CLR: Full Coverage & Breaking News

[Hotwater]

FULL COVERAGE PAGE 8/02/06
http://www.crimelibrary.com/criminal_mind/forensics/tara_grinstead/index.html



She's not able to get online yet, but asked me to say that she is there covering the disappearance of Tara Grinstead.

"I am here on location for several days in Ocilla, Georgia, the community from which the stunningly beautiful and talented Tara Grinstead disappeared. Not only the folks of Ocilla, but all the towns nearby have been galvanized into search efforts for this lovely high school teacher. "


-Hotwater

[Steve_Huff]

I may head down this weekend, as well, depending on how the story unfolds. It's about 40 miles further for me to drive than Marilyn, but most of it is Interstate. She's done some great information-gathering today, I can say that.

Steve

[Babes]

Originally posted by Steve_Huff
I may head down this weekend, as well, depending on how the story unfolds. It's about 40 miles further for me to drive than Marilyn, but most of it is Interstate. She's done some great information-gathering today, I can say that.

Steve

Hi steve thanks for the updates on the Grinstead case :seeya:

[jagstar58]

Originally posted by Hotwater
She's not able to get online yet, but asked me to say that she is there covering the disappearance of Tara Grinstead.

"I am here on location for several days in Ocilla, Georgia, the community from which the stunningly beautiful and talented Tara Grinstead disappeared. Not only the folks of Ocilla, but all the towns nearby have been galvanized into search efforts for this lovely high school teacher. "


-Hotwater

Thanks for the update and the board. I am glad CTV is sending someone down to cover this.

[dalma3604]

Originally posted by Steve_Huff
I may head down this weekend, as well, depending on how the story unfolds. It's about 40 miles further for me to drive than Marilyn, but most of it is Interstate. She's done some great information-gathering today, I can say that.

Steve


Hi! I just wanted to say that I am a fan of your's. I tend to go to your Planet Huff website when new crimes occur and have kept up with many cases that you have blogged. It's good to see you posting on CourtTV. Keep up the good work!!!!

:seeya:

[fight4right]

Are you all still working on Tara's case? I keep checking for an update.

"Are you all still working on Tara's case? I keep checking for an update."

Yes, fight4right, there are a number of us from Crime Library working on Tara's case. My colleague Mike Wild and I went to Ocilla Tuesday through Thursday to talk to people and take some camera footage. Shortly, some of this footage will be available on the Tara Grinstead Full Coverage page.

http://www.crimelibrary.com/criminal_mind/forensics/tara_grinstead/index.html

Seamus McGraw has just written a feature story on the case so that people just learning about it can get up to speed without reading scores of newspaper articles. He will continue to add to the feature story as information develops:

http://www.crimelibrary.com/criminal_mind/forensics/tara_grinstead/1.html

Several of us, Steve Huff, Seamus McGraw and I have written up news articles to bring people current, and there is a person scouring the boards and blogs for new information, but we are severely hampered by the deafening silence on the part of GBI.
Either GBI is hitting brick walls or they are being extraordinarily closed-mouth about everything.

Marilyn Bardsley

[Babes]

Marilyn

I really hope you guys can check this Burnt House at Snapdragon Rd. ( The new name of the street is Johnny Harper Road - but on the street sign you will see Snapdragon Rd instead - )
and on Steve Huff's Blog
he mentioned a psychic and the Harper Road in questioned but they pointed this to a different County which is Douglas i believed. The location of the Burnt house is in Irwin County and also in Ocilla. Local Folks saw this Burnt house already .Maybe the Pyschic mentioned on the dark side needed to check this.

Hi BABES,

We've finally got some information on the burnt house investigation by GBI. We'll have an article published by 10 a.m. on our Tara Grinstead Full Coverage Page:

http://www.crimelibrary.com/criminal_mind/forensics/tara_grinstead/index.html

[Babes]

Originally posted by MarilynB
Hi BABES,

We've finally got some information on the burnt house investigation by GBI. We'll have an article published by 10 a.m. on our Tara Grinstead Full Coverage Page:

http://www.crimelibrary.com/criminal_mind/forensics/tara_grinstead/index.html

Thanks Marilyn

We've just posted the first of our articles from this weekend. Also in the works: photos, video footage, profiles of EquuSearch's Tim Miller and Robert Cook, father of missing Rachel Cook.

