MESA, Ariz. — A former detective with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of his wife.
John Byrd entered the plea on Monday, months after his arrest in August 2024 following an investigation by Mesa police.
Timeline of Events
The case began on July 31, 2024, when Mesa police were called to a home near Crismon and Baseline roads to investigate a possible missing person. According to court documents, a friend of the victim contacted authorities after not hearing from her all day. She told police the victim had missed their regular gym class and was not answering calls or messages.
Concerned, the friend reached out to the victim’s 11-year-old son, who said that he and his younger siblings, ages 8 and 4, had not seen their mother all day and that she was locked in her bedroom. The friend later picked up the three children and took them to her home.
Mesa police conducted a welfare check and found the victim dead on the bedroom floor. Officers noted there were no visible injuries and no calls to police or EMS had been made from the home.
Byrd’s Confession
Byrd, who had left the house earlier that day, was located by police driving the victim’s vehicle near Warner and Power roads. He was detained and brought to Mesa Police headquarters for questioning.
During the interview, Byrd told detectives that he had been dealing with mental health issues and was under stress related to his work and home life. He admitted that he and his wife had been in a heated argument that morning when “a switch just flipped” and he strangled her. Byrd said he then locked the bedroom door to prevent the children from seeing her body.
He was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.
Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
Following Byrd’s arrest, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office terminated his employment. The case was transferred to the Pinal County Attorney’s Office to avoid conflicts of interest.
On Monday, Byrd formally changed his plea to guilty. His sentencing is scheduled for June 13.
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