Missing Mom Dismembered

Police Say Human Remains is Missing Bronx Mom

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, February 26- Police officers were called to a gruesome scene after a resident discovered parts of a human corpse inside several garbage bags, left with the trash along Eagle Avenue.

Officers from the 40th Precinct were first called to 823 and 725 Eagle Avenue in the Morrisania section after a man and his son walking their dog, discovered a leg sticking out from the garbage at 4:30 a.m., on February 26.

A short time later police would converge on a third grotesque scene that was discovered outside of 509 Eagle Avenue in the Melrose section, where more human remains were discovered. Sources say a fourth scene was located at 786 Cauldwell Avenue.

In total, police say the victim was dismembered and her head, torso and legs were discovered inside a duffel bag and several plastic bags scattered along several blocks of Eagle Avenue.

Police would quickly identify the victim as Tonya Byrd, 52, who lived less than a mile from where she was discovered. The mother of three had been missing for two-days, when a son reported her missing Tuesday morning.

Detectives were reportedly canvassing the area for witnesses and for possible surveillance video showing who placed the woman's body in the trash.

Police were also looking to question Byrd's ex-boyfriend, who reportedly picked her up from her job as a home health care attendant, on February 22. Byrd reportedly called in sick the following Monday.

Initial reports from an eyewitness, stated that the suspect fled the scene in a gray or silver SUV, possibly a Dodge Charger.

Police were also reportedly looking to question the woman's oldest son and were reportedly looking for additional clues inside Byrd's Westchester Avenue home.

The medical examiner will determine the cause of Byrd's death.