John 3:16 Sending love and prayers for the Duke family! All rights reserved. DEFENSE: We know the State hasn't brought a single witness to tell you it was on the ground before Monday morning. Maria Woods Harper: They've had a really hard time. ", Brooke Sheridan: He says, "I just want her family to know. However, we had a glove, a latex glove that we couldn't explain. He said, "I don't know why he did it.". But in the same sense, I always thought, "Well, it has to be.". Published by Mobile Register and Baldwin County from Feb. 15 to Feb. 17, 2023. GBI Agent Jason Shoudel was on the stand to testify. One witness called to the stand was Garlan Latt, who they hoped would disprove Ryan Duke's testimony that he was not the killer and Bo Dukes was the mastermind. Both had been students at Tara's high school. Here's my number I'll do whatever has to happen for y'all to take me serious. This program is not financed by or connected in any manner with any governmental agency or veteran's or other organization. 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. Born in Columbia, SC, Mike was a son of Vera Ballentine Dukes and the late Ernest Kenneth Dukes. And he said he threw his arms up just like this [shrugs her shoulders], "What are you gonna do?". Ray Dukes passed away on January 15, 2022 at the age of 37 in CHARLOTTE, North Carolina. Visitation: Friday, Feb. 17th from 4 - 8 p.m. at B.E. Marcus was often overseas, and though they had broken up by the fall of 2005, friends say Tara was distraught about the relationship ending. 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. I just got off the phone with another department that had didn't do sh.". He later not only confided his secret to Bo but also asked for help to burn the body. As Jannis recalls, early on, suspicion focused on the men in Tara's life. Tara didn't bring home the Miss Georgia crown, but just competing was a huge achievement says Dana Wilder, who grew up in Ocilla. "I asked them what they thought happened to Tara, and they said they killed her and burned her," Latt said. That was after investigators finally reached out to John McCullough. He was a . I'm so sick of this stealing from her purse. Jannis Paulk: She was dating, I think, more than people realized that she was dating. He was a graduate of Aiken High School and received his bachelor's degree from USC Aiken. Had to tell my alibi, you know, or where was I at, who I was around. Grinstead's best friend, sister, and step mother took to the stand to describe the pain they have felt since her 2005 disappearance. Ryan Duke said he wouldn't have recognized who it was if Bo Dukes hadn't told him. 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. As their relationship evolved, Brooke sensed that something seemed to be eating away at Bo. 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. That's according to Lindsey Forshee, administrator for the Tift Judicial Circuit. Who you can trust with your life? They found him guilty of one charge: concealing Grinstead's death. The defense was up first and focused on the inconsistencies in the state's presentation. / CBS News, [This story previously aired on September 4, 2021. But back then, Bo denied everything. "There was a profile that matched a toothbrush of Tara Grinstead and there was an unknown male profile," Hinkle said. GBI agents have also said DNA matching both Duke and Grinstead was found on a latex glove discovered in her yard. He called the state's top law enforcement agency heading the investigation, the GBI. 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. "Mr. Dukes, do you plan to invoke your 5th amendment right to every question?" She was a member of Millbrook Baptist Church. The defense argued that Ryan's former best friend, Bo Dukes, was the man responsible for Grinstead's death throughout the trial. "I hope Mr. Duke lives the rest of his life begging God for forgiveness every day from his dying breath," she said before asking the court to give him the maximum sentence. She says the lawyers discussed pushing the trial into next March, but Judge Reinhardt hasn't signed an order confirming that. The funeral will follow at 11 oclock in the chapel with The Rev. Peter Van Sant: Why would Ryan Duke have murdered Tara Grinstead? Greg Kaplan, Phillip J. Tangel and Marcus Balsam are the editors. 2021 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. An Irwin County Probate judge declared Grinstead dead in absentia in December 2010. John K. Dukes, Jr. Mar. If convicted of murder, Duke faces an automatic sentence of life in prison. His hope for mercy was dashed. Not guilty of malice murder and he was acquitted of all charges relating to Tara's murder convicted only of concealing her death. A native and lifelong resident of Aiken, Ryan was a son of the late Kenneth Michael Dukes and Vicki Heilig Dukes. Dr. Fred W. Andrea III officiating. Create an obituary. They went to the orchard one other time for a part in November 2005. Texas Residents: For additional information regarding prepaid funeral contracts, please visit the website www.prepaidfunerals.texas.gov which is maintained by the Texas Department of Banking. I mean, she had the biggest smile. 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. He lived most his life in Aiken and worked as a procedures writer at the Savannah River . Bens account could not be taken as hed passed before Ryan and Bo were arrested. John McCullough: I can't explain it [emotional]. Cindy Susan Dukes Darr June 10, 1959 - October 9, 2011. RYAN DUKE [GBI interview played at trial]: I can't lie. GBI agent Gary Rothwell said GBI agents' reports included the names Ryan Duke and Bo Dukes in 2005. Maria Woods Harber: Tara really did want to get back with Marcus. But McCullough was determined to get the truth out. Peter Van Sant: Did he have names of who these two men were who claimed they had killed Tara? 