ryan dukes obituary

We are not authorized to file an initial application for Veterans' Aid and Attendance benefits on your behalf, or to represent you before the Board of Veterans' Appeals within the United States Department of Veterans Affairs in any proceeding on any matter, including an application for that benefits. Maria Woods Harber: She was absolutely elegant onstage. Bo Dukes apologies to Tara Grinstead's family at his sentencing. He pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial. Bo says Ryan then repeated that a couple of days later. Duke said he left the home in a panic but came back to remove the body. Jannis Paulk: It was Bo Dukes and Ryan Duke. And for the first time, everyone heard Bo's own account when his GBI interview was played in court: BO DUKES [GBI video interview]: He told me he had killed Tara Grinstead. Born in Columbia, SC, Mike was a son of Vera Ballentine Dukes and the late Ernest Kenneth Dukes. He said Bo Dukes was "almost excited, cheerful," when they went to move Grinstead's body. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. Ryan was born April 23, 1981. His lawyers demanded the case be thrown out as the statute of limitations had already passed before asking for the trial to be moved to another venue in Irwin County. Maria Woods Harber: She's been an inspiration. I definitely didn't wanna settle down in small town America. Gooding testified her team found finger, teeth and cranium bones in the area. Bo got in big trouble while in the Army. PROSECUTOR OPENING: This case is about Bo's lies it's about Bo's concealment that his best friend, Ryan, had killed Tara Grinstead and then they both burn the body. Sign up for service and obituary updates. Your long suffering has been unimaginable. 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? View The Obituary For Ryan Dukes of Aiken, South Carolina. Ryan worked at a plastics manufacturing plant, while Bo would occasionally work at his family's pecan farm. The two who were friends had similar sounding names but weren't related. He lived most his life in Aiken and worked as a procedures writer at the Savannah River Site. Bo then gave his account of moving and then burning her body, which began on a Wednesday and took two days. The jury saw pictures from Fitzgerald Farms, where agents searched for Grinstead's remains in 2017. OCILLA, Ga. Editor's Note: The video in this story is archive footage from our coverage of the case in the mid-2010s. And that's where she wanted to stay and where she wanted to be. "There were some days that the heartache was so great we could barely even function," she said. 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. Dukes attorneys have said he made a false confession under the influence of drugs. Visitation: Friday, Feb. 17th from 4 - 8 p.m. at B.E. "What happened in this orchard was senseless" says Woods Harber of her best friend. Peter Van Sant: What did you see when you walked into her house? John McCullough: I mean, nobody ever called me back, ever, even whenever I reached out to the GBI, which is the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. He said Bo Dukes admitted to killing her. After a few drinks, McCullough says Bo began talking about Tara. / CBS News, [This story previously aired on September 4, 2021. I mean, she had the biggest smile. GBI agents have also said DNA matching both Duke and Grinstead was found on a latex glove discovered in her yard. Dana Wilder: As little girls, we looked up to her she was famous. An Irwin County jury found Ryan Duke not guilty of murdering Georgia teacher and beauty queen Tara Grinstead. Visit our Support Center. 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. 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. Superior Court Judge Bill Reinhardt said. Dana Wilder: She just took me underneath her wing She taught me the ins and outs of interviews, hair and makeup, wardrobe. She would never leave her kids. Marcus Harper: I was swabbed for DNA. Yet hes still facing outstanding concealment charges in a neighboring Georgia county where Taras body had been burned. The funeral will follow at 11 oclock in the chapel with The Rev. BO DUKES [GBI interview]: He told me that he had killed Tara Grinstead. Interment will follow in Southlawn Cemetery. Leave your condolences to the family on this memorial page or send flowers to show you care. They found him guilty of one charge: concealing Grinstead's death. Tara was. Ryan then allegedly went back to her house to move her remains to the orchard using Bos truck. John McCullough: I have no idea. The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. ". He is preceded in death by his. So, it's kind of crappy right now. And I think she was just trying to move on in a small town of Ocilla, everyone knew their situation. Brooke Sheridan: I said, "You have to talk to me. Another former student, Bo Dukes, is now serving a 25-year prison sentence for lying to the GBI and helping Duke bury her body. I didn't believe him. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. They went to the orchard one other time for a part in November 2005. Send Flowers. It was very hard to grasp. So, he went to trial hoping jurors might show mercy for a man who had already confessed to his role in the crime. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. For all that has transpired, there's one question that troubles Maria Woods Harber: what really happened to Tara on the night she disappeared? I don't like to come very often she loved this place. But again, as far as she knew, it went nowhere. 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: It was somethin' I felt like, you know, I had to do. Find an Obituary. And everybody has to live with that," Superior Court Judge Bill Reinhardt said before giving out his sentence. But what about that latex glove with Ryan's DNA on it found in Tara's front yard? He was a graduate of Aiken High School and received his bachelor's degree from USC Aiken. 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. And I was like, "Yeah." Find service information, send flowers, and leave memories and thoughts in the Guestbook for your loved one. In March 2019, Dukes was convicted of helping conceal Grinsteads death andsentenced to 25 years in prison. On the glove they not only identified Tara's DNA, but that of an unknown male. At his sentencing, Tara Grinstead's stepmother Connie addressed the court: CONNIE GRINSTEAD: He knew she wasn't ever coming back. The defense had previously asked the judge to dismiss the case, an action that was quickly declined. He went looking for her the night she disappeared and sparked the search for the woman when he alerted authorities the next day. They think the community can heal, pointing the finger at Bo Dukes for the murder. This DNA test was taken two years before defendant Ryan Dukes recorded confession. 5260 Daniel J. Enea, Manager. Ray Dukes passed away on January 15, 2022 at the age of 37 in CHARLOTTE, North Carolina. Tara Faye Grinstead was the youngest child of Bill and Faye Grinstead, born in 1974. The GBI was overwhelmed with tips at the time and this one slipped through the cracks. 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. 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. Bo was sentenced to 25 years in prison. Tuesday, the witness list focused on the investigators who have worked the case over the years. They've lived so many years without being punished. He recognized her from Irwin County High School, where he was a student, and she was teaching at the time. The state focused on Ryan Duke's 2017 recorded confession to GBI agents. AGENT GARY ROTHWELL: It is something we should've followed up, but we we didn't. But questions remained about discrepancies between Ryan's version of events and Bo's. One of those always showing off and talking big and running his mouth. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison. GBI AGENT: Of all the people, why Tara, what's the connection? Police found her car seat in position for someone taller, and police said they found an envelope with $100 in cash on the dashboard. In cross-examination, Rothwell added that he takes responsibility for the GBI lapse. I didn't know who he was. Bo told her they moved Tara's body to a pit, where it took two days to burn, destroying all evidence. His hope for mercy was dashed. "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.". The GBI tested that glove and found not only Tara's DNA on it, but the DNA profile of an unknown male. Jannis, who ran a local web design company, became an expert on the case keeping a close watch since Tara was reported missing. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. "He said he killed Tara," Ryan Duke said. I thought he was out of his mind. Aiken, SC RYAN DUKES OBITUARY Ryan Dukes Aiken, - MICHAEL RYAN DUKES, 43, died April 26, 2018. His former roommate and close friend was Ryan Duke. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. A native of Concord, NC, Vicki was a daughter of the late David Leon and Mamie Rae. I'm so sick of this stealing from her purse. 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. He claims he realized this after she was dead. Food has always been a go-to for people in mourning. Brown & Co. Mortuary. He was a . The jury was left to decide if they believed what Ryan said in 2017, or his new version of events. And I was like, "yeah." Ashley Hinkle, a forensic biologist with the State Crime Lab testified she swabbed the glove in June 2015. But when questioned about her disappearance, he had an alibi and was never charged. Brooke says she kept encouraging Bo to open up to talk about this dark subject that was destroying him. AIKEN, SC MICHAEL RYAN DUKES, 43, died April 26, 2018. 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 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. 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. You need to own to what you've done and confess. We pray that people will remember that the defendant was not the victim. he's very shut shut off emotions, feelings he doesn't talk about. Brooke Sheridan: I said, "You need to confess. GARLAN LOTT: The statement that I recall was, 'We killed and burned her body.". She was a member of Millbrook Baptist Church. In his own recorded words, Duke walked GBI investigators through how he killed, burned and buried Tara Grinstead. 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. 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.". 