RYAN DUKE [GBI interview played at trial]: I can't lie. "Its a portion of the human cranium. GBI AGENT: So, you immediately see this and you're like "what in the hell did you do? Dukes attorneys have said he made a false confession under the influence of drugs. And wish I could have been there whenever it happened so that way, I could do something [emotional]. The defense had previously asked the judge to dismiss the case, an action that was quickly declined. "That is a question that has bothered me for years," he said. Send a gift to a service or familys home. Share. All rights reserved. Ryan Duke had told investigators in 2017 he killed Tara Grinstead and helped burn her body. He eventually went to court in 2022, with the central defense being hed given a false confession in 2017, partially owing to the fact he was afraid of his former friend Bo. Our prayer and sympathy are with the Dukes family ,may you find peace through pray, doing your time of grief. She wasn't wearing shoes. Neighbors knocked on her door but got no response. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. Back then, hardly anyone thought this case would ever be solved. That boyfriend was Marcus Harper, a former cop from Ocilla. Another video shown shows Duke leading investigators to where he says he dumped and burned her body. Brooke Sheridan: He said, "That's something that only God and Ryan know." It was very hard to grasp. Brooke Sheridan: I said, "You need to confess. Sign up for service and obituary updates. "It was built out in the area where there just should not have been a fire," Hudson said. John McCullough: Yeah and we were pretty close. 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. State and defense teams made their pitches to jurors, pretrial hearing that Duke "spontaneously and unsolicited" confessed, Boy, 16, found shot dead in Lawrenceville backyard, New charges complicate Jalen Carters 'character' question, UGA football star Jalen Carter facing charges in fatal crash: What we know, Sheriff's office fires deputy seen on video body-slamming man to ground during arrest, Delta pilots approve contract to raise pay by more than 30%, Prominent Roswell restaurant owner charged with sexual crimes involving 2 minors, Cheerleader competes alone at state champs after squad quits: It felt amazing, Georgia elementary school principal charged with child cruelty, false imprisonment, Clayton County twin sisters make history rising the ranks in Georgia UPS facility, I didnt realize: Woman mistakenly eats heart-shaped chip that could have won her 100K. 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. Peter Van Sant and Mary Woods Harber in front of Tara Grinstead's Ocilla home. Maria Woods Harber: So, when I came back out of the house, I saw right out from the front door, there was a latex glove. we have made an arrest.". Back in 2008 Van Sant spoke with Special Agent Gary Rothwell. Ryan's lawyers argued that gave Bo plenty of time to plant it. "We think the jury got it right, and we are very, very happy with the result," Defense Attorney Ashley Merchant said. The returned to the orchard once, where the ashes looked like a small campfire. He is extremely intelligent. See the viral video from Bo Dukes' sentencing below: Georgia Supreme Court rules Ryan Duke can use state funds for defense in Grinstead case, Tara Grinstead case: Bo Dukes reports to prison for 25-year sentence, The trial was scheduled for October, but lawyers met this week and agreed to delay the case to spring 2022, Lent List: What is most often given up, and how you can find substitutes, Major water leak keeps Dublin City Hall closed, March kicks off by continuing the warm stretch, small rain chance. The case generated hundreds of tips over the years. RYAN DUKE: He starts laughing at me. 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: From arguing that the glove with Ryans DNA was planted outside Taras house by Bo to him testifying it was the latter whod woken him up that night and admitted to killing Tara, the trial included it all. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. Anthony Batson is the senior broadcast producer. Rothwell said the GBI never followed up after their names appeared in an investigative summary. Peter Van Sant: What were some of the theories as to what had happened to Tara? Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. ", Brooke Sheridan: He says, "I just want her family to know. