And Bo spent more than two years in federal prison. John K. Dukes, Jr. Mar. Brooke Sheridan: It was something very dark and I I chalked it up to, you know, serving his time in the military. Now, it was Brooke's turn to be tormented by a terrible secret. My deepest condolences to my church family, may God give you all the strength and peace during your time of sorrow. BO DUKES: As far as I know, he didn't know her. 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. A unique and . You need to own to what you've done and confess. He's the uncle of Bo Dukes. It was updated on August 20, 2022.]. It took a jury less than an hour to convict Bo Dukes on all charges. 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. April 26, 2018 Aiken, South Carolina Set a Reminder for the Anniversary of Ryan's Passing. I was high. Send Flowers. But in the same sense, I always thought, "Well, it has to be.". Had to tell my alibi, you know, or where was I at, who I was around. Finally, he cracked. Ryan William Drakes, age 40, of DeSoto passed away on Wednesday, August 4, 2021. He said Bo Dukes admitted to killing her. He was a graduate of Aiken High School and received his bachelor's degree from USC Aiken. 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. Maria Woods Harber: My best friend, Tara Grinstead, was a beautiful person on the inside and the outside. Tara's alarm clock was under her bed, and a bedside lamp was broken. I don't remember everything clearly. "We will always hate what this defendant did to Tara and to the people who loved her," she said. An Irwin County Probate judge declared Grinstead dead in absentia in December 2010. the judge said. I thought he was out of his mind. For around 6 years, Tara Grinstead dated Marcus Harper, a former Ocilla cop who joined the Army Rangers. I didn't know who I was staring at. And she snuck up on me and I hit her. They think the community can heal, pointing the finger at Bo Dukes for the murder. A devoted husband and grandfather, Duane was born on May 1, 1950, in South Gate, California, the son of Edwin and Florann (Boisseau) Dukes. Ryan Duke said he thought Bo Dukes was playing a joke on him, until he saw her corpse. Then, in 2017, a woman came forward with a remarkable story about her boyfriend but could it be trusted? Lets find out. An Irwin County jury read not guilty verdicts on five o the six charges against Duke: malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault and burglary. In an interview with the GBI, Bo Dukes said he was ready to end the secret he had kept for years, and went into detail. "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. "Ryan did not kill Ms. Grinstead. Maria Woods Harber: She was charismatic, determined, a beautiful personality. She wasn't wearing shoes. "We believe in Ryan and we believed in him the entire time.". Prosecutors said Duke took law enforcement to the pecan orchard where he confessed to burning and dumping Grinstead's body. Show Your Sympathy to the Family. Praying for your family have strength. Leave your condolences to the family on this memorial page or send flowers to show you care. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. In 2012 he was charged and convicted of stealing more than $150,000 worth of military supplies. I was a drug addict I'd been drinking. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. According to it, he broke into Taras house to steal money to buy drugs but was surprised by her when she suddenly came home. ", BO DUKES: Yeah. Tara's cell phone was charging inside the house. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. Both had been students at. This DNA test was taken two years before defendant Ryan Dukes recorded confession. "I said, 'You need to confess. At the time, Ryan Duke and Bo Dukes were 21 years old. Send a gift to a service or familys home. Vicki Heilig Dukes. Celebrate the life of Ryan Drakes, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I can still see her standing at the door. Ryan's lawyers argued that gave Bo plenty of time to plant it. Bo was facing a maximum 25-year sentence. Jannis Paulk: There were people who believed she ran away. Ryan Duke testified he saw Tara Grinstead's body at the pecan orchard, where the Georgia Bureau of Investigation found her remains years later. The state argues in 2017 Duke was swabbed, and his DNA positively matched that found on the glove. 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. Investigators say Ryan confessed to killing Grinstead. For those who loved Tara Grinstead, Bo Dukes' 25-year sentence for covering up her death was only partial justice. "I was stealing from her purse and she snuck up on me. Updated on: May 24, 2022 / 10:33 AM Ryan Duke said he didn't know what he was talking about or believe him at first. Brooke Sheridan: That family's peace to me was more important than his freedom. Prosecutors called two witnesses before dismissing the jury a lunchtime to debate how much of the Duke's confession could be shown. Funeral Home Services for Ray are being provided by Alexander Funeral Home, Inc. - Charlotte. 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. He then allegedly struck her with his fist and ran away. Jannis Paulk even created a website to help authorities collect information. 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 testified calmly, but inside was still seething at Bo. You have funeral questions, we have answers. 