Today's article and upcoming photos, video and profiles are and will be available on Crime Library's Tara Grinstead Full Coverage page:

http://www.crimelibrary.com/criminal_mind/forensics/tara_grinstead/index.html

Crime Library has published a new article on the Tara Grinstead case as well as video clips:

http://www.crimelibrary.com/news/index.html

Take a look. New photos will be coming soon.

Originally posted by Bojangles
WOW MARYLIN, does Miriam Cely look like a younger Tara or what?

How old is Miriam if you know please?

Sorry, Bogjangles. I don't know who Miriam Cely is.

[fsbiii]

She's in one of the pics with Tara in the "Tara & Friends" section of CL pics.... very striking resemblance...

[Hotwater]

New Reward for Tara (http://www.crimelibrary.com/news/original/1205/2001_new_tara_grinstead_reward.html)

[Hotwater]

Grinstead's supporters hold vigil, seek new kidnap laws 12/23/05 (http://www.crimelibrary.com/news/original/1205/2301_taras_tree.html)

[Hotwater]

CL article (http://www.crimelibrary.com/news/original/0106/1202_congressman_kingston_meet_grinstead_family.ht ml)

[dogsRGreat]

Originally posted by MarilynB
We've just posted the first of our articles from this weekend. Also in the works: photos, video footage, profiles of EquuSearch's Tim Miller and Robert Cook, father of missing Rachel Cook.

Today's article and upcoming photos, video and profiles are and will be available on Crime Library's Tara Grinstead Full Coverage page:

http://www.crimelibrary.com/criminal_mind/forensics/tara_grinstead/index.html

OM Goodness... get the spelliing right of the missing young woman ... it's RACHEL COOKE. Her dad is ROBERT COOKE. If we can't spell the name right how can anyone know what you're talking about? This is a difficult thing to do.. iMO.

I don't nit-pick about spelling other than NAMES of missing people.

[Mindis]

I haven't seen any updates on the last search they did for Tara.. what's next?!?

[NancynNC]

Psychics fail:

http://www.crimelibrary.com/news/original/0206/0701_psychics_fail_tara.html

[bowtiegirl52]

THEY DIDN'T GET ANYTHING?
NOT ANYTHING?
I DON'T INDERSTAND....
JUST HOPEFULL........

[country girl]

http://www.crimelibrary.com/criminal_mind/forensics/tara_grinstead/index.html

[Saunterer]

"After months of fruitless and frustrating searches, the family of vanished high school teacher and one-time beauty queen Tara Grinstead is now turning to opposite ends of the spectrum — joining forces with both a scientist and a psychic — in the hopes of turning up some information about the young woman's fate."

http://www.crimelibrary.com/news/original/0206/2301_grinstead_family_tries_to_find_her.html

[Saunterer]

In the months since Tara vanished, police and investigators from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation have conducted scores of interviews, focusing often on key men in Tara's life ...

Authorities have also tracked down reports of various possible sightings of Tara from as far away as Virginia and New York. And there have been several major searches, including several done by the nationally known search-and-rescue group Texas EquuSearch. But none of those efforts has led to a breakthrough.

The searches continue, Gattis told Crime Library Thursday. "We took dogs down into an area south of Ocilla, but they didn't hit on anything," Gattis said. "I've been out probably four times in the past two weeks searching different areas and haven't really had any luck."

http://www.crimelibrary.com/news/original/0206/2301_grinstead_family_tries_to_find_her.html

[NancynNC]

Friends and family members are taking aim at Irwin County Sheriff Donnie Youghn, accusing him of throwing up roadblocks, physically and literally in their investigation.

http://www.crimelibrary.com/news/original/0306/1401_tara_grinstead_tensions_mount.html

New article on Tara Grinstead full coverage page on the death threat to Maurice Godwin

http://www.crimelibrary.com/criminal_mind/forensics/tara_grinstead/index.html

[Hotwater]

Supporters Plan New Search for Tara Grinstead (http://www.crimelibrary.com/news/original/0306/2301_new_tara_search.html)

[Saunterer]