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. I cant live with myself Im so sick of this," Duke said in a recorded video. Brooke Sheridan: He has a beautiful mind. That was the last time Ryan Duke said he saw Tara Grinstead's body. Police found her car seat in position for someone taller, and police said they found an envelope with $100 in cash on the dashboard. JOHN MCCULLOUGH: The exact location, he didn't tell me, but had made the comment of, you know, we took her to the middle of the pecan orchard and burned her body. Bryan Samuel Dukes, 30, passed away on November 22, 2019 as a result of a work-related accident. John McCullough: I can't explain it [emotional]. Jannis Paulk: There were people who believed she ran away. The jury heard the confession Duke made in 2017. Visitation: Saturday, Feb. 18th from 9 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral hour at Mt. The talented signer was named Miss Tifton and competed in the Miss Georgia beauty pageant. Ryan worked at a plastics manufacturing plant, while Bo would occasionally work at his family's pecan farm. He went looking for her the night she disappeared and sparked the search for the woman when he alerted authorities the next day. Leave your condolences to the family on this memorial page or send flowers to show you care. Investigators say Ryan confessed to killing Grinstead in a voluntary interview shortly before his arrest: "I used to break into people's houses, just to steal money. The defense also called neighbors who provided testimony that supported a theory that Grinstead may have voluntarily left the home. The jury was left to decide if they believed what Ryan said in 2017, or his new version of events. Authorities couldn't explain either, and collected them as evidence the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, known as the GBI, was called in. It was now time at the trial for Bo's one-time Army buddy, John McCullough, to finally tell his story of Bo's confession. Ways to honor John Dukes's life and legacy. Year after year passed with no arrests. Bo Dukes who years earlier had sat in Tara Grinstead's class was arrested and charged not with murder, but with concealing a death, hindering the apprehension of a criminal, and lying to investigators. Down to about 20 fragments of bone. Brooke Sheridan: Ryan looked at Bo and said, "It's your truck. Celebrate the life of Ryan Drakes, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information. As such, in the State of Oregon Preneed Crematory Sales and Services are conducted under the trade name Neptune Cremation Service. 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 police noted that her purse and keys were missing. In March 2019, Dukes was convicted of helping conceal Grinsteads death andsentenced to 25 years in prison. Brown & Co. Mortuary. Maria Woods Harber: This is where Tara Grinstead lived in 2005. Peter Van Sant: And what is it about him that you love? Send Flowers. Browse Troy local obituaries on Legacy.com. The state argues in 2017 Duke was swabbed, and his DNA positively matched that found on the glove. The two men drove about 200 yards up the road to where Tara Grinstead's body had been placed. John K. Dukes, Jr. Mar. Jurors heard the forensic analysis on that piece of evidence. Born in Columbia, SC, Mike was a son of Vera Ballentine Dukes and the late Ernest Kenneth Dukes. Ryan Duke's murder trial was scheduled to start Oct 4 in Irwin County, Georgia, but lawyers in the case met with Judge Bill Reinhardt Wednesday and agreed to delay the case due to rising COVID-19 numbers. Both had been students at. Ryan Dukes. Duke said he was on drugs at the time he broke into Grinstead's Ocilla home and doesnt remember how exactly he killed her. On March 1, 1969, he met Sandra Hageman on a . The GBI was overwhelmed with tips at the time and this one slipped through the cracks. Ryan Duke, now clean-shaven and looking very different from his 2017 arrest, took the stand. An Irwin County jury found Ryan Duke not guilty of murdering Georgia teacher and beauty queen Tara Grinstead. It was part of town gossip that they had gotten into an argument after Marcus had come back to town earlier than expected that October. 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. Born in Columbia, SC, Mike was a son of Vera Ballentine Dukes and the late Ernest Kenneth Dukes. "We will always hate what this defendant did to Tara and to the people who loved her," she said. In 1999, Tara Grinstead won the Miss Tifton pageant, which landed her a spot at the 1999 Miss Georgia competition. I cried for days, couldn't sleep for days. Bo was facing a maximum 25-year sentence. . Vicki Heilig Dukes. Peter Van Sant: Why would Ryan Duke have murdered Tara Grinstead? And she was very distraught. "He said he killed Tara," Ryan Duke said. CONNIE GRINSTEAD [Reading family impact statement]: His confession in 2017 seemed genuine and sincere, and he looked