Authorities suspect foul play in missing man case
Police working on possible leads in case
By JIMMY GALVAN Managing Editor

Newsboy photo/Sharon Kerr MEMBERS OF THE JEFFERSON COUNTY Crime Lab examine the Chevrolet pickup truck owned by Martin Lynn Byerly Wednesday, Oct. 3 at the Jasper Police station.

Jasper Police are still searching for a missing man, who has not been seen since Friday, Sept. 28.

"We are working on some possible leads in the case," said Jasper Police Chief Todd Hunter Tuesday morning.

According to police reports, Martin Lynn Byerly, 58, was last seen at "Jake's Place" on U.S. Highway 96 in Jasper. His white 1990 Chevrolet pickup truck was located Saturday, Sept. 29 at the Payless Shoe Source store located on Highway 190 in Jasper.

Police suspect foul play in Byerly's disappearance.

Jefferson County Crime Lab officials searched Byerly's vehicle for evidence last Wednesday, Oct. 3. Police had no comment if any new evidence was discovered during the search.

Byerly is described as a while male, 5'11" and weighing 185 pounds. He has brown hair, brown eyes and a mustache.

Jasper Police Capt. G.M. "Buddy" Rector stressed that a second missing person, reported on Oct. 2, is not connected with Byerly's disappearance. The woman has been located.

Newsboy photo/Sharon Kerr MEMBERS OF THE JEFFERSON COUNTY Crime Lab were called to Jasper Wednesday, Oct. 3 to examine the vehicle of Martin Lynn Byerly for evidence.The result of examination were not available at press time.

Published reports indicated that the two incidents might be related but Rector said that is not the case.

"When looking at this report it was determined that the subject was not missing but absent of her own free will," Rector said. "The subject had contacted family and friends by phone and in person from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2.

On Oct. 5, I personally interviewed the subject and was assured by her that her absence was voluntary," Rector said. "Her family is aware if the situation."

"As far as we can determine there is no connection to this incident and the Martin Lynn Byerly disappearance," Rector said. "At this time we are continuing that investigation and new developments will be reported when available."

Rector said the department has followed up on some leads but none have led to a conclusion in the case.

Anyone having any information concerning Byerly's disappearance is urged to contact the Jasper Police Department at 384- 3471.