Crime & Safety

Man Accused Of Killing GA Teacher Says Former Friend Did It: Report

Ryan Duke walked back his confession while defending himself on the stand Tuesday, saying Bo Dukes killed Tara Grinstead.

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Ryan Duke, who is accused of killing Tara Grinstead in Ocilla, Georgia, in 2005, told a jury Tuesday his confession was a lie told out of fear of Bo Dukes, who he accused of killing Grinstead.
Ryan Duke, who is accused of killing Tara Grinstead in Ocilla, Georgia, in 2005, told a jury Tuesday his confession was a lie told out of fear of Bo Dukes, who he accused of killing Grinstead. (AP Photo/Elliott Minor, File)

IRWIN COUNTY, GA — The man accused of murder in the case of the 2005 slaying of beauty queen and teacher Tara Grinstead in Ocilla, Georgia, took the stand in his defense Tuesday, revealing details about the murder and pinning the killing on his former best friend, according to a report from WSB-TV Atlanta.

Ryan Duke told the jury he lied to authorities when he confessed to the murder out of fear of Bo Dukes, who he accused of killing Grinstead, according to the report.

Dukes, who is charged with concealing Grinstead's death in connection with the case, told Duke he killed Grinstead the morning after the killing occurred, Duke told the jury. Dukes then drove Duke to a pecan orchard to show him Grinstead's body. Dukes fondled her before he burned her body, Duke said.

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Prosecutors attempted to discredit Duke and claimed he lies "when the stakes are high," according to the report.

See WSB-TV for the full story

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