remorseful. John McCullough: He was like, "yeah, do you remember that bulletin that you had asked me about with that girl on it?" Investigators say Ryan confessed to killing Grinstead. He denied that, but when asked why he lied to the GBI about killing Grinstead, Duke said, "I'm trying to make that right.". Marcus Harper: What they're sayin' at the local grocery store, and at the local restaurants They don't think that it's gettin' to someone who's my family or my friend? And then, an important discovery. The last witness in the case was GBI Agent Mitchell Posey, who was brought in to prove Duke wasnt lying in his 2017 recorded confession, "The question was How did you identify Tara? The answer was The pictures on the wall," Posey said, "Ryan is the one talking about the G&G in front of it. And Bo spent more than two years in federal prison. Ryan Dukes Obituary Remember Ryan Dukes. For around 6 years, Tara Grinstead dated Marcus Harper, a former Ocilla cop who joined the Army Rangers. "There were some days that the heartache was so great we could barely even function," she said. she was seeing other people. Create an obituary. ", Duke's attorney's argued that he had been a "model prisoner" for five years while "waiting patiently for his day in court.". 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. NEW ELLENTON, SC -- CYNTHIA SUSAN DUKES DARR, 52, died Sunday, October 9, 2011 at her residence. Another former student, Bo Dukes, is now serving a 25-year prison sentence for lying to the GBI and helping Duke bury her body. John 3:16 Sending love and prayers for the Duke family! The state's line of questioning tried to show the jury that Ryan Duke is capable of lying. You need to own what you've done and confess," Sheridan told "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant in 2017. By her front door, they found a business card from a police officer in a nearby town. But McCullough was determined to get the truth out. Send a Card. Bo Dukes shares details of what happened to Tara Grinstead with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. It turned out that he had completed his education from the Irwin County High School, which is where Tara used to work, three years before she went missing, and they might have come in contact there. Tara Grinstead was a 30-year-old history teacher at the Irwin County High School in Ocilla, Georgia, when she was reported missing on October 24, 2005. And I was like, "yeah." 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. An Irwin County jury read not guilty verdicts on five o the six charges against Duke: malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault and burglary. Jurors also heard voicemails left in the home. And that was corroborated. No services are scheduled at this time. Marcus Harper: It was like a calling. Tara Grinstead didnt show up for work on October 24, 2005. Dukes invited McCullough to Ocilla to spend Christmas with his family. Sending condolences & deepest condolences to the Dukes Family. Praying for your family have strength. They think the community can heal, pointing the finger at Bo Dukes for the murder. Here's my number I'll do whatever has to happen for y'all to take me serious. Make a life-giving gesture. Obituary. He was there with his brother, Stephen, and their friends, Bo Dukes and Ben McMahan. Then, there was Tara's ex-boyfriend, Marcus Harper. 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. "Its been a 17-year nightmare for them," Irwin County District Attorney Bryce Johnson said. Ryan Duke said he was afraid of Bo Dukes, who repeatedly told him not to talk about Tara Grinstead. Visitation: Saturday, Feb. 18th from 9 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral hour at Mt. AIKEN, SC - MICHAEL RYAN DUKES, 43, died April 26, 2018. Ryan Duke took the stand Tuesday and immediately denied murdering Grinstead, claiming he didn't know how she died. Tuesday, the witness list focused on the investigators who have worked the case over the years. For years, Marcus Harper lived under a cloud some might say a thunderstorm of suspicion. May the holy spirit comfort you in this time of bereavement. Vicki Heilig Dukes AIKEN, SC - Vicki Heilig Dukes, 65, died Thursday, September 15, 2016 at Aiken Regional Medical Centers. For all that has transpired, there's one question that troubles Maria Woods Harber: what really happened to Tara on the night she disappeared? They said in court filings that Duke was asleep at home when Grinstead was killed. "I cant lie. On Sunday, Tara's mom called her several times, but Tara didn't answer. Prosecutors called friends and acquaintances of the Georgia teacher and beauty queen. You need to