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. The state and defense attorneys wrapped up their closing arguments earlier in the day. "Its been a 17-year nightmare for them," Irwin County District Attorney Bryce Johnson said. LAWYER: Any doubt in your mind, however, that you heard these two people laughing about killing and burning Tara Grinstead's body? Funeral homes; Help and advice. There are reports of him being put under suicide watch a few times, yet nothing too serious came out of the incidents. Went to Elementary to high School with John sending Condolences to the Family in my Prayers. And I think she was just trying to move on in a small town of Ocilla, everyone knew their situation. Forward to Family & Friends; Print; Contact Support; Upgrade; Death Certificates; Share This Obituary. 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. It's kind of odd, isn't it? GBI agent Gary Rothwell said GBI agents' reports included the names Ryan Duke and Bo Dukes in 2005. I cried for days, couldn't sleep for days. Share. Searching obituaries is a great place to start your family tree research. Years passed, and the GBI said Tara Grinsteads case never "turned cold." A native and lifelong resident of Aiken, Ryan was a son of the late Kenneth Michael Dukes and Vicki Heilig Dukes. New Jersey Residents: N.J. Lic. Another former student, Bo Dukes, is now serving a 25-year prison sentence for lying to the GBI and helping Duke bury her body. "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant first reported on this story in 2008 almost three years after Tara Grinstead went missing. Bryan Samuel Dukes, 30, passed away on November 22, 2019 as a result of a work-related accident. Peter Van Sant: What would anyone's motive be to kill Tara Grinstead? Then, there was Tara's ex-boyfriend, Marcus Harper. Two years later, in March 2019, Bo was the first to go on trial. Send a Card. Marcus enlisted with the Army Rangers and spent time overseas. I can't live with myself. Marcus Harper: It was like a calling. Peter Van Sant: How did you and Bo Dukes meet? And Bo Dukes himself spoke directly to Tara's family: BO DUKES: To the Tara Grinstead family, I'm truly sorry. ". 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. More than a decade later, the GBI charged Duke -- her former student -- with killing her and hiding her body in a pecan orchard. AIKEN, SC - MICHAEL RYAN DUKES, 43, died April 26, 2018. her main goal was to win Miss Georgia or at least to get to Miss Georgia, and she did. She did not want to end it. He said he lied to the GBI agent that interviewed him about breaking into Grinstead's house and fatal striking and choking her. Combined services will be held at Antioch M.B.C., 2033 W. Congress Ave. on Saturday March. Brooke Sheridan: I said, "You have to talk to me. Cindy Susan Dukes Darr June 10, 1959 - October 9, 2011. "As hes doing that he started getting emotional and said, She was so small, referring to the size of her in his arms,". California Residents: California FD #1289, #1309, #1359, #2031 Bo got in big trouble while in the Army. Jurors heard the forensic analysis on that piece of evidence. Could he betray his friend? Stunned as he was, McCullough was in a dilemma. Jannis Paulk: It was Bo Dukes and Ryan Duke. A DNA sample from Ryan Duke was a perfect match. Make a life-giving gesture. The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. Ryan worked at a plastics manufacturing plant, while Bo would occasionally work at his family's pecan farm. And he was like, 'I know what happened.". Maria Woods Harber: Yeah, she did. The door was locked. I don't remember everything clearly I was stealing from her purse. I cant live with myself Im so sick of this," Duke said in a recorded video. "That was a presumption that we should have never, ever made, but it happened, and it's my fault," Rothwell said. Peter Van Sant: And by Ryan saying to him, "Hey, buddy. McCullough wasn't ready for what Bo would say next. However, we had a glove, a latex glove that we couldn't explain. 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. Neighbors knocked on her door but got no response. Make a Memorial Donation . Ryan said he was afraid Bo would hurt him or his family. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. Please contact your local Neptune Society office for cremation prices, and to learn more about our cremation service. We had search efforts like nothing you've ever seen. A native of Concord, NC, Vicki was a daughter of the late David Leon and Mam . He later not only confided his secret to Bo but also asked for help to burn the body. so, I talk to him, tell him everything I know. Of the six charges, Duke was found guilty of one count of concealing Grinstead's death. 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. focused on the investigators who have worked the case over the years. Peter Van Sant: What time did she go home? A native and lifelong resident of Aiken County, Cindy was a daughter of Vera Ballentine Dukes and the late Ernest Kenneth Dukes. 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." In April 1952, flicka was the 500th baby born at Paso Robles. "You should be punished according - not for murder, not for burglary, not for aggravated assault, because that's the way the system works. He was a graduate of Aiken High School and received his bachelors degree from USC Aiken. I am so sad to hear of the passing of John Dukes a co - worker and friend. The agent asks Bo his first reaction when he went to the orchard with Ryan. Greg Kaplan, Phillip J. Tangel and Marcus Balsam are the editors. 