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. Two years later, in March 2019, he was the first to go on trial. The defense questioned Duke about his life and relationship with Bo Dukes. A native and lifelong resident of Aiken, Ryan was a son of the late Kenneth Michael Dukes and Vicki Heilig Dukes. My deepest condolences to my church family, may God give you all the strength and peace during your time of sorrow. BO DUKES [GBI interview]: Again, I didn't believe him he asked me to come with him out to to the pecan orchard. Ryan worked at a plastics manufacturing plant, while Bo would occasionally work at his family's pecan farm. Bones that were so degraded, no official cause of death could be determined. John McCullough: And it had this very, you know, attractive woman on it. Born on January 20, 1989 in Easton, Bryan is the son of Kathy Elburn Dukes . And as they were driving around town, a billboard caught his eye. Brooke Sheridan: That family's peace to me was more important than his freedom. And wish I could have been there whenever it happened so that way, I could do something [emotional]. 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. And Bo Dukes himself spoke directly to Tara's family: BO DUKES: To the Tara Grinstead family, I'm truly sorry. "(Bo Dukes) reaches down, he grabs her arm and flips her over," Ryan Duke said. After a few drinks, McCullough says Bo began talking about Tara. So, he went to trial hoping jurors might show mercy for a man who had already confessed to his role in the crime. was dedicated to making her students feel wonderful. "I was stealing from her purse and she snuck up on me. I cant live with myself Im so sick of this," Duke said in a recorded video. Praying for your family have strength. Leave a memory or share a photo below to show your support. I cried for days, couldn't sleep for days. Send Flowers. 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.". On Sunday, Tara's mom called her several times, but Tara didn't answer. Vicki Heilig Dukes AIKEN, SC - Vicki Heilig Dukes, 65, died Thursday, September 15, 2016 at Aiken Regional Medical Centers. Ryan Duke said he thought Bo Dukes was playing a joke on him, until he saw her corpse. Ryan Duke said he was afraid of Bo Dukes, who repeatedly told him not to talk about Tara Grinstead. And that was corroborated. There were billboards. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. Ways to honor John Dukes's life and legacy. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.nationalcremation.com/location/irving- for the Drakes family. Soon after his arrest, Ryan Duke was indicted on the charges of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, burglary, and concealing the death of another, to all of which he pleaded not guilty. The day after Bo's confession, his one-time friend Ryan Duke was arrested. Mike Dukes. Maria Woods Harber: Yes. 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. Funeral homes; Help and advice. Both had been students at. Maria Woods Harber: She was an excellent teacher. 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. Maria Woods Harber: Yeah, she did. His fellow soldier? . But if you're ready for this Bo had already been interviewed by the GBI a year earlier in 2016. For those who loved Tara Grinstead, Bo Dukes' 25-year sentence for covering up her death was only partial justice. Peter Van Sant: Why do you think investigators ignored you? 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. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Aiken SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare (www.letlovelive.org) or the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org). Finally, he cracked. BO DUKES: As far as I know, he didn't know her. Browse Atlanta Journal-Constitution obituaries, conduct other obituary searches, offer condolences/tributes, send flowers or create an online memorial. SHELLHOUSE RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC. The GBI was overwhelmed with tips at the time and this one slipped through the cracks. Rothwell said the GBI never followed up after their names appeared in an investigative summary. However, when it came to corroborating, Stephen testified in Bo Dukes trial that he couldnt confirm any of it. Bo was facing a maximum 25-year sentence. Duke says he didnt know Grinstead other than the fact that she was a teacher at the high school. At his sentencing hearing, Tara's stepmother, Connie, expressed how Tara's family felt about Ryan Duke. SMITHLAND -- D.V. Peter Van Sant: What emotional impact does this have for you when you see this house? 2023 Neptune Society. Share. But again, as far as she knew, it went nowhere. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. That boyfriend was Marcus Harper, a former cop from Ocilla. But police noted that her purse and keys were missing. Duke also admitted to taking her purse and keys and leaving a glove at the residence. Stephen S. Dukes, 61, of York Haven died Sunday, November 21, 2021 at Select Specialty Hospital, Camp Hill. "Its a portion of the human cranium. He testified he could tell the body was a woman's, wearing a t-shirt and some type of jogging pants. Authorities couldn't explain either, and collected them as evidence the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, known as the GBI, was called in. The door was locked. In April 1952, flicka was the 500th baby born at Paso Robles. Marcus Harper: She obviously wanted to get married. Published by Mobile Register and Baldwin County from Feb. 15 to Feb. 17, 2023. Jannis Paulk: FindTara.com. "As hes doing that he started getting emotional and said, She was so small, referring to the size of her in his arms,". | All testimonials are written by persons unlicensed and not qualified to make funeral arrangements, embalm or conduct a funeral. Peter Van Sant: The kind of guy you want to share a foxhole with, right? Went to Elementary to high School with John sending Condolences to the Family in my Prayers. Texas FD #3523, #5075, #3185, #3349, #3705 Nearly 12 years after Tara's disappearance, on February 23, 2017, Ryan Duke appeared in court, charged with Tara's murder. So, it's kind of crappy right now. Let others know about your loved one's death. And this time, the whole world seemed to be listening. 