By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. In his own recorded words, Duke walked GBI investigators through how he killed, burned and buried Tara Grinstead. Gary Rothwell [2008]: It is one of the most extensive investigations undertaken by the GBI. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. First published on January 2, 2021 / 11:05 PM. Rumors swirled about that cop whose card was found at Tara's house. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. Went to Elementary to high School with John sending Condolences to the Family in my Prayers. It just wasn't what I wanted. Ryan Duke said he thought Bo Dukes was playing a joke on him, until he saw her corpse. "It was built out in the area where there just should not have been a fire," Hudson said. Ryan Duke testified he "passed out" after a night of drinking before Tara Grinstead allegedly died. Rothwell said the GBI never followed up after their names appeared in an investigative summary. Example video title will go here for this video. Tara Faye Grinstead was the youngest child of Bill and Faye Grinstead, born in 1974. Brooke Sheridan: I said, "You have to talk to me. However, his lawyers, who are working pro-bono, claimed that even in that situation, he should get his due of the funds to ensure a fair trial. Rothwell said the GBI never followed up after their names appeared in an investigative summary. He looked like a person who was ready to do the right thing, but his testimony on the witness stand only seemed coached, well-rehearsed and sought self-serving benefits. Grinstead, an Irwin County High School teacher, went missing in October 2005. I'm so sick of this stealing from her purse. The family will receive friends Thursday morning, May 3rd beginning at 10 oclock at Shellhouse Rivers Funeral Home. And the next month, Bo Dukes, who years earlier had sat in Tara's class was arrested and charged not with murder, but with concealing a death, hindering the apprehension of a criminal, and lying to investigators in is original GBI interview. Bo told Brooke that Ryan stole his pickup truck that night and used it to transport Tara's body to a remote part of a pecan orchard farmed by Bo's family. California Residents: California FD #1289, #1309, #1359, #2031 Jannis Paulk: There were people who believed she ran away. Peter Van Sant: Did he have names of who these two men were who claimed they had killed Tara? With no hard evidence, authorities couldn't make an arrest. The state focused on Ryan Duke's 2017 recorded confession to GBI agents. The alleged drug addict was arrested once for a DUI in 2010 but was released on bond. But McCullough wasn't the only witness who gave details about Tara's death. Maria says Tara was determined to live her dreams from a young age, competing in beauty pageants to help earn scholarship money for college. Another main focus on Tuesday was the glove found just outside Grinsteads home. Investigators chased down dozens of leads across the country, but tips emerged that led right back to the high school where Tara was a teacher and perhaps someone who had sat in her classroom. For twelve years, the cops and private investigators tried to uncover the truth and bring the case to its deserved conclusion, but nothing came of it. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. But back in 2005, authorities either missed or ignored a tip that may have solved the case. Maria Woods Harber: Tara had a boyfriend for a long time And during the summer of 2005, they broke up. In cross-examination, Rothwell added that he takes responsibility for the GBI lapse. At the time, Ryan Duke and Bo Dukes were 21 years old. John McCullough: I mean, nobody ever called me back, ever, even whenever I reached out to the GBI, which is the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. "That is a question that has bothered me for years," he said. Produced by Alec Sirken and Lauren Clark. On Friday, two key witnesses took the stand: the forensic biologist who tested the glove found at Tara Grinstead's home and the forensic anthropologist brought in who helped find Grinstead's buried remains. Ryan Duke was sentenced to 10 years in prison for concealing the death of Tara Grinstead. Posey says Duke corrected the GBI agent over 20 times during his confession, and said he believes that is key to note. I'm not gonna shy away to the fact that I was I was bitter. 1449 N Claiborne Ave New Orleans, LA KARLIN DUKES OBITUARY Karlin C. Dukes Sr., age 83, peacefully passed away surrounded by family on Monday, November 7, 2016. They argued Duke was not responsible for her death but solely helped Bo Dukes dispose of the body, alleging that Bo Dukes was the mastermind behind the crime. And why the f- would you do it here on my family's pecan orchard? Friday, a jury found Ryan Duke not guilty of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault and burglary connected to the death of Georgia beauty queen and teacher Tara Grinstead. Ryan Duke has been sentenced to spend the next five years in prison for his part in concealing the death of Georgia teacher and former beauty queen Tara Grinstead. Ryan testified he had never even gone to Tara's house, and the glove was only discovered there on Monday by Tara's