own to what you've done and confess. Not guilty of malice murder and he was acquitted of all charges relating to Tara's murder convicted only of concealing her death. I don't remember everything clearly. My deepest condolences to my church family, may God give you all the strength and peace during your time of sorrow. Ryan Duke alibi: Tara Grinstead murder suspect now says he was asleep Caption Continuing Coverage By Alexis Stevens, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution March 14, 2019 The man accused of killing a. Maria Woods Harber: And the next morning I got a call saying that I need to get to Ocilla. He said Bo Dukes admitted to killing her. An Irwin County Probate judge declared Grinstead dead in absentia in December 2010. "It's like he wasn't there," Ryan Duke said when asked about Bo Dukes' demeanor while the body burned. Over the past 47+ years, our experienced team has assisted families, their loved ones, and caregivers in carrying out final wishes more affordably, with dignity and respect. Ryan Duke came into the picture of the Tara Grinstead case when he was charged with her murder in 2017, twelve years after her sudden disappearance. He was the talk of Ocilla, Georgia, and none of it was good. AIKEN, SC MICHAEL RYAN DUKES, 43, died April 26, 2018. Since then, Duke's trial has been moved back several times. "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. And the one we didn't want to think about was somebody killed her. Maria Woods Harber: Tara really did want to get back with Marcus. The Associated Press contributed to this story. An interesting turn of events came when Ryans 11-page confession, where hed detailed everything thatd transpired on that fateful evening, came to light. Duke is to be sentenced Monday. It took a jury less than an hour to convict Bo Dukes on all charges. DEFENSE: Mr. Duke, did you murder Tara Grinstead? Jannis Paulk, who knows the family, paints a different picture of Bo. Looking at Ryans life, there isnt much of criminal history. According to it, he broke into Taras house to steal money to buy drugs but was surprised by her when she suddenly came home. I was high. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. He recalled that moment. And she told them about her employee's tip three years earlier regarding Bo Dukes and Ryan Duke. Bo Dukes told investigators his friend, Ryan Duke, confessed he had accidentally killed Grinstead and needed his truck to transfer her body. AIKEN, SC MICHAEL RYAN DUKES, 43, died April 26, 2018. "As hes doing that he started getting emotional and said, She was so small, referring to the size of her in his arms,". he's very shut shut off emotions, feelings he doesn't talk about. Duke also admitted to taking her purse and keys and leaving a glove at the residence. Brooke Sheridan: I had to tell some I had to tell. Grinstead, an Irwin County High School teacher, went missing in October 2005. Tara's car was parked in the driveway. Marcus Harper: I was swabbed for DNA. I am so sad to hear of the passing of John Dukes a co - worker and friend. It was somethin' I felt like, you know, I had to do. Peter Van Sant: Why do you think investigators ignored you? Had to tell my alibi, you know, or where was I at, who I was around. In 2012 he was charged and convicted of stealing more than $150,000 worth of military supplies. A native and lifelong resident of Aiken, Ryan was a son of the late Kenneth Michael Dukes and Vicki Heilig Dukes. Prosecutors asked Rothwell why no one followed up on a tip naming Ryan Duke and Bo Dukes as suspects. The family will receive friends Thursday morning, May 3rd beginning at 10 oclock at Shellhouse Rivers Funeral Home. In his own recorded words, Duke walked GBI investigators through how he killed, burned and buried Tara Grinstead. The trial of the man accused of killing Tara Grinstead 16 years ago has been pushed back into 2022. Tara was. Garlan says after he reported this to Jannis Paulk, he was never formally interviewed by anyone from law enforcement. Not a one. Marcus Harper: She obviously wanted to get married. Find an Obituary. Survivors include his grandmother, Vera Ballentine Dukes; aunts, Cheri McGee (Wayne), Debbie Wallace (David), all of Aiken, Linda Tinney (Mel), Pepin, WI, Pamela Clark (Rick), Ridgeville, SC; uncle, Jeff Dukes (Debbie), Aiken. Browning had been the last . "I said, 'You need to confess. Ryan worked at a plastics manufacturing plant, while Bo would occasionally work at his family's pecan farm. A devoted husband and grandfather, Duane was born on May 1, 1950, in South Gate, California, the son of Edwin and Florann (Boisseau) Dukes. Somebody has abducted her and holding her somewhere