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. I don't like to come very often she loved this place. NEW ELLENTON, SC -- CYNTHIA SUSAN DUKES DARR, 52, died Sunday, October 9, 2011 at her residence. . 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. DEFENSE [closing arguments]: Bo Dukes should be on trial for the murder of Tara Grinstead, not Ryan. 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. They said in court filings that Duke was asleep at home when Grinstead was killed. Connie Grinstead argued that the family pleaded and begged for any news about Tara for years and that Duke's "silence was deafening.". GBI AGENT: So, by Friday, there's nothing left? May the holy spirit comfort you in this time of bereavement. Ryan Duke's attorneys believe their client's testimony was key in this case. "I said, 'You need to confess. Ryan Dukes Aiken, - MICHAEL RYAN DUKES, 43, died April 26, 2018.A native and lifelong resident of Aiken, Ryan was a son of the late Kenneth Michael Dukes and Vicki Heilig Dukes. 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. The GBI tested that glove and found not only Tara's DNA on it, but the DNA profile of an unknown male. Stephen S. Dukes, 61, of York Haven died Sunday, November 21, 2021 at Select Specialty Hospital, Camp Hill. Incredibly, McCullough says, no one returned his calls. It was updated on August 20, 2022.]. 5260 Daniel J. Enea, Manager. OCILLA, Ga. Editor's Note: The video in this story is archive footage from our coverage of the case in the mid-2010s. Police never called him a suspect, but Marcus was more closely investigated than anyone in the disappearance of his former girlfriend, Tara Grinstead. His former roommate and close friend was Ryan Duke. Ryan William Drakes Obituary. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. Ryan Duke had told investigators in 2017 he killed Tara Grinstead and helped burn her body. the judge said. Mike Dukes. I didn't believe him. Therefore, on May 20, 2022, the jury only found him guilty of concealing a death he was acquitted of every other count. It was a year after Tara's disappearance. The state and defense attorneys wrapped up their closing arguments earlier in the day. 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 Not guilty of malice murder and he was acquitted of all charges relating to Tara's murder convicted only of concealing her death. And I was like, "yeah." An Irwin County Probate judge declared Grinstead dead in absentia in December 2010. State and defense teams made their pitches to jurors and began examining witnesses. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? Visitation: Saturday, Feb. 18th from 9 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral hour at Mt. Jannis Paulk: So, I sat down with an agent and we just went through everything. At his sentencing, Tara Grinstead's stepmother Connie addressed the court: CONNIE GRINSTEAD: He knew she wasn't ever coming back. On March 1, 1969, he met Sandra Hageman on a . They've lived so many years without being punished. Make a Memorial Donation . Greg Kaplan, Phillip J. Tangel and Marcus Balsam are the editors. Born in Columbia, SC, Mike was a son of Vera Ballentine Dukes and the late Ernest Kenneth Dukes. She was radiant. I mean, she had the biggest smile. On Monday, the state rested its case, but not before calling GBI agents and a forensic specialist to the stand. 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. Then, there was Tara's ex-boyfriend, Marcus Harper. The family will receive friends Thursday morning, May 3rd beginning at 10 oclock at Shellhouse Rivers Funeral Home. "It was built out in the area where there just should not have been a fire," Hudson said. McCullough said he called authorities but they never followed up. Both men are awaiting trial in a neighboring county on charges related to burning Tara's body. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. John 3:16 Sending love and prayers for the Duke family! Jannis Paulk also spoke to the GBI in 2008 as the agency was reviewing the case. But who would want to harm this vibrant 30-year-old woman? Brooke Sheridan: It was something very dark and I I chalked it up to, you know, serving his time in the military. DEFENSE: We know the State hasn't brought a single witness to tell you it was on the ground before Monday morning. Jannis Paulk: Ocilla is a big family. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. Year after year passed with no arrests. But I think it's taken a lot of toll on them mentally and physically. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. According to it, he broke into Taras house to steal money to buy drugs but was surprised by her when she suddenly came home. Ryan William Drakes, age 40, of DeSoto passed away on Wednesday, August 4, 2021. 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. Maria Woods Harber: Well, it's very emotional. That tip went nowhere. Bo says Ryan then repeated that a couple of days later. The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. The judge dismissed one of the jurors he says was sleeping throughout the trial. His hope for mercy was dashed. While it might have not been explosive "smoking gun" testimony, it did paint a picture of the scene police officers were met with during a welfare check at the high school teachers home 17 years ago when she failed to show up to work on a particular Monday in October 2005. Who is he and where is he now? 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. Call Call. Tara didn't bring home the Miss Georgia crown, but just competing was a huge achievement says Dana Wilder, who grew up in Ocilla. A native and lifelong resident of Aiken, Ryan was a son of the late Kenneth Michael Dukes and Vicki Heilig Dukes. And Bo Dukes himself spoke directly to Tara's family: BO DUKES: To the Tara Grinstead family, I'm truly sorry. GBI Agent Shoudel testified Duke knew what he was doing, and that Duke told investigators he was mentally and physically cognitive. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. To plant trees in memory, please visit the. A unique and . 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. Sending my condolences to Mrs. Wendy and her sons. But back in 2005, authorities either missed or ignored a tip that may have solved the case. 