Ryan Duke sentenced 10 years for concealing Tara Grinstead’s body

OCILLA, GA – Judge Bill Reinhardt sentenced the now exonerated murder suspect Ryan Duke to the maximum penalty allowed under state law Monday.

Ten years for the single guilty count of concealing the 2005 death of former beauty queen Tara Grinstead, but Duke could be out from behind bars far sooner. He has been residing at the Irwin County detention center for the past 5 years and for that he’s now eligible for parole.

Emotions were raw Monday morning as Tara’s family gave their victim’s impact statement.

“October 2005 was one of the most painful journey’s that I think any family could ever be faced with.” said Tara’s Step-mother, Connie Grinstead.

Connie Grinstead, Tara’s Step-mother (Quinlan Parker/SouthGATV)

That journey started nearly 17 years ago, when Tara’s sister Anita Gattis heard four words that would change their lives forever.

“They can’t find Tara. 4 words. They can’t find Tara 4 small words.” said Gattis.

Anita Gattis, Tara’s sister
(Quinlan Parker/SouthGATV)

Connie says that she and her family would post letters in the Ocilla Star newspaper, pleading for information in Tara’s disappearance.

“In one letter even said, ‘If it was an accident and you didn’t mean to hurt her, please just tell us and we will stand with you and help you make things right.’ But the silence was deafening.” said Connie.

Connie adds that Duke’s 2017 confession was genuine and showed remorse.

“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.” said Grinstead.

The Grinstead family says they made an agreement that once a verdict was reached whether guilty or innocent, they’d withhold in making any public remarks as show of respect.

“Unfortunately the defendants counsel and family did not grant us that same respect. In fact the giggles and excitement they expressed when they did their interview would have been more appropriate if your football team had just beaten their biggest rival.” said Grinstead.

The State asked for the maximum sentence, citing the Grinstead’s family summation in their impact statement, while the defense argued Duke’s good character.

“He went through three appeals, he sat patiently through three appeals. He sat patiently through COVID. He himself was willing to waive his right to a speedy trial in order to not have the jurors be subject to coming here during COVID.” said defense attorney Ashleigh Merchant.

In the end, Judge Reinhardt had this to say to Duke.

“Whatever your selfish feelings were for not coming forward, you had the power to stop that pain…” said Reinhardt “…and it’s up to me to impose an appropriate sentence, and that sentence is 10 years to serve in the state penitentiary.” he added.

Duke does have 4 years from the day the filing of the sentence to challenge the legality of his confinement, plus another 30 days to file an appeal or motion for a new trial.