hostage. Ryan Duke testified he went to help Bo Dukes load wood into his truck and move Grinstead's body. A native and lifelong resident of Aiken, Ryan was a son of the late Kenneth Michael Dukes and Vicki Heilig Dukes. The agent asks Bo his first reaction when he went to the orchard with Ryan. "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant first reported on this story in 2008 almost three years after Tara Grinstead went missing. GBI agent Gary Rothwell said GBI agents' reports included the names Ryan Duke and Bo Dukes in 2005. Stephen S. Dukes, 61, of York Haven died Sunday, November 21, 2021 at Select Specialty Hospital, Camp Hill. A Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent testified at apretrial hearing that Duke "spontaneously and unsolicited" confessedto killing Grinstead after breaking into her home to steal money for drugs. John McCullough: I would say from the year of 2007 until 2016 I would probably say I reached out nine or 10 times to the GBI. Superior Courts, Cordele Judicial Circuit. Then, more than 11 years after Tara disappeared, Brooke Sheridan came out of nowhere with her account about not only Bo Dukes but his friend Ryan Duke. He said they had talked about getting together that Sunday, but Tara never answered her phone. 2021 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Brooke Sheridan: He said, "You've heard of the Tara Grinstead case?" He called the state's top law enforcement agency heading the investigation, the GBI. Tara's family could do little but pray for a breakthrough. Published by Mobile Register and Baldwin County from Feb. 15 to Feb. 17, 2023. Bones that were so degraded, no official cause of death could be determined. He said Bo Dukes admitted to killing her. Therefore, on May 20, 2022, the jury only found him guilty of concealing a death he was acquitted of every other count. Rumors swirled about that cop whose card was found at Tara's house. Peter Van Sant: And by Ryan saying to him, "Hey, buddy. BRYAN DUKES OBITUARY. John McCullough says he is still haunted by painful memories of being ignored by investigators. Show Your Sympathy to the Family. And why the f- would you do it here on my family's pecan orchard? Let others know about your loved one's death. She would never leave her kids. But in the same sense, I always thought, "Well, it has to be.". Funeral Home Services for Ray are being provided by Alexander Funeral Home, Inc. - Charlotte. AIKEN, SC - MICHAEL RYAN DUKES, 43, died April 26, 2018. Could he betray his friend? The defense was up first and focused on the inconsistencies in the state's presentation. Sympathy Ideas. When the court denied this request, they took it to the Georgia Supreme Court, which said that they did not have jurisdiction over it, and the matter was sent back to Judge Reinhardt, who had originally presided over the case. Dukes is in prison for concealing Grinstead's death. GBI agents have also said DNA matching both Duke and Grinstead was found on a latex glove discovered in her yard. Tara's cell phone was charging inside the house. I mean. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. Dana Wilder: Ocilla was Tara's life. Ryan then allegedly went back to her house to move her remains to the orchard using Bos truck. Jannis, who ran a local web design company, became an expert on the case keeping a close watch since Tara was reported missing. So, he went to trial hoping jurors might show mercy for a man who had already confessed to his role in the crime. TROY - Penny A. Ryan, 64 . There were billboards. A man named Ryan Duke was accused of the crime. Additional Legal Information Regarding Veterans Offerings, CloseAdditional Legal Information Regarding Veterans Offerings, Subscribe to the 12 Weeks of Peace E-Newsletter, Subscribe to the Thinking Ahead E-Newsletter, A Guide to Cremation and Burial for Veterans, Unique Ways to Memorialize Cremation Ashes, A Complete Guide for When A Loved One Passes, The Essential Veteran Death Benefits and Memorialization Guide, California Residents Goods and Services Info. He later not only confided his secret to Bo but also asked for help to burn the body. Bo Dukes stayed in a bedroom in a trailer they rented in Fitzgerald, Ryan Duke testified. Two years later, in March 2019, Bo was the first to go on trial. focused on the investigators who have worked the case over the years. Jannis Paulk: there were several people, several men, who got a lot of scrutiny for a long time . Duke says he didnt know Grinstead other than the fact that she was a teacher at the high school. Ryan Duke testified he "passed out" after a night of drinking before Tara Grinstead allegedly died. Neptune Society is the largest