March 30, 2006
http://www.crimelibrary.com/news/original/0306/3001_tara_grinstead.html

[fallenangelpi]

Not sure if this link is posted anywhere, I just came across it,,, interesting,,,http://huffcrimeblog.com/?p=359

[Saunterer]

April 11, 2006

Supporters of missing schoolteacher and beauty queen Tara Grinstead say they have some promising leads and plan to rally their volunteers for yet another search later this week...

http://www.crimelibrary.com/news/original/0406/1101_new_search_tara.html

[ggrh]

http://www.macon.com/mld/macon/14382517.htm

[luvmy2labpups]

Originally posted by ggrh
http://www.macon.com/mld/macon/14382517.htm There is a link about a new witness. I can't help but have my doubts about this. Do you think there is any validity to it?

[luvmy2labpups]

I meant to say thread. SHEESH, my fingers move too fast sometimes. LOL

[NancynNC]

This is Dateline show on Tara, click on launch under Tara's pix.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032600/

[Hotwater]

I thought I put this up. Sorry for the delay! New CL article on TG case:
In the days after school teacher and beauty Tara Grinstead mysteriously vanished, investigators methodically tracked down and interviewed many of the men who had played a key role in her life, among them, Marcus Harper, a former police officer, Iraqi war veteran, and Tara's former long-time boyfriend. (http://www.crimelibrary.com/news/original/0506/2501_tara_grinstead_fletcher_harper.html)

--Hotwater

[NancynNC]

I have found that you can watch WALB news at 6 pm live on your computer. It is the city of Albany but they have done articles in the past about Tara. No story today, but it is interesting.

http://www.walb.com/Global/category.asp?C=1687&nav=menu37_2

[lighthousedazy]

http://www.macon.com/mld/macon/15762851.htm

New article in The Macon Telegraph, Oct. 15, 2006

[fsbiii]

http://walb.com/Global/story.asp?S=5626930

WALB'S 1-year anniversary story

[InOcillaGA]

http://www.crimelibrary.com/news/original/1206/1201_texas_equusearch.html

[One2Snoop]

Interview with Anita Gattis on Fox News today....

http://www.foxnews.com/video2/launchPage.html?050907/050907_bya&Because%20You%20Asked&Americas_Newsroom&Update%20on%20search%20for%20missing%20beauty%20qu een%20Tara%20Grindstead&US&-1&Because%20You%20Asked&Video%20Launch%20Page&News

[InOcillaGA]

New article in Atlanta newspaper.

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/stories/2007/06/17/0618where.html

[The R]

Have heard from a bud at another mb that LE is currently active in this case. Here's hoping for progress!

:beer:
ALLMO,
R

[The R]

just a friendly BUMP!



Have heard from a bud at another mb that LE is currently active in this case. Here's hoping for progress!

:beer:
ALLMO,
R

[FDInLaw]

Have heard from a bud at another mb that LE is currently active in this case. Here's hoping for progress!

:beer:
ALLMO,
RCan you give us more details???

:seeya:

[The R]

Can you give us more details???

:seeya:

Howdy!

I've asked the person who reported this info to come here and post....I'll remind them!

R

[Maybaby59]

Thanks R! I still come here to read and I'm always interested in hearing any news related to Tara's case. :)

[Its just me]

:rose: Hey my freinds, I'm so sorry I have not been here but I have many irons in my fire. :)

I don't have any details about the case to tell you but I ocassionally speak with Cheif Hancock at the Ocilla Police Department. My last time was a few weeks ago and he said Tara's case was very active. There are still clues coming in..The reason I spoke with the Chief was to report one. I know people are still digging..asking questions and I belive God has a hand in somethings...I got a phone call and in a conversation something that could be important was revealed.
I don't know exactly when she went to work on the case but the Chief told me several month ago that a new person (female) had started working on Tara's case and he really had good things to say about her..;) and all females. LOL he made the remark that this lady was digging in her heels and said females tend to be more aggressive than men. He sounded really positive. Keep Tara and this case in your prayers. I have hope it will be solved and Tara will be found.

I will try to do better and get back here often and continue to encourage others to also. Thanks R for the PM.

