He said his wife left him for another man. Then her body was found in a drain behind their home.

Content warning: This story includes descriptions of alleged domestic violence that may be distressing to some readers.

Frank Byers painted a devastating picture. A man, left alone by the woman he loved. Left for another man, perhaps. One thing was for sure, he said. 

The last time he saw his wife, Makayla Meave-Byers, she was getting into a white pickup truck, driven by somebody else. He saw it all from through the window of their family home, he claimed. The truck was parked in their family driveway. In the car, was a tall, bald, white man. The pair drove off together, Byers told police when he reported her missing. 

Frank says he never saw her again. No one did. 

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At just 30-years-old, Makayla had already proved herself to be a dedicated, loving woman, wise beyond her years. In her twenties, Makayla had adopted two teenage children out of foster care. 

A few years ago, she reconnected with Byers, an old high school classmate. He got in touch via Facebook, and their connection led to a relationship. Makayla couldn't have children of her own and happily took on Byers' four daughters, for whom he was the primary carer. Before long they were married.

Within a year Makayla discovered her new husband was having an affair, according to her family. The couple separated, Makayla's family told People, and she began living out of a nearby shed so that she could continue to raise the girls. Her sister, Adria, told People Makayla was a "mother, first and foremost".

When Makayla was reported missing shortly after relocating to the shed, a major manhunt ensued. During the five-day search, Makayla's family, law enforcement, drones and kayaks scoured the wooded areas surrounding the former couple's 10 acre property.

Makayla Meave-Byers was just 30 years old, with her whole life ahead of her. Image: Facebook/Supplied.

Five days later, Makayla's cousin made the devastating discovery. Makayla had not taken off with another man. She'd been murdered, found dressed in only a red t-shirt. 

According to the arrest affidavit, Makayla had been shot twice in her head, her body wrapped in carpet. Her killer had stuffed her into a narrow draining culvert, a short way from the family home. 

Her husband was charged with her murder. Police believe Byers shot her in that small shed, the shed his wife chose to live in so she could raise his daughters. 

Makayla's mother told People Byers treated her daughter "like she was nothing, discarded her like she was nothing".

Among the recovered evidence was a recently fired .22 rifle, several .22 shell casings, each stamped with the letter F. Makayla's bloodstains were found on Byers' work boots.

Police reported finding text messages too, sent allegedly by Byers from Makayla's phone and social media to back up his story about the man in the pickup truck. Byers had allegedly sent some text messages of his own, to another woman he was apparently hoping to pursue, according to the affidavit. 

"I am not getting back with Makayla," he allegedly wrote to the woman. "I'm willing to do anything and everything I possibly can to make sure you are secure in this."

The 32-year-old was charged with first degree murder, the unauthorised removal of a dead body and the desecration of a human corpse. 

Frank Byers was charged with his wife's murder. Image: Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office.

He has pleaded not guilty and maintains his innocence.

A preliminary hearing in the murder case is slated for April 5.

In the meantime, Makayla loved ones have said they are trying to pick up the pieces, and look after the children who are now bereaved.

"I would have never thought he would do something like this. I am still flesh and I want the death penalty for him and anyone else that helped him," Makayla's mother said to New York Post. 

"There was no concern, no sorrow, no tears. It was all just a show, and we could see it."

If this has raised any issues for you, or if you just feel like you need to speak to someone, please call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) — the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service.

Mamamia is a charity partner of RizeUp Australia, a Queensland-based organisation that helps women and families move on after the devastation of domestic violence. If you would like to support their mission to deliver life-changing and practical support to these families when they need it most, you can donate here.

Feature Image: Facebook.