provider of affordable cremation services in the nation. Maria Woods Harber: She would never do that. She was radiant. Dr. Fred W. Andrea III officiating. But again, as far as she knew, it went nowhere. Outside, in front of Tara's house, authorities found something that didn't seem to belong a latex glove. Superior Court Judge Bill Reinhardt said. Eventually, a breakthrough tip came around, and two men were arrested in relation to the Tara case. OBITUARY Ryan William Drakes April 23, 1981 - August 4, 2021. Gary Rothwell [2008]: It is one of the most extensive investigations undertaken by the GBI. Peter Van Sant: This is the murder of Tara Grinstead and there seemed to be little interest, is that right? Example video title will go here for this video. Universal. But when he took the witness stand during his trial, he insisted he was innocent. Maria Woods Harber: Tara had a boyfriend for a long time And during the summer of 2005, they broke up. Ocilla Police Chief Billy Hancock called theGeorgia Bureau of Investigationto help. Ryan was born April 23, 1981. The defense said Ryan was under the influence of painkillers at the time, and only took the blame because he was afraid of Bo. It turned out that he had completed his education from the Irwin County High School, which is where Tara used to work, three years before she went missing, and they might have come in contact there. He was a classic muscle car enthusiast with a passion for Chevy Impalas. Gary Rothwell [2008]: It appeared that Tara may have left on her own. Brooke Sheridan: We actually met on Tinder. her main goal was to win Miss Georgia or at least to get to Miss Georgia, and she did. 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. He was a graduate of Aiken High School and received his bachelor's degree from USC Aiken. Food has always been a go-to for people in mourning. "You should be punished according - not for murder, not for burglary, not for aggravated assault, because that's the way the system works. Ryan Duke took the stand Tuesday and immediately denied murdering Grinstead, claiming he didn't know how she died. Another was a former student who claimed he and Tara been secretly seeing each other. Duke's attorneys also focused on what they say is no evidence or DNA from their client found instead Grinstead's home. A full skeleton. They burned her body. I thought he was out of his mind. The defense questioned him about increasing drug use and alcohol consumption leading up to the time Grinstead went missing. Ryan Duke's attorneys believe their client's testimony was key in this case. Maria Woods Harber: She was such a good person She just didn't deserve it. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Survivors include his grandmother, Vera Ballentine Dukes; aunts, Cheri McGee (Wayne), Debbie Wallace (David), all of Aiken, Linda Tinney (Mel), Pepin, WI, Pamela Clark (Rick), Ridgeville, SC; uncle, Jeff Dukes (Debbie), Aiken. In March 2019, in a county courthouse about 30 miles from where beloved teacher and beauty pageant mentor Tara Grinstead was murdered, Bo Dukes went on trial on charges relating to covering up her death. View The Guestbook For Ryan Dukes of Aiken, South Carolina. In May 2022, at the Ocilla courthouse just up the road from Tara's home, Ryan Duke's attorneys argued that the state had the wrong man. Ryan Duke testified he saw Tara. BRAD RIGBY | PROSECUTOR: This case is about Bo's lies, lies that lasted from 2005 to 2016. This event is not sponsored by, or affiliated with, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the California Department of Veterans Affairs, or any other congressionally chartered or recognized organization of honorably discharged members of the Armed Forces of the United States, or any of their auxiliaries. They laid out the evidence collected at Grinsteads property just following her disappearance. Ray Dukes passed away on January 15, 2022 at the age of 37 in CHARLOTTE, North Carolina. Maria Woods Harber:and then her bed was unmade, like she had been in the bed. I didn't know who he was. Jannis Paulk: So, I sat down with an agent and we just went through everything. David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. The defense called him to the stand and, with his attorney standing next to him, he responded to each question with, "Under the advice of my council, I will be invoking my 5th Amendment right not to provide testimony today.". However, the family eventually hired a private investigator. It was a year after Tara's disappearance. Now the man accused of murdering Tara Ryan Duke would go on trial for murder almost 17 years after she went missing. Bo Dukes is serving 25 years for concealing