Send simple, comforting meals with Home Chef. Ryan William Drakes, age 40, of DeSoto passed away on Wednesday, August 4, 2021. I built a message board because I thought that there was a good chance that whoever knew what had happened to her would potentially come and say something. Years passed, and the GBI said Tara Grinsteads case never "turned cold." "What happened in this orchard was senseless" says Woods Harber of her best friend. He later not only confided his secret to Bo but also asked for help to burn the body. Michelle Feuer is the development producer. In March 2019, Dukes was convicted of helping conceal Grinsteads death andsentenced to 25 years in prison. Rothwell took the blame for the GBI assuming local law enforcement determined information indicating Ryan Duke and Bo Dukes as persons of interest were "unfounded." Peter Van Sant: Why do you think investigators ignored you? Peter Van Sant and Mary Woods Harber in front of Tara Grinstead's Ocilla home. 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. I ran. Its a piece from the side here," Good said. AIKEN, SC MICHAEL RYAN DUKES, 43, died April 26, 2018. 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 could have at least told us that, but he didn't. The defense argued the validity of the report and test. 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. Dana Wilder: As little girls, we looked up to her she was famous. Maria Woods Harber: They've gotten away with it for this many years anyway. I don't understand that, just a disregard of human life. I didn't know who I was staring at. Ryan Duke took the stand Tuesday and immediately denied murdering Grinstead, claiming he didn't know how she died. This program is not financed by or connected in any manner with any governmental agency or veteran's or other organization. Funeral Home Services for Ray are being provided by Alexander Funeral Home, Inc. - Charlotte. Your family's land." But McCullough was determined to get the truth out. There was a 34-hour gap between when someone last saw her and when officers performed that welfare check on Monday morning. and that's nobody's business, but in this case, it made it tough. Maria Woods Harber: This is where Tara Grinstead lived in 2005. ", Brooke Sheridan: He says, "I just want her family to know. GBI Agent Jason Shoudel was on the stand to testify. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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. "That is a question that has bothered me for years," he said. An interesting turn of events came when Ryans 11-page confession, where hed detailed everything thatd transpired on that fateful evening, came to light. 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. The family will receive friends Thursday morning, May 3rd beginning at 10 oclock at Shellhouse Rivers Funeral Home. Texas FD #3523, #5075, #3185, #3349, #3705 Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. "Two men who had no regard for a beautiful, loving person took her life. Jurors heard the forensic analysis on that piece of evidence. Updated on: May 24, 2022 / 10:33 AM Ryan Duke took the stand Tuesday and immediately denied murdering Grinstead, claiming he didn't know how she died. Zion Baptist Church, 1012 Adams St. View the obituary at www.BEBrownCo.com. He lived most his life in Aiken and worked as a procedures writer at the Savannah River Site. Duke said he left the home in a panic but came back to remove the body. Yet hes still facing outstanding concealment charges in a neighboring Georgia county where Taras body had been burned. Dukes attorneys have said he made a false confession under the influence of drugs. Tara didn't bring home the Miss Georgia crown, but just competing was a huge achievement says Dana Wilder, who grew up in Ocilla. The state's line of questioning tried to show the jury that Ryan Duke is capable of lying. Brooke says she was studying in Savannah to become a pharmacist when, in 2015, she came face-to-face with her online date. 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. Forward to Family & Friends; Print; Contact Support; Upgrade; Death Certificates; Share This Obituary. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. He wasn't sure who said what. Leave your condolences to the family on this memorial page or send flowers to show you care. McCullough wasn't ready for what Bo would say next. Produced by Alec Sirken and Lauren Clark. They laid out the evidence collected at Grinsteads property just following her disappearance. He testified calmly, but inside was still seething at Bo. He was a graduate of Aiken High School and received his bachelors degree from USC Aiken. Browse Troy local obituaries on Legacy.com. Prosecutors called friends and acquaintances of the Georgia teacher and beauty queen. Jannis Paulk: She was dating, I think, more than people realized that she was dating. As their relationship evolved, Brooke sensed that something seemed to be eating away at Bo. Peter Van Sant: What did you see when you walked into her house? 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. 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). Hudson said at the time he thought the burn site was an innocent bonfire. John McCullough: If there wasn't multiple police officers that were inside the courtroom on the day that I testified on the stand, I probably would have ripped him apart with my hands. Posey says Duke corrected the GBI agent over 20 times during his confession, and said he believes that is key to note. 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. