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Missouri man convicted of murdering wife after daughter finds body in basement

Posted at 8:16 PM, Mar 08, 2019
and last updated 2019-03-08 20:16:31-05

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Missouri man was found guilty Friday of murdering his wife after the couple’s daughter found the woman’s body in the basement.

Benjamin Byers

A Jackson County jury convicted 46-year-old Benjamin Byers of first-degree murder, armed criminal action and child endangerment in the death of Melissa Byers.

According to court records, Byers’ daughter told a school counselor she found a dead body in her basement. When officers arrived at the home, they found Benjamin Byers. Byers then told police he didn’t know where his wife was.

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Police said they found blood throughout the home, and court records said a large section of carpet had been removed from the dining room.

According to court documents, police found Melissa Byers’ body covered with carpet, sheets, clothing and plastic. A medical examiner said she died from multiple stab wounds.

Benjamin Byers’ sentencing has not yet been scheduled.