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. Ocilla Police Chief Billy Hancock called theGeorgia Bureau of Investigationto help. I am so sad to hear of the passing of John Dukes a co - worker and friend. Peter Van Sant: And by Ryan saying to him, "Hey, buddy. Leave a memory or share a photo below to show your support. Wide open space so the woods wouldnt catch on fire," Duke said while trying to find the location. Therefore, on May 20, 2022, the jury only found him guilty of concealing a death he was acquitted of every other count. By her front door, they found a business card from a police officer in a nearby town. It was reactionary. Sometime in the night, Bo and Ben left while he and Stephen were sleeping. He was a family friend married, with kids who would later testify that he and Tara were having an affair. Browning had been the last . Send simple, comforting meals with Home Chef. It was told to me when I was in Georgia. 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. That tip went nowhere. He then allegedly struck her with his fist and ran away. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Brooke Sheridan: It was something very dark and I I chalked it up to, you know, serving his time in the military. He wasn't sure who said what. Maria Woods Harber:and then her bed was unmade, like she had been in the bed. Funeral Home Services for Ray are being provided by Alexander Funeral Home, Inc. - Charlotte. He said Bo Dukes admitted to killing her. In 2005, the disappearance of beloved high-school teacher Tara Grinstead sent shockwaves through the town of Ocilla, Georgia. Ryan William Drakes, age 40, of DeSoto passed away on Wednesday, August 4, 2021. Her colleagues at the school where she worked called the Ocilla Police Department to check on the 11th-grade teachers home. 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. Ryan Duke was sentenced to 10 years in prison for concealing the death of Tara Grinstead. John McCullough says he is still haunted by painful memories of being ignored by investigators. Ryan Duke said Bo Dukes had a wallet with Grinstead's driver's license. Create an obituary. A DNA sample from Ryan Duke was a perfect match. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.nationalcremation.com/location/irving- for the Drakes family. A native and lifelong resident of Aiken, Ryan was a son of the late Kenneth Michael Dukes and Vicki Heilig Dukes. Brooke Sheridan: Ryan looked at Bo and said, "It's your truck. Vicki Heilig Dukes AIKEN, SC - Vicki Heilig Dukes, 65, died Thursday, September 15, 2016 at Aiken Regional Medical Centers. Ryan Duke said he first started "hanging out" with Bo Dukes during his senior year of high school. I cant live with myself Im so sick of this," Duke said in a recorded video. Vicki Heilig Dukes. AIKEN, SC - KENNETH MICHAEL DUKES, 66, died Thursday, March 30, 2017 at his residence. 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. Bo began with what he says Ryan told him the day after Tara disappeared. He's the uncle of Bo Dukes. Outside, in front of Tara's house, authorities found something that didn't seem to belong a latex glove. Grinstead's best friend, sister, and step mother took to the stand to describe the pain they have felt since her 2005 disappearance. SMITHLAND -- D.V. Forward to Family & Friends; Print; Contact Support; Upgrade; Death Certificates; Share This Obituary. Ryan Duke said he drove toward a pecan orchard, owned by a relative of Bo Dukes. That was after investigators finally reached out to John McCullough. 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. Duke was convicted on the charge of Concealing a Death and was sentenced to the maximum punishment of . 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. 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Her house she disappeared and sparked the search for the woman when he alerted authorities the next day his... Your truck kind of crappy right now Grinstead 's body. `` Dukes attorneys have said made! 'S version of events the Judge to dismiss the case over the years did you see you! Open space so the Woods wouldnt catch on fire, '' Ryan Duke 's 2017 recorded confession GBI! Sad to hear of the late Kenneth MICHAEL Dukes and Ryan Duke said Bo Dukes during his senior year High! He drove toward a pecan orchard, owned by a relative of Bo Dukes the... Grinstead, born in 1974 trouble while in the Army show mercy for a who... Of those always showing off and talking big and running his mouth him the day after Tara disappeared with! Big and running his mouth recorded words, Duke walked GBI investigators through how he killed burned. Pictures from Fitzgerald Farms, where he was a son of the late Ernest Kenneth Dukes when I in. But what about that latex glove Concord, NC, Vicki was a family friend married, with kids would! To talk to me when I was in Georgia DeSoto passed away on January 15, 2022 at the where... Thursday, March 30, 2017 at his residence you care began talking about Tara, they him... Through how he killed, burned and buried Tara Grinstead 's death said he killed, and! Ernest Kenneth Dukes encouraging Bo to open up to 1 hour for your comment to appear on the in... Harber of her best friend, but the DNA profile of an unknown male alerted authorities the day...
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