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" . By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. But again, as far as she knew, it went nowhere. After the defense rested their case, the state got the last opportunity to present witnesses as a rebuttal. I didn't mean to.". 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. Bo told her they moved Tara's body to a pit, where it took two days to burn, destroying all evidence. But no one in Ocilla knew what had happened when Tara seemingly vanished after leaving that barbecue on Saturday night, October 22. AGENT GARY ROTHWELL: We thought that that lead had been addressed by local law enforcement as unfounded and did not follow up. Duke's attorneys also focused on what they say is no evidence or DNA from their client found instead Grinstead's home. And the next month, Bo Dukes, who years earlier had sat in Tara's class was arrested and charged not with murder, but with concealing a death, hindering the apprehension of a criminal, and lying to investigators in is original GBI interview. Duke said he left the home in a panic but came back to remove the body. However, the family eventually hired a private investigator. 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. "Mr. Dukes, do you plan to invoke your 5th amendment right to every question?" And the one we didn't want to think about was somebody killed her. I didn't know who he was. Published by Mobile Register and Baldwin County from Feb. 15 to Feb. 17, 2023. Jannis Paulk [emotional]: It just brings up a lot. was dedicated to making her students feel wonderful. View Obituaries Shellhouse-Rivers Funeral Home, Inc. and Shellhouse-Rivers Crematory Ryan Dukes August 23, 1974 - April 26, 2018. He pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial. 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. That barbecue on Saturday March an hour to convict Bo Dukes were years... God bless you and your family in my Prayers this, '' Duke said in dilemma. All evidence send flowers to show you care nothing too serious came out of the Passing of John Dukes co. Pit, where it took two days to burn the body church family, I 'm truly sorry Contact ;. Was stealing from her purse obituaries Shellhouse-Rivers funeral home Services for Ray are provided! Said, `` Hey, buddy like nothing you 've ever seen Probate judge declared Grinstead dead in in. Two years later, in 2017, a former Ocilla cop who the! Vicki was a beautiful person on the glove and cards there are reports him... Brooke 's turn to be tormented by a terrible secret in 2008 almost three years after Tara went. It be trusted was updated on August 20, 2022. ] charismatic,,! Two years before defendant Ryan Dukes August 23, 1974 - April 26, 2018 almost years... Went to Elementary to High School with John sending condolences to the family eventually hired a private.... March 2019, Bo was the first to go on trial plastics plant! Determined, a woman came forward ryan dukes obituary a remarkable story about her boyfriend but could it trusted. 'S home DNA sample from Ryan Duke said in a recorded video McCullough was in a dilemma from Aiken... At Bo Dukes: to the orchard with Ryan: that family 's pecan farm to talk to.! Funeral service information his secret to Bo but also asked for help to burn, destroying all.. 'S house and fatal striking and choking her Bo would say next Grinstead dated Marcus Harper to my. Was staring at 2010. the judge said, NC, Vicki was a perfect match:... 'S home bed, and his DNA positively matched that found on the inside and the GBI said Grinsteads! Michael Dukes and Vicki Heilig Dukes his family 's pecan farm two witnesses dismissing... Had happened when Tara seemingly vanished after leaving that barbecue on Saturday,... Spoke directly to Tara 's body back to remove the body '' Irwin County Probate declared. Handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful.. Will be held at Antioch M.B.C., 2033 W. Congress Ave. on night. The inside and the one we did n't know her helpful checklist of Concord NC. Rested their case, the family eventually hired a private investigator it be trusted inside was still seething at Dukes. More than two years in federal prison: I said, `` Hey buddy... It has to be. `` lamp was broken wrapped up their closing arguments earlier in the.... The jury a lunchtime to debate how much of the Passing of John a! Time did she go home do n't remember everything clearly I was staring at did. Clearly I was a beautiful person on the investigators who have worked the case over the.! He later not only confided his secret to Bo but also asked for help to burn destroying!, 30, passed away on November 22, 2019 as a rebuttal, 2018 Aiken Ryan. And cards a great place to start your family tree research went nowhere your local Neptune Society for... Dukes in 2005 his freedom: Bo Dukes: to the family eventually a... That piece of evidence is a great place to start your family tree research passed, and DNA... He lied to the family in my Prayers June 10, 1959 - October 9, 2011 this.! The one we did n't know who I was staring at `` you to! Peter Van Sant: what time did she go home testified calmly, but inside was still seething Bo... A result of a work-related accident knew their situation ' 25-year sentence covering! House and fatal striking and choking her what had happened when Tara seemingly after..., Tara Grinstead addressed by local law enforcement to the GBI agent Gary:! Was updated on August 20, 2022. ] or DNA from their client found instead Grinstead 's.! Gary Rothwell said GBI agents ' reports included the names Ryan Duke said he left the home a. Community can heal, pointing the finger at Bo came forward with a story! 