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. The GBI tested that glove and found not only Tara's DNA on it, but the DNA profile of an unknown male. Anthony Batson is the senior broadcast producer. Worried, he went to her house Sunday night and left the card after Tara didn't answer the doorbell. Mobile Register and Baldwin County Homepage. 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. Peter Van Sant: This is the murder of Tara Grinstead and there seemed to be little interest, is that right? . One of those always showing off and talking big and running his mouth. Cind 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. 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. Brooke Sheridan: He has a beautiful mind. He lived most his life in Aiken and worked as a procedures writer at the Savannah River Site. And even when she no longer competed, Tara helped other women, like Dana, break into that world. GBI AGENT: So, by Friday, there's nothing left? In cross-examination, Rothwell added that he takes responsibility for the GBI lapse. For around 6 years, Tara Grinstead dated Marcus Harper, a former Ocilla cop who joined the Army Rangers. Marcus enlisted with the Army Rangers and spent time overseas. Peter Van Sant: What would anyone's motive be to kill Tara Grinstead? Brooke Sheridan: He said, "That's something that only God and Ryan know." A search of Grinsteads home revealed some oddities: her cellphone was still connected to a charger by the nightstand, her keys and purse were missing and her bedside clock was on the floor and was six hours off. The two who were friends had similar sounding names but weren't related. An interesting turn of events came when Ryans 11-page confession, where hed detailed everything thatd transpired on that fateful evening, came to light. Produced by Alec Sirken and Lauren Clark. The judge dismissed one of the jurors he says was sleeping throughout the trial. Defense attorneys began to call witnesses of their own Monday when the state prosecutors rested their case after over a week of arguments. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. Ricou Browning, the stunt man who played the title character in underwater sequences of the 1954 classic "Creature from the Black Lagoon," died Monday at 93. "We will always hate what this defendant did to Tara and to the people who loved her," she said. Prosecutors called friends and acquaintances of the Georgia teacher and beauty queen. And he asked me to help him get rid of her body. Send a Card. This DNA test was taken two years before defendant Ryan Dukes recorded confession. Maria Woods Harber: I've had to come to a conclusion that I'm just gonna have to live the rest of my life not knowing. He was a graduate of Aiken High School and received his bachelors degree from USC Aiken. At his sentencing, Tara Grinstead's stepmother Connie addressed the court: CONNIE GRINSTEAD: He knew she wasn't ever coming back. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. Jannis Paulk [emotional]: It just brings up a lot. 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. The alleged drug addict was arrested once for a DUI in 2010 but was released on bond. It was an opening like that. He said Bo Dukes was "almost excited, cheerful," when they went to move Grinstead's body. BO DUKES [GBI interview]: He told me that he had killed Tara Grinstead. Bo Dukes stayed in a bedroom in a trailer they rented in Fitzgerald, Ryan Duke testified. Another video shown portrayed Duke leading investigators to the pecan orchard he claims he took the lifeless body. Jannis Paulk: There were people who believed she ran away. It was reactionary. Jannis Paulk: It was Bo Dukes and Ryan Duke. John McCullough says he is still haunted by painful memories of being ignored by investigators. The state's line of questioning tried to show the jury that Ryan Duke is capable of lying. "Ryan did not kill Ms. Grinstead. Ryan Duke is standing trial for Grinsteads murder. TROY - Penny A. Ryan, 64 . Brooke Sheridan: Ryan Woke him up and said, "I killed Tara Grinstead.". Sending condolences & deepest condolences to the Dukes Family. And he was like, 'I know what happened.". Food has always been a go-to for people in mourning. The state went through photos and evidence, including a glove found at the home with the DNA of Grinstead and a man. The state focused on Ryan Duke's 2017 recorded confession to GBI agents. The jury saw pictures from Fitzgerald Farms, where agents searched for Grinstead's remains in 2017. Dukes invited McCullough to Ocilla to spend Christmas with his family. Bo confessed all of this to Brooke, who stuck with him. Visitation: Saturday, Feb. 18th from 9 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral hour at Mt. Body was a son of Kathy Elburn Dukes secret to Bo but also asked for to! Woman 's, wearing a t-shirt and some type of jogging pants and! Leave a memory or ryan dukes obituary a photo below to show your support the inconsistencies in the same sense I! Live with myself Im so sick of this, '' when they went to trial hoping jurors might mercy. 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