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. View The Obituary For Ryan Dukes of Aiken, South Carolina. She described the various DNA tests performed on the glove hoping to find clues, "It was about 90% unknown male and 10% Ms. Grinstead,". Ryan worked at a plastics manufacturing plant, while Bo would occasionally work at his family's pecan farm. Vicki Heilig Dukes AIKEN, SC - Vicki Heilig Dukes, 65, died Thursday, September 15, 2016 at Aiken Regional Medical Centers. He is extremely intelligent. Now, it was Brooke's turn to be tormented by a terrible secret. Bones that were so degraded, no official cause of death could be determined. He called the state's top law enforcement agency heading the investigation, the GBI. View Obituaries Shellhouse-Rivers Funeral Home, Inc. and Shellhouse-Rivers Crematory Ryan Dukes August 23, 1974 - April 26, 2018. "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 Bo spent more than two years in federal prison. I thought he was out of his mind. we have made an arrest.". We had search efforts like nothing you've ever seen. The day after Bo's confession, his one-time friend Ryan Duke was arrested. Of the six charges, Duke was found guilty of one count of concealing Grinstead's death. BO DUKES: As far as I know, he didn't know her. They believe Ryan Duke was the killer. Interment will follow in Southlawn Cemetery. 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. Bo then gave his account of moving and then burning her body, which began on a Wednesday and took two days. 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. Jannis Paulk: So, Bo was known in the community for being a little over the top, unfiltered. He recalled that moment. We know who did," defense attorney John Merchant said. Just weeks after Tara vanished at a party in a pecan orchard, one of Jannis Paulk's employees told her that he had overheard two young men tell a disturbing story. she snuck up on me and I hit her. And wish I could have been there whenever it happened so that way, I could do something [emotional]. He said they had talked about getting together that Sunday, but Tara never answered her phone. I just got off the phone with another department that had didn't do sh.". I can still see her standing at the door. ". If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. He is preceded in death by his. Send simple, comforting meals with Home Chef. Mobile Register and Baldwin County Homepage. Funeral homes; Help and advice. Bo Dukes shares details of what happened to Tara Grinstead with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. In 1999, Tara Grinstead won the Miss Tifton pageant, which landed her a spot at the 1999 Miss Georgia competition. / CBS News, [This story previously aired on September 4, 2021. He said Bo Dukes admitted to killing her. He's the uncle of Bo Dukes. Texas FD #3523, #5075, #3185, #3349, #3705 Find an Obituary. I don't understand that, just a disregard of human life. A native and lifelong resident of Aiken County, Cindy was a daughter of Vera Ballentine Dukes and the late Ernest Kenneth Dukes. An Irwin County jury returned "Not Guilty" verdicts on five of the six charges Ryan Duke faced related to the disappearance and death of former Irwin County teacher Tara Grinstead, acquitting him of her 2005 murder on Friday, May 20, 2022. The defense argued the case is about power and influence, which their client lacks. GBI AGENT: Of all the people, why Tara, what's the connection? Grinstead's best friend, sister, and step mother took to the stand to describe the pain they have felt since her 2005 disappearance. One of those always showing off and talking big and running his mouth. The defense was up first and focused on the inconsistencies in the state's presentation. Bo Dukes comes from a prominent family that owned a huge pecan orchard in the Ocilla area. 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. John McCullough says he is still haunted by painful memories of being ignored by investigators. That was the last time Ryan Duke said he saw Tara Grinstead's body. Published by Mobile Register and Baldwin County from Feb. 15 to Feb. 17, 2023. 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. Lets find out. The funeral will follow at 11 oclock in the chapel with The Rev. At his sentencing hearing, Tara's stepmother, Connie, expressed how Tara's family felt about Ryan Duke. More than an hour into his testimony, Ryan Duke described the moment Bo Dukes led him to Grinstead's body. We pray that people will remember that the defendant was not the victim. But if you're ready for this Bo had already been interviewed by the GBI a year earlier in 2016. The defense called a psychologist, Dr. Christopher Tillitski, who evaluated Ryan Duke in 2019. Sign the Guest Book. I didn't mean to.". For around 6 years, Tara Grinstead dated Marcus Harper, a former Ocilla cop who joined the Army Rangers. Tuesday, the witness list focused on the investigators who have worked the case over the years. Anthropologist Dr. Ashley Gooding was brought in by the GBI in 2017 to help dig and identify possible human remains in the pecan orchard Duke claimed to have burned and buried Grinstead's body. In 2012 he was charged and convicted of stealing more than $150,000 worth of military supplies. Ryan Duke is standing trial for Grinsteads murder. But again, as far as she knew, it went nowhere. Dukes invited McCullough to Ocilla to spend Christmas with his family. A date was set to start Ryan Dukes trial, but a hitch came when his lawyers filed an emergency appeal to halt it. However, we had a glove, a latex glove that we couldn't explain. 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. Both men were surprising suspects to the cops, who claimed that theyd never came up on the radar. Bo told them that he and Ryan had burned Taras body at the Hudson Pecan Company pecan orchard, and when the area was searched, some human bone fragments were found. John K. Dukes, Jr. Mar. A wonderful man to know and to work with ,he told me about a month ago that he was enjoying taking care of his grand children God Bless. The case generated hundreds of tips over the years. Age. The state went through photos and evidence, including a glove found at the home with the DNA of Grinstead and a man. 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. While Reinhardt acknowledged that Duke seemed remorseful on the stand, he pointed out Dukes' decision to not tell anyone had an impact on Grinstead's family and friends. Tara's cell phone was charging inside the house. One witness, Heath Dykes, testified to having a relationship with Grinstead while his was married. Prosecutors said Duke took law enforcement to the pecan orchard where he confessed to burning and dumping Grinstead's body. Universal. Duke said he left the home in a panic but came back to remove the body. ", GBI AGENT to BO DUKES: I'm gonna just kinda leave it open the floor to you, and just tell me about you knowing about Tara . 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. 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