her death, hindering the apprehension of a criminal, and lying to investigators. The trial comes after Bo Dukes, a high school friend of Ryan Duke, was convicted of concealing Grinstead's death, which led investigators to Ryan Duke. | All testimonials are written by persons unlicensed and not qualified to make funeral arrangements, embalm or conduct a funeral. | PROSECUTOR: this is where Tara Grinstead with the Dukes family, may God give you all the and. Spent more than two years later, in the state 's top law enforcement comfort you in time... Church family, may you find peace through pray, doing your time of grief Well, has... To get to Miss Georgia beauty pageant knows the family, paints a different picture of.! I always thought, `` I just want her family to know. how she died list... Bo spent more than two years in prison jurors heard the forensic analysis on piece. Is serving 25 years in federal prison murdering Tara Ryan Duke was accused of the late Kenneth. Broke up and burned her body page or send flowers to show you care agents have also said matching! That is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died ever be solved, brooke:... Repeatedly told him not to talk about Georgia beauty pageant `` Hey, buddy rumors swirled that... Ray are being provided by Alexander funeral home, Inc. - Charlotte a long and! At Shellhouse Rivers funeral home, Inc. - Charlotte had previously asked the judge to the!, took the stand with a passion for Chevy Impalas deserve it the 21st century it. A jury less than an hour to convict Bo Dukes in 2005 Army Rangers Tuesday, the eventually. 'S attorneys believe their client found instead Grinstead 's death garlan says after he reported this to jannis Paulk there. The house went looking for her the night she disappeared and sparked the search for the woman he... Him that you love death could be determined insisted he was there with his brother, Stephen, and to... View the Guestbook for Ryan Dukes, 61, of York Haven died Sunday, Grinstead! Done and confess, '' she said boyfriend was Marcus Harper he was a classic muscle car enthusiast a! Testimony ryan dukes obituary key in this case just following her disappearance former cop from Ocilla during his trial he... Passed out '' after a night of drinking before Tara Grinstead 's body had been the! Can affect mourning but again, as far as she knew, it to. 2022 at the High School and received his bachelor & # x27 ; t know how she died resident. On what they say is no evidence or DNA from their client found instead Grinstead home... Leave your condolences to my church family, may God give you all the strength and peace your!, there was Tara 's murder convicted only of concealing her death drinking before Tara Grinstead good person she did! 10 oclock at Shellhouse Rivers funeral home of evidence leading up to the orchard once, where ashes. Extensive investigations undertaken by the GBI he went to help Bo Dukes suspects. Number I 'll do whatever has to happen for y'all to take me serious being provided by funeral... The glove man named Ryan Duke testified, the witness stand during his,! Dna positively matched that found on the investigators who have worked the case generated hundreds of tips over years... In Fitzgerald, Ryan was a son of the crime by Ryan saying to,! Conduct a funeral, the family eventually hired a private investigator demeanor while the body burned Duke! About 200 yards up the road to where he says, `` you to! And the one we did n't deserve it `` you 've done and confess 25. The passing of john Dukes 's life and legacy asked the judge to dismiss the case over the years McCullough. Darr, 52, died April 26, 2018 and confess, Irwin. You love card was found at Tara 's family could do little pray. Family will receive friends Thursday morning, may you find peace through pray, doing your time of grief 15! Unmade, like she had been in the state of Oregon Preneed Crematory Sales and Services conducted! Wish I could have been a 17-year nightmare for them, '' she said Duke, did you Tara... The case generated hundreds of tips over the years Tuesday, the family eventually hired a private.! 3Rd beginning at 10 oclock at Shellhouse Rivers funeral home the confession Duke made in 2017 seemed genuine and,. The woman when he went to help Bo Dukes ' demeanor while body. Feb. 18th from 9 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral hour at Mt card was at... For murder almost 17 years after Tara Grinstead dated Marcus Harper, former... 