a mysterious 6-foot-tall man described as a ‘balding man with a dark-colored beard.’
The kindergarten teacher’s assistant and mother of six, who was working to obtain a teaching certificate before her death, disappeared after leaving her home on September 15 in Macomb, a small town of about 24 residents.
Her husband Frank Byers reported her missing the next day and told police she never came home after voluntarily leaving with the man she met online and in a white Chevy pickup with stretch cab and tinted windows had stepped. The last known ping from Makayla’s phone was at her home in Macomb, according to investigators.
But suspicion remains on Frank after police say they found blood in her home just days before her body was found, as reported by KOCO NEWS 5. Additionally, Makayla’s father denied that the couple had an open marriage and she went on a date, telling police Frank’s claims were ‘not true’.
Makayla Fay Meave-Byers, 30, went missing from her Macomb home on September 15
Her husband Frank Byers reported her missing the next day and told police she never came home after voluntarily leaving with the man she met online
Her body was found just a few miles from her home, wrapped in a carpet and left in a drain
The father claimed that Makayla had recently asked for a divorce.
According to police documents, she and Frank lived in two separate houses on the same property. When detectives entered her home, they reportedly found blood on the floor and sheets, as well as broken glass and .22-caliber shell casings.
Frank told police that Makayla owned a .22 caliber, which was found near the man’s nightstand where Frank said she kept it. Detectives said the gun looked as if it had been recently fired.
He has hired a lawyer and a friend told News9 that public opinion “has taken its toll on him.”
“He has experienced pure hatred from the community,” said family friend Annie Gonzales.
When Gonzales was asked about the blood found at Makayla’s home, she said she was told “it was nothing but a nosebleed.”
Police say they still have no suspect.
Meave-Byers’ cousin, who was not named, was the one who called 911 after making the grim discovery of the teacher’s body on September 20.
The body was recovered from a culvert wrapped in what Pottawatomie County Undersheriff Travis Dinwiddie called soaked “old pieces of carpet.”
“We were walking through all the canals closest to the water and we smelled something and so my girlfriend went down and found her,” the cousin told 911 dispatchers shortly after discovering the body.
“She’s in it 100 percent.”
Her husband claimed she was last seen with an unknown man who was described as ‘tall’, ‘balding’ and with a ‘dark beard’
Suspicion remains on Frank after police say she found blood in her home just days before her body was found. He is pictured with Makayla
Community members held a vigil outside a local high school, where they lit candles and sang in her memory
The medical examiner confirmed Meave-Byers’ identity on September 22.
Although there were no obvious signs of trauma, Dinwiddie said there was “definitely” foul play.
Family members insisted it was unusual for her to disappear, leaving behind her two adopted children, four stepdaughters and beloved dog.
“She’s a great mother, that’s all she cares about,” Andria Meave told KFOR.
Friends and family held a vigil in front of Lexington High School the night of September 23 – and Frank was not allowed to enter the grounds due to the investigation.
Those in attendance lit candles, sang and recalled fond memories of the teacher.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family with funeral costs.
“Makayla was born on July 15, 1993. She grew up with a devoted mother and older sister, and many other family members who loved her so much,” the page read.
“With such a tragic and unexpected loss, the family could use help providing Makayla with the memorial service she deserves.”
Macomb Public Schools also released a statement honoring their late employee.
“Our hearts are heavy as we grieve this tragic loss of a beloved educator and parent of Macomb Public Schools,” a Facebook post said.
“Makayla cared deeply about our students and families and she will be deeply missed.
“We extend our sincere condolences to Makayla’s family, friends, students and everyone affected by this terrible loss.”