The Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office in Shawnee, Oklahoma, has a notable figure among its ranks: Lt. Dakota Black. With her expertise in tracking and investigations, she is known for her proficiency in finding missing persons, whether they are alive or deceased.
Lieutenant Dakota Black: A Resilient Investigator
Known for her determination, Lt. Black is often accompanied by her partner, a therapy dog named Deputy Haven. Together, they have provided solace to families during investigations, especially in one of Lt. Black’s most challenging cases: the search for Makayla Meave.
The Disappearance of Makayla Meave
September 15, 2023, was like any other day for Andria Meave, marked by a call at 7 a.m. from her sister, Makayla. This routine changed dramatically the next day when Makayla’s husband, Frank Byers, called Andria in distress, revealing that Makayla had not returned home after a date with a bald man driving a white truck.
Makayla and Frank were going through a divorce but still shared their 10-acre property in Macomb, Oklahoma. The initial calm dissolved as Andria’s calls to Makayla went unanswered, and their mother, Barbara Harper, noted her absence from a family restaurant important to them. Frank reported her missing to the authorities, and Deputy Dustin Richardson took action by visiting the property and questioning Frank.
The Investigation Begins
“The sensation was that there is nothing about the story that is really true.” – Deputy Dustin Richardson
The initial investigation raised suspicions surrounding Frank Byers. Lt. Black, along with Detective Marcus May, issued a BOLO alert and began mobilizing the local community to join the search. They received numerous reports about sightings of the white truck described by Frank.
Despite a massive effort by the community, Friank remained detached, raising suspicions further. Reports of Frank’s past behavior and interactions surfaced, painting a picture of infidelity and manipulation, casting further doubt on his account of the events.
A Heartbreaking Discovery
On the fifth day of Makayla’s disappearance, a pungent odor led two searchers to a horrific discovery in a ditch: Makayla’s body, wrapped in a carpet, hidden within a drainage pipe. Family members, including Barbara Harper, faced the grueling reality, as they could not access the scene to confirm her identity.
Lt. Black felt a personal connection to Makayla, sharing similar past experiences, which fueled her determination to solve the case. Meanwhile, family and friends grappled with their grief, supported by Lt. Black’s continued investigation into Frank’s behavior and past relationships.
Building the Case Against Frank Byers
As evidence piled up against Frank, elements such as social media exchanges, Walmart receipts showing purchases of cleaning supplies, and witness accounts painted a damning picture. Lt. Black and Detective May believed Frank murdered Makayla and devised an elaborate cover-up, involving staging a supposed abduction.
The investigation hit a turning point when Frank’s boots tested positive for Makayla’s blood. With this key piece of evidence, authorities moved swiftly to arrest Frank, who remained defiant throughout interrogations.
Seeking Justice for Makayla
Charged with first-degree murder, Frank eventually accepted a plea deal for life imprisonment without parole. While securing Frank’s conviction provided some closure for Makayla’s family, they continued to believe an accomplice may have been involved.
For Lt. Black and the Meave family, the case reinforced the importance of supporting domestic violence victims. In Makayla’s memory, Barbara Harper established the “Makayla’s Purple Butterfly” foundation to raise awareness and prevent similar tragedies.