BOLIVAR, MO – What began as a late-night visit to a quiet home ended with a 61-year-old man dead in the street, and two young men facing a slate of serious charges in rural Missouri.
Authorities allege that Bryson Francka, 23, and Kaidan Lamb, 18, orchestrated a violent chain of events last month. Prosecutors say the confrontation began when Francka, wearing a ski mask, arrived at the home of Lyman Taylor with an airsoft gun in hand. Investigators believe Taylor, unaware of the gun’s replica nature, was coerced into a waiting minivan outside the house.
The crime scene would eventually span several blocks, marked by battered mailboxes and a trail of debris. Witnesses reported seeing the minivan lurching erratically down the street, hinting at a struggle between Taylor and Francka inside the vehicle. Investigators later found tire marks and a blood trail leading north through the neighborhood.
Lamb, who had reportedly dropped Francka off at Taylor’s home earlier, followed the minivan in his own car. Police say he lost sight of the vehicle at one point, only to crest a hill moments later and discover Taylor lying in the roadway.
Affidavits state that Lamb admitted to deliberately running over Taylor with his vehicle, then fleeing the scene without calling for help or alerting law enforcement. Later, the two suspects reunited, and Francka allegedly made boastful remarks about their actions during the robbery.
A crucial break in the case came with the help of one of Taylor’s relatives, who recognized Francka. Police quickly tracked down the suspects, both of whom were taken into custody at the Polk County Jail.
Investigators determined that Francka’s use of the airsoft gun set the tragic events in motion, while Lamb’s deadly hit-and-run ultimately claimed Taylor’s life. Lamb initially claimed that he had struck Taylor accidentally, but later recanted, according to the police.
Both men are charged with second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and vehicle tampering. Lamb also faces an additional charge of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. Francka’s bond was set at $500,000, while Lamb’s was $250,000.
Court appearances for both suspects were scheduled for Wednesday. As the community wrestles with the brutal nature of the crime, authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, and further details may emerge as the court proceedings continue.