At approximately 5 p.m., a woman called Mesa police to say that she was unable to contact her buddy who had skipped their regular gym lesson. She also texted one of her friend’s kids, who replied that her bedroom door was shut and they hadn’t seen her all day.
The woman also discovered that Byrd, the spouse of her friend, had left the house at midday and had not returned. She reported to the authorities that she later brought the three children of the couple to her home. Upon arrival at the Byrds’ residence on East Irwin Avenue, near Baseline and Crismon roads, Mesa police discovered a woman’s corpse on the floor of the main bedroom.
After that, the police started looking for Byrd, who wasn’t at the house and wasn’t returning calls. Later on, he was apprehended after being discovered driving his wife’s vehicle near Power and Warner roads. After that, Byrd was taken to the Mesa police headquarters to have an interview. Byrd admitted to investigators that “he has had some mental issues lately and has been very stressed about his home and work life,” according to court filings.
According to reports, he informed detectives that at approximately six in the morning, he and his spouse had a violent dispute during which “a switch just flipped.” According to documents, Byrd claimed police he strangled his wife to death by putting his hands around her neck.
After that, the police started looking for Byrd, who wasn’t at the house and wasn’t returning calls. Later on, he was apprehended after being discovered driving his wife’s vehicle near Power and Warner roads. Byrd was taken to the Mesa police headquarters to have an interview. Byrd admitted to investigators that “he has had some mental issues lately and has been very stressed about his home and work life,” according to court filings.
According to reports, he informed detectives that at approximately six in the morning, he and his spouse had a violent dispute during which “a switch just flipped.” Byrd claimed police he strangled his wife to death by putting his hands around her neck.
“John Byrd, an employee of MCAO, has been placed under arrest by the Mesa Police Department due to possible participation in his wife’s death. The Pinal County Attorney’s Office will handle the prosecution while Mesa Police Department keeps up its investigation. MCAO is currently terminating Mr. Byrd’s employment. Any other inquiries should be sent to PCAO or Mesa PD. The children and extended family of Mr. Byrd have our sincere sympathies at MCAO. “ said Office of the Maricopa County Attorney
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