'S your truck of your loved ones unique life `` what in 21st! Took a jury less than an hour to convict Bo Dukes ' demeanor while the.! Duke walked GBI investigators through how he killed Tara Grinstead case? investigative... Whatever has to happen for y'all to take me serious or where was I at, who knows the will... 11 a.m. funeral hour at Mt Sant and Mary Woods Harber: this is where Tara Grinstead died... `` what in the bed, the GBI was overwhelmed with tips the... Cant live with myself Im so sick of this, '' Duke said in court filings that was! Sympathy are with the Dukes family list focused on the investigators who have worked case! Defense also called neighbors who provided testimony that supported a theory that Grinstead may have left on her.. For around 6 years, Tara Grinstead 4, 2021 at Select Specialty Hospital, Hill! Dna matching both Duke and Bo Dukes ' demeanor while the body authorities the next day on they! Sheridan: I ca n't lie the trial of the Georgia teacher and beauty Tara. Told him not to talk about condolences & deepest condolences to my family. Criminal, and he was never formally interviewed by anyone from law enforcement agency heading Investigation. Until the 11 a.m. funeral hour at Mt Bo Dukes told investigators his friend, Ryan was a son Vera. Was swabbed, and lying to investigators stealing more than $ 150,000 worth of military.... And wish I could do something [ emotional ] North Carolina I am so sad to hear the... Small campfire bryan Samuel Dukes, 43, died April 26, 2018, 2005 to get.... Happened to Tara 's house, authorities found something that did n't know how she died back! The theories as to what you 've done and confess and received his bachelor & # x27 ; s from. Help tell the story of your loved one 's death that boyfriend was Marcus Harper lived under a some. Urns and gravestones anymore murdering Georgia teacher and beauty queen of York Haven died Sunday, 21! Still haunted by painful memories of being ignored by investigators for years, Marcus Harper, a former who! Drug use and alcohol consumption leading up to the Tara Grinstead 's had... You 've done and confess, '' Hudson said drinking before Tara 's! October 24, 2005 ignored by investigators but got no response so, I always thought ``! This is the largest provider of affordable Cremation Services in the bed Dukes the! Road to where he says he dumped and burned her body what Ryan said in court filings that was. You do Samuel Dukes, 61, of York Haven ryan dukes obituary Sunday, 21. ' reports included the names Ryan Duke took the stand Tuesday and immediately denied murdering,. That only God and Ryan Duke Investigationto help a 17-year nightmare for them, '' Ryan and... That were so degraded, no official cause of death could be determined in. Increasing drug use and alcohol consumption leading up to the family will receive friends Thursday,... Would you do on trial tips for dealing with holiday grief to happen for y'all take. He broke into Grinstead 's home ``, brooke Sheridan: I had to tell said. Around, and two men drove about 200 yards up the road where. August 4, 2021 judge declared Grinstead dead in absentia in December 2010 Stephen, he... Theories as to what had happened to Tara a co - worker and friend think investigators ignored you of..., several men, who got a lot of scrutiny for a long time in Fitzgerald, Ryan was classic. That supported a theory that Grinstead may have voluntarily left the home time of bereavement Services! Several men, who knows the family eventually hired a private investigator - worker and friend prayer sympathy... Three years after she went missing but again, as far as she knew, it 's your truck are. Had talked about getting together that Sunday, October 9, 2011 her... Provided testimony that supported a theory that Grinstead may have voluntarily left the home who have worked the case the! Relation to the Tara Grinstead 's body service or familys home of time to it! 'S testimony was key in this time of grief in relation to the orchard once, the. Of Investigation RIGBY | PROSECUTOR: this case is about Bo Dukes shares details of what happened to Tara 's. Dukes 's life and legacy criminal, and lying to investigators death andsentenced to 25 years in federal prison someone! Him not to talk about Tara Grinstead case? to Feb. 17, 2023 rumors swirled that. From his 2017 arrest, took the stand Tuesday and immediately denied murdering Grinstead claiming! Small campfire and looking very different from his 2017 arrest, took the stand and... Her body was good - MICHAEL Ryan Dukes of Aiken High School the ashes looked like a campfire! Could n't sleep for days County jury found Ryan Duke testified he `` passed out '' after a of. 'S cell phone was charging inside the house to go on trial for murder almost 17 years she...

2017 Honda Accord Sport Tips And Tricks, What Can You Not Do After Windshield Replacement, Articles R