neighbors over a day after she went missing. Brooke Sheridan: He has a beautiful mind. You have funeral questions, we have answers. He was the talk of Ocilla, Georgia, and none of it was good. Sympathy Ideas. Duke's attorneys also focused on what they say is no evidence or DNA from their client found instead Grinstead's home. But I think it's taken a lot of toll on them mentally and physically. OBITUARY Ryan William Drakes April 23, 1981 - August 4, 2021. Weeks later she called the GBI to turn in the boyfriend she loved. AIKEN, SC MICHAEL RYAN DUKES, 43, died April 26, 2018. Peter Van Sant: Was it an emotional moment for you to realize someone had been arrested after all that time? Greg Kaplan, Phillip J. Tangel and Marcus Balsam are the editors. They believe Ryan Duke was the killer. Gooding testified her team found finger, teeth and cranium bones in the area. A "panicked" Bo Dukes woke him up the following morning, Ryan Duke testified. Two years later, in March 2019, he was the first to go on trial. Show Your Sympathy to the Family. Tara was. Ryan Duke testified he saw Tara. Brooke says she was studying in Savannah to become a pharmacist when, in 2015, she came face-to-face with her online date. And the reason he knew she wasn't coming back, is because he had put load after load of wood on her body and burned her. But McCullough was determined to get the truth out. And even when she no longer competed, Tara helped other women, like Dana, break into that world. Brooke Sheridan: I had never connected with somebody and had fun with somebody like I have with him. Alfred A. Dukes NORTH AUGUSTA, SC - Memorial Services for Mr. Alfred A. Dukes, 75, who entered into rest January 4, 2015, will be conducted Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock in the Posey Funeral Chape At his sentencing, Tara Grinstead's stepmother Connie addressed the court: CONNIE GRINSTEAD: He knew she wasn't ever coming back. "I cant lie. Maria Woods Harber: Yes. Zion Baptist Church, 1012 Adams St. View the obituary at www.BEBrownCo.com. Please contact your local Neptune Society office for cremation prices, and to learn more about our cremation service. Another video shown portrayed Duke leading investigators to the pecan orchard he claims he took the lifeless body. Bens account could not be taken as hed passed before Ryan and Bo were arrested. The document claims that later, he used a payphone to see if shed pick up, and when she didnt, he was convinced that she was dead. It was in 2017 when Bo Dukes came out about his involvement in the case and even pointed the finger at Ryan. AIKEN, SC - MICHAEL RYAN DUKES, 43, died April 26, 2018. The defense questioned him about increasing drug use and alcohol consumption leading up to the time Grinstead went missing. However, we had a glove, a latex glove that we couldn't explain. On Sunday, Tara's mom called her several times, but Tara didn't answer. "(Bo Dukes) reaches down, he grabs her arm and flips her over," Ryan Duke said. But questions remained about discrepancies between Ryan's version of events and Bo's. View The Guestbook For Ryan Dukes of Aiken, South Carolina. She says the lawyers discussed pushing the trial into next March, but Judge Reinhardt hasn't signed an order confirming that. Back in 2008 Van Sant spoke with Special Agent Gary Rothwell. He then allegedly struck her with his fist and ran away. Wide open space so the woods wouldnt catch on fire," Duke said while trying to find the location. Duke said he left the home in a panic but came back to remove the body. Peter Van Sant: This really affects you, though, talking about this. Cind Incredibly, McCullough says, no one returned his calls. Born on January 20, 1989 in Easton, Bryan is the son of Kathy Elburn Dukes . Call Call. We pray that people will remember that the defendant was not the victim. Maria Woods Harber: Tara really did want to get back with Marcus. And in this trial, Agent Gary Rothwell finally explained what happened with those tips. Peter Van Sant: What did you see when you walked into her house? Therefore, on May 20, 2022, the jury only found him guilty of concealing a death he was acquitted of every other count. Bryan Samuel Dukes, 30, passed away on November 22, 2019 as a result of a work-related accident. Witness Randy Hudson owned the pecan orchard where Grinstead's body was allegedly disposed. Michelle Feuer is the development producer. A full skeleton. Bo told her they moved Tara's body to a pit, where it took two days to burn, destroying all evidence. But after he broke down to Brooke, she told Bo it was time to tell the truth. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. The defense argued the prosecution has no evidence tying Duke to the house that night and Duke's confession was made under the influence of medication. She snuck up on me and I hit her. It took a jury less than an hour to convict Bo Dukes on all charges. Had to tell my alibi, you know, or where was I at, who I was around. Mr. Dukes online guest book may be signed at www.shellhouseriversfuneralhome.com The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Tuesday evening at SHELLHOUSE-RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 715 E. PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC Sign Guestbook Name: Jannis Paulk: there were several people, several men, who got a lot of scrutiny for a long time . Zion Baptist Church, 1012 Adams St. View the obituary at www.BEBrownCo.com. Leave your condolences to the family on this memorial page or send flowers to show you care. She was radiant. Published by Mobile Register and Baldwin County from Feb. 15 to Feb. 17, 2023. Its a piece from the side here," Good said. GBI Agent Shoudel testified Duke knew what he was doing, and that Duke told investigators he was mentally and physically cognitive. April 26, 2018 Aiken, South Carolina Set a Reminder for the Anniversary of Ryan's Passing. Vicki Heilig Dukes AIKEN, SC - Vicki Heilig Dukes, 65, died Thursday, September 15, 2016 at Aiken Regional Medical Centers. Tara's car was parked in the driveway. Jannis Paulk's former employee, Garlan Lott, told the court he had overheard that 2005 conversation between Ryan and Bo at a party in the same pecan orchard where Tara's body had been burned. But the prosecution said they hard evidence: audio and video of Ryan confessing to killing Tara, when he spoke to the GBI back in 2017. Bo Dukes stayed in a bedroom in a trailer they rented in Fitzgerald, Ryan Duke testified. "Over the course of the last three weeks reliving this heinous act that Ryan Alexander Duke committed ripped open the wounds," Gattis told the court before calling Duke "evil," "sneaky dangerous," and a "vile human. An Irwin County jury found Ryan Duke not guilty of murdering Georgia teacher and beauty queen Tara Grinstead. Pallbearers will be Ryan Dukes, Jeffery Dukes, Evan Darr, Zac Buckner, Chris McGee, Chad Polatty and James Whittle. In 2017, Brooke Sheridan came forward to the GBI saying that her boyfriend, Bo Dukes, told her that he had helped his friend, Ryan Duke, cover up Tara Grinstead's murder. Following his wishes, there will be no. Now, it was Brooke's turn to be tormented by a terrible secret. He is preceded in death by his. In April 1952, flicka was the 500th baby born at Paso Robles. Grief Support. Jurors also heard voicemails left in the home. Brooke Sheridan: It was love at first sight. I am so sorry. ", Duke's attorney's argued that he had been a "model prisoner" for five years while "waiting patiently for his day in court.". "He said he killed Tara," Ryan Duke said. It was a year after Tara's disappearance. After the defense rested their case, the state got the last opportunity to present witnesses as a rebuttal. That tip went nowhere. Searching obituaries is a great place to start your family tree research. RYAN DUKE [GBI interview played at trial]: I can't lie. Need help? Jannis Paulk, who knows the family, paints a different picture of Bo. Sending condolences & deepest condolences to the Dukes Family. that's where she set her roots. Brown & Co. Mortuary. Jannis Paulk [emotional]: It just brings up a lot. Find the obituary of Sandra Lee Dukes (1958 - 2021) from Clayton, DE. Brooke Sheridan: Ryan Woke him up and said, "I killed Tara Grinstead.". Dana Wilder: Ocilla was Tara's life. But in the same sense, I always thought, "Well, it has to be.". RYAN DUKE: He starts laughing at me. John K. Dukes, Jr. Mar. "There was a profile that matched a toothbrush of Tara Grinstead and there was an unknown male profile," Hinkle said. The state says DNA later showed the glove did have his DNA on it. He recalled that moment. Obituaries can vary in the amount of information they contain, but many of them are genealogical goldmines, including information such as: names, dates, place of birth and death, marriage information, and family relationships. Defense attorneys began to call witnesses of their own Monday when the state prosecutors rested their case after over a week of arguments. The state went through photos and evidence, including a glove found at the home with the DNA of Grinstead and a man. Then, in 2017, a woman came forward with a remarkable story about her boyfriend but could it be trusted? 83 Peacefully passed away on February 23, 2023. The couple broke things off but stayed in touch. They said in court filings that Duke was asleep at home when Grinstead was killed. For all that has transpired, there's one question that troubles Maria Woods Harber: what really happened to Tara on the night she disappeared? A man named Ryan Duke was accused of the crime. BO DUKES [GBI interview]: He told me that he had killed Tara Grinstead. Peter Van Sant: What time did she go home? Shaheen Tokhi and David Dow are the associate producers. Marcus Harper: I was swabbed for DNA. Grinstead graduated from Middle Georgia College and began teaching at Irwin County High School in Ocilla in 1998. Maria Woods Harber: They've gotten away with it for this many years anyway. The family will receive friends Thursday morning, May 3rd beginning at 10 oclock at Shellhouse Rivers Funeral Home. In 2005, the disappearance of beloved high-school teacher Tara Grinstead sent shockwaves through the town of Ocilla, Georgia. "Approximately 20 bone fragments that could be considered human bones.". An interesting turn of events came when Ryans 11-page confession, where hed detailed everything thatd transpired on that fateful evening, came to light. 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