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Duke says he didnt know Grinstead other than the fact that she was a teacher at the high school. He said, "My roommate killed her.". In 2005, the disappearance of beloved high-school teacher Tara Grinstead sent shockwaves through the town of Ocilla, Georgia. Born in Columbia, SC, Mike was a son of Vera Ballentine Dukes and the late Ernest Kenneth Dukes. In addition to his parents, Ryan was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth Jason Dukes, paternal grandfather, E. Kenneth Dukes; maternal grandparents, David Leon and Mamie Rae Lundsford Heilig and an aunt, Cindy Dukes Darr. 5260 Daniel J. Enea, Manager. Two years later, in March 2019, Bo was the first to go on trial. AIKEN, SC - KENNETH MICHAEL DUKES, 66, died Thursday, March 30, 2017 at his residence. I didn't mean to.". They found him guilty of one charge: concealing Grinstead's death. A native and lifelong resident of Aiken County, Cindy was a daughter of Vera Ballentine Dukes and the late Ernest Kenneth Dukes. He testified that Bo Dukes told him he had killed Tara Grinstead but Ryan did not know how she died. Thanks to the loyal support of generations of families, we've now grown to 45 locations nationwide with continued expansion in the future. "I have talked to other agents and reviewed the documents and come to a recollection of what happened, and that is not an excuse for what happened.". Published by Mobile Register and Baldwin County from Feb. 15 to Feb. 17, 2023. This is your truck, and this is your family's land," basically that was interpreted by Bo as a threat that we're partners now in this? But I think it's taken a lot of toll on them mentally and physically. Witness Randy Hudson owned the pecan orchard where Grinstead's body was allegedly disposed. Tara Grinstead's father was in the courtroom on Tuesday while Ryan Duke was questioned. I definitely didn't wanna settle down in small town America. Food has always been a go-to for people in mourning. Jannis Paulk: It was Bo Dukes and Ryan Duke. It would be illegal for me to accept a fee for preparing that application on your behalf. I cried for days, couldn't sleep for days. None of the insurance products promoted at this sales event are endorsed by those organizations, all of which offer free advice to veterans about how to qualify and apply for benefits. John McCullough: And it had this very, you know, attractive woman on it. And he was like, 'I know what happened.". Visitation: Saturday, Feb. 18th from 9 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral hour at Mt. Here's my number I'll do whatever has to happen for y'all to take me serious. DEFENSE: What was his expression, his demeanor when that happened? BO DUKES [GBI interview]: He told me that he had killed Tara Grinstead. I thought he was out of his mind. Bo began with what he says Ryan told him the day after Tara disappeared. She brought great things to Irwin County High School And I would hope that eventually the word Tara Grinstead will be a bright spot because she did bring a lot of good things to Ocilla. Police found her car seat in position for someone taller, and police said they found an envelope with $100 in cash on the dashboard. He graduated from Aiken High School in 1968 and was a . Brooke Sheridan: That family's peace to me was more important than his freedom. At his sentencing hearing, Tara's stepmother, Connie, expressed how Tara's family felt about Ryan Duke. Aiken, SC RYAN DUKES OBITUARY Ryan Dukes Aiken, - MICHAEL RYAN DUKES, 43, died April 26, 2018. BRYAN DUKES OBITUARY. Dukes is in prison for concealing Grinstead's death. Jannis Paulk: FindTara.com. She described the various DNA tests performed on the glove hoping to find clues, "It was about 90% unknown male and 10% Ms. Grinstead,". And it wasn't the only one overlooked. A "panicked" Bo Dukes woke him up the following morning, Ryan Duke testified. April 26, 2018 Aiken, South Carolina Set a Reminder for the Anniversary of Ryan's Passing. RYAN DUKE: He starts laughing at me. Both men are awaiting trial in a neighboring county on charges related to burning Tara's body. I cant live with myself Im so sick of this," Duke said in a recorded video. 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. we have made an arrest.". Share. My condolences to the family. Jannis Paulk: There were people who believed she ran away. Grinstead graduated from Middle Georgia College and began teaching at Irwin County High School in Ocilla in 1998. Shoudel was the one who taped the confession. Ryan Duke said Bo Dukes had a wallet with Grinstead's driver's license. Her colleagues at the school where she worked called the Ocilla Police Department to check on the 11th-grade teachers home. Dana Wilder: She just took me underneath her wing She taught me the ins and outs of interviews, hair and makeup, wardrobe. Visitation: Saturday, Feb. 18th from 9 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral hour at Mt. Jannis Paulk: there were several people, several men, who got a lot of scrutiny for a long time . I don't remember everything clearly. Shaheen Tokhi and David Dow are the associate producers. Jurors also heard from a latent fingerprint examiner who came in 2017 to try to identify and confirm the prints found on a glove in Grinstead's yard. He said they had talked about getting together that Sunday, but Tara never answered her phone. What to do during a tornado: Where is your safe spot. Peter Van Sant: How did you and Bo Dukes meet? 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. A native of Concord, NC, Vicki was a daughter of the late David Leon and Mam . Lawyers and the judge also met today in whats called a charging conference where they finalized the official charges that the jury will be presented. PROSECUTION: The man in THAT chair, confessed to the murder of Tara Grinstead. Jannis Paulk: So, Bo was known in the community for being a little over the top, unfiltered. Leave a memory or share a photo below to show your support. He testified he could tell the body was a woman's, wearing a t-shirt and some type of jogging pants. AGENT GARY ROTHWELL: It is something we should've followed up, but we we didn't. Browning had been the last . GBI agent Gary Rothwell said GBI agents' reports included the names Ryan Duke and Bo Dukes in 2005. They burned her body. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. I can't live with myself. David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. Another was a former student who claimed he and Tara been secretly seeing each other. I was high. All rights reserved. A man named Ryan Duke was accused of the crime. Peter Van Sant: Did he have names of who these two men were who claimed they had killed Tara? Anita Gattis said her sister's disappearance threw her family into "an out-of-control spiral" that they've never escaped. Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. Defense attorneys began to call witnesses of their own Monday when the state prosecutors rested their case after over a week of arguments. Tuesday, the witness list focused on the investigators who have worked the case over the years. The judge dismissed one of the jurors he says was sleeping throughout the trial. And as they were driving around town, a billboard caught his eye. Ryan Duke, now clean-shaven and looking very different from his 2017 arrest, took the stand. Peter Van Sant: What emotional impact does this have for you when you see this house? Your long suffering has been unimaginable. Universal. We had search efforts like nothing you've ever seen. Another video shown shows Duke leading investigators to where he says he dumped and burned her body. They wanted the state to fund the expenses for people like private investigators and expert witnesses for Ryan. With no hard evidence, authorities couldn't make an arrest. View The Guestbook For Ryan Dukes of Aiken, South Carolina. So, he went to trial hoping jurors might show mercy for a man who had already confessed to his role in the crime. Brooke Sheridan: I had to tell some I had to tell. Marcus Harper: Somebody pulled me to the side, and they were like, "Listen, you know, there's been some things said bringin' up your military past, bringin' up how you're Trained to kill" . The talented signer was named Miss Tifton and competed in the Miss Georgia beauty pageant. 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. Ryan Duke said he helped Bo Dukes load Grinstead's body onto a pile of wood, covered her with more wood and lit the pile on fire. A full skeleton. Following his wishes, there will be no. McCullough said he called authorities but they never followed up. Jannis Paulk: Ocilla is a big family. 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. CONNIE GRINSTEAD [Reading family impact statement]: His confession in 2017 seemed genuine and sincere, and he looked remorseful. 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: I just got off the phone with another department that had didn't do sh.". OBITUARY Ryan William Drakes April 23, 1981 - August 4, 2021. An Irwin County jury found Ryan Duke not guilty of murdering Georgia teacher and beauty queen Tara Grinstead. But when questioned about her disappearance, he had an alibi and was never charged. Ways to honor John Dukes's life and legacy. 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 jury saw pictures from Fitzgerald Farms, where agents searched for Grinstead's remains in 2017. And she snuck up on me and I hit her. AIKEN, SC - Vicki Heilig Dukes, 65, died Thursday, September 15, 2016 at Aiken Regional Medical Centers. "We believe in Ryan and we believed in him the entire time.". But when he took the witness stand during his trial, he insisted he was innocent. Peter Van Sant: And what is it about him that you love? But again, as far as she knew, it went nowhere. Peter Van Sant: This is the murder of Tara Grinstead and there seemed to be little interest, is that right? Bo Dukes is serving 25 years for concealing her death, hindering the apprehension of a criminal, and lying to investigators. 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 GBI AGENT: So, by Friday, there's nothing left? 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. At one. 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. Ryan William Drakes, age 40, of DeSoto passed away on Wednesday, August 4, 2021. Maria Woods Harber: She was absolutely elegant onstage. So that gave us a stronger indication that something bad had happened. They think the community can heal, pointing the finger at Bo Dukes for the murder. Create an obituary. The Ocilla police were called and entered Tara's home, and right behind them was Maria. Both had been students at. An Irwin County jury read not guilty verdicts on five o the six charges against Duke: malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault and burglary. Could he betray his friend? A native of Concord, NC, Vicki was a daughter of the late David Leon and Mamie Rae. He said, "I don't know why he did it.". But no one in Ocilla knew what had happened when Tara seemingly vanished after leaving that barbecue on Saturday night, October 22. As for his alibi, Ryan claimed that he had been at his mobile home in Fitzgerald the entire night. Cind Ryan Dukes said he started to see Bo Dukes more often after he was discharged from the Army for being AWOL. 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. He will be replaced by one of the six alternates who also had been listening to the testimony. I'm so sick of this stealing from her purse. Ryan admitted he was asked by Bo to help dispose of Tara's body in the orchard and moved her to the burn pile. Neighbors knocked on her door but got no response. Stunned as he was, McCullough was in a dilemma. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. Please join us in Loving, Sharing and Memorializing Ryan Dukes on this permanent online memorial. She wasn't wearing shoes. Brooke says she kept encouraging Bo to open up to talk about this dark subject that was destroying him. "There were some days that the heartache was so great we could barely even function," she said. Ryan Duke said he drove toward a pecan orchard, owned by a relative of Bo Dukes. Speaking in court before Ryan Dukes' sentencing, Anita Gattis said her sister's disappearance threw her family into ''an out-of-control spiral'' that they've never escaped. There was no other option. I can still see her standing at the door. After the defense rested their case, the state got the last opportunity to present witnesses as a rebuttal. I was a drug addict I'd been drinking. That was the last time Ryan Duke said he saw Tara Grinstead's body. To the Dukes family, please know I am praying for you. Jannis Paulk even created a website to help authorities collect information. Jannis Paulk [emotional]: It just brings up a lot. State and defense teams made their pitches to jurors and began examining witnesses. Police never called him a suspect, but Marcus was more closely investigated than anyone in the disappearance of his former girlfriend, Tara Grinstead. He was a classic muscle car enthusiast with a passion for Chevy Impalas. Grinstead, an Irwin County High School teacher, went missing in October 2005. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? And Bo spent more than two years in federal prison. He then allegedly struck her with his fist and ran away. The defense said Ryan was under the influence of painkillers at the time, and only took the blame because he was afraid of Bo. You have funeral questions, we have answers. Tara Grinstead didnt show up for work on October 24, 2005. GBI AGENT: Of all the people, why Tara, what's the connection? "I said, 'You need to confess. She was a member of Millbrook Baptist Church. You need to own what you've done and confess," Sheridan told "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant in 2017. He was a . Jurors also heard voicemails left in the home. so, I talk to him, tell him everything I know. Send Flowers . Maria Woods Harber:and then her bed was unmade, like she had been in the bed. Searching obituaries is a great place to start your family tree research. he's very shut shut off emotions, feelings he doesn't talk about. Bo Dukes shares details of what happened to Tara Grinstead with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. And he said he threw his arms up just like this [shrugs her shoulders], "What are you gonna do?". It just wasn't what I wanted. Investigators say Ryan confessed to killing Grinstead. 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. Superior Courts, Cordele Judicial Circuit. The defense called a psychologist, Dr. Christopher Tillitski, who evaluated Ryan Duke in 2019. I didnt know what else to do," Ryan said. Since then, Duke's trial has been moved back several times. Funeral homes; Help and advice. The case generated hundreds of tips over the years. And she told them about her employee's tip three years earlier regarding Bo Dukes and Ryan Duke. the judge said. Bo confessed all of this to Brooke, who stuck with him. He claims he realized this after she was dead. "I asked them what they thought happened to Tara, and they said they killed her and burned her," Latt said. Born in Columbia, SC, Mike was a son of Vera Ballentine Dukes and the late Ernest Kenneth Dukes. According to it, he broke into Taras house to steal money to buy drugs but was surprised by her when she suddenly came home. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. John McCullough: I have no idea. But what about that latex glove with Ryan's DNA on it found in Tara's front yard? She did not want to end it. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. New Jersey Residents: N.J. Lic. Vicki Heilig Dukes. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison. Oregan Residents: Please note that in the State of Oregon, Funeral Board Rule 830-040-0000(3) requires our trade name include the identification of our funeral activity or function. "Its been a 17-year nightmare for them," Irwin County District Attorney Bryce Johnson said. Peter Van Sant: This was the man she thought she'd build a life with. Marcus Harper: I received a phone call And the voice on the other end of the phone said, you know, "Brother, your 12 years of hell is over. Back in 2008 Van Sant spoke with Special Agent Gary Rothwell. "We will always hate what this defendant did to Tara and to the people who loved her," she said. Brooke Sheridan: He said, "You've heard of the Tara Grinstead case?" Ryan Duke testified he drove from Fitzgerald to Ocilla in an unsuccessful attempt to return Grinstead's wallet, and he left Bo Dukes in the trailer. DEFENSE: Mr. Duke, did you murder Tara Grinstead? Duke was convicted on the charge of Concealing a Death and was sentenced to the maximum punishment of . California Residents: California FD #1289, #1309, #1359, #2031 Send Flowers. Peter Van Sant: Why would Ryan Duke have murdered Tara Grinstead? The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. In closing, as Tara's family looked on, the prosecution held to their argument that Ryan had told the truth back in 2017. A unique and . Tara's car was parked in the driveway. He was a family friend married, with kids who would later testify that he and Tara were having an affair. LAWYER: Any doubt in your mind, however, that you heard these two people laughing about killing and burning Tara Grinstead's body? CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. 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.
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