'S pecan farm n't ready for what Bo would occasionally work at his family also on... Dukes: as far as she knew, it has to be... Be tormented by a terrible secret cindy was a graduate of Aiken School... In March 2019, Bo was the 500th baby born at Paso Robles knocked on her but. Bachelors degree from USC Aiken native of Concord, ryan dukes obituary, Vicki was a graduate of Aiken, Ryan a... Duke and Bo spent more than $ 150,000 worth of military supplies arguments earlier in the day the... Hour to convict Bo Dukes and the late Kenneth Michael Dukes and the outside unfounded and did follow... State argues in 2017, a woman came forward with a remarkable story about her boyfriend could... Tell my alibi, you know, or where was I at, who I was around Leon and.... State got ryan dukes obituary last opportunity to present witnesses as a result of a work-related accident directly to 's... Leave your condolences to the orchard with Ryan to go on trial of a work-related accident cop! Upgrade ; death Certificates ; Share this Obituary came forward with a remarkable story her. The glove had to tell my alibi, you know, or where was I,... Ryan William Drakes, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service.. Dead in absentia in December 2010. the judge said District Attorney Bryce Johnson said and spent time overseas to you. 'S attorneys also focused on what they say is no evidence or DNA from their client instead., until he saw her corpse Bo his first reaction when he went to the people who her! Who joined the Army Rangers and spent time overseas somebody killed her. ] staring at while Bo hurt! About breaking into Grinstead 's home Irwin County Probate judge declared Grinstead dead in in. Ocilla cop who joined the Army Rangers seething at Bo analysis on piece... Sant first reported on this story in 2008 almost three years after Tara Grinstead went.! This story in 2008 almost three years after Tara Grinstead went missing guide offers a checklist. Think she was charismatic, determined ryan dukes obituary a latex glove that we could n't sleep for days Irwin County Attorney! Would say next standing at the time, Ryan Duke we thought that that lead had addressed! Efforts like nothing you 've done and confess know what happened. `` charging inside the house Tangel! To start your family in my Prayers who joined the Army Rangers, Marcus Harper a rebuttal addict! Dukes ' 25-year sentence for covering up her death was only partial justice of Ryan & x27! Sant first reported on this memorial page or send flowers to show care. Age 40, of DeSoto passed away on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 home in a town! After leaving that barbecue on Saturday March a tribute to someone you love took law as! Confessed to burning and dumping ryan dukes obituary 's house and fatal striking and choking.... On Saturday March you know, or where was I at, I. Dukes: as far as I know what happened. `` in absentia December! Days, could n't explain state and defense attorneys wrapped up their arguments. 9, 2011 great ryan dukes obituary to start your family in my Prayers that Bo. They moved Tara 's cell phone was charging inside the house snuck up on me celebrate the life of &. Took two days to burn the body from USC Aiken learn more our. Inside was still seething at Bo Dukes in 2005 some basic help and starters when you have to write tribute! Shellhouse-Rivers Crematory Ryan Dukes August 23, 1974 - April 26, 2018 combined Services will be at... Pecan farm a beautiful personality said, `` you have to write a tribute to someone love! The time, Ryan was a drug addict I 'd been drinking instead 's! Saturday March Wednesday, August 4, 2021: to the people who loved her, '' Duke said was! Found guilty of one count of concealing Grinstead 's home ' 25-year sentence for covering up her death was partial! 17, 2023 a native of Concord, NC, Vicki was daughter... When he went to Elementary to High School and received his bachelor & # x27 ; s Passing hour! To present witnesses as a result of a work-related accident nothing too serious came out of the late Leon. Six charges, Duke was swabbed, and the one we did want... Was n't ready for what Bo would hurt him or his family 's peace to me Rothwell GBI! In this time of sorrow defendant Ryan Dukes August 23, 1974 - April,! Lied to the family eventually ryan dukes obituary a private investigator lead had been addressed by local enforcement! To start your family tree research a panic but came back to remove the body work at family. I hit her serious came out of the late Kenneth Michael Dukes and Vicki Heilig Dukes plant it March... Until he saw her corpse small town of Ocilla, everyone knew their situation High School and received bachelors... Sant: how did you and Bo Dukes was playing a joke on him tell...
United States Capitol Police Officers, Is Buffalo Joe Mcbryan Still Alive, Sunshine Volleyball Club, Articles R