I love and appreciate all of you. IJM

[The R]

:rose: Hey my freinds, I'm so sorry I have not been here but I have many irons in my fire. :)

I don't have any details about the case to tell you but I ocassionally speak with Cheif Hancock at the Ocilla Police Department. My last time was a few weeks ago and he said Tara's case was very active. There are still clues coming in..The reason I spoke with the Chief was to report one. I know people are still digging..asking questions and I belive God has a hand in somethings...I got a phone call and in a conversation something that could be important was revealed.
I don't know exactly when she went to work on the case but the Chief told me several month ago that a new person (female) had started working on Tara's case and he really had good things to say about her..;) and all females. LOL he made the remark that this lady was digging in her heels and said females tend to be more aggressive than men. He sounded really positive. Keep Tara and this case in your prayers. I have hope it will be solved and Tara will be found.

I will try to do better and get back here often and continue to encourage others to also. Thanks R for the PM.

I love and appreciate all of you. IJM


Thanks IJM!

well here's hoping for a successful 'aggressive' lady investigator in TG's case! I hope she can break it!


:patriot:


R

[FDInLaw]

:rose: Hey my freinds, I'm so sorry I have not been here but I have many irons in my fire. :)

I don't have any details about the case to tell you but I ocassionally speak with Cheif Hancock at the Ocilla Police Department. My last time was a few weeks ago and he said Tara's case was very active. There are still clues coming in..The reason I spoke with the Chief was to report one. I know people are still digging..asking questions and I belive God has a hand in somethings...I got a phone call and in a conversation something that could be important was revealed.
I don't know exactly when she went to work on the case but the Chief told me several month ago that a new person (female) had started working on Tara's case and he really had good things to say about her..;) and all females. LOL he made the remark that this lady was digging in her heels and said females tend to be more aggressive than men. He sounded really positive. Keep Tara and this case in your prayers. I have hope it will be solved and Tara will be found.

I will try to do better and get back here often and continue to encourage others to also. Thanks R for the PM.

I love and appreciate all of you. IJMHuggers! Thanks for the update! :seeya:

[One2Snoop]

:rose: Hey my freinds, I'm so sorry I have not been here but I have many irons in my fire. :)

I don't have any details about the case to tell you but I ocassionally speak with Cheif Hancock at the Ocilla Police Department. My last time was a few weeks ago and he said Tara's case was very active. There are still clues coming in..The reason I spoke with the Chief was to report one. I know people are still digging..asking questions and I belive God has a hand in somethings...I got a phone call and in a conversation something that could be important was revealed.
I don't know exactly when she went to work on the case but the Chief told me several month ago that a new person (female) had started working on Tara's case and he really had good things to say about her..;) and all females. LOL he made the remark that this lady was digging in her heels and said females tend to be more aggressive than men. He sounded really positive. Keep Tara and this case in your prayers. I have hope it will be solved and Tara will be found.

I will try to do better and get back here often and continue to encourage others to also. Thanks R for the PM.

I love and appreciate all of you. IJM

Thanks for the info IJM. I hope the new investigator can resolve this case someday, the sooner the better. :beer:

[hypnotized]

:rose: Hey my freinds, I'm so sorry I have not been here but I have many irons in my fire. :)

I don't have any details about the case to tell you but I ocassionally speak with Cheif Hancock at the Ocilla Police Department. My last time was a few weeks ago and he said Tara's case was very active. There are still clues coming in..The reason I spoke with the Chief was to report one. I know people are still digging..asking questions and I belive God has a hand in somethings...I got a phone call and in a conversation something that could be important was revealed.
I don't know exactly when she went to work on the case but the Chief told me several month ago that a new person (female) had started working on Tara's case and he really had good things to say about her..;) and all females. LOL he made the remark that this lady was digging in her heels and said females tend to be more aggressive than men. He sounded really positive. Keep Tara and this case in your prayers. I have hope it will be solved and Tara will be found.

I will try to do better and get back here often and continue to encourage others to also. Thanks R for the PM.

I love and appreciate all of you. IJM

This is great news, IJM! Thanks for letting us know that LE hasn't given up and there is some activitity. MAYBE this new investigator will find SOMETHING that will lead to answers. :)

[kundalini]

For a long time I felt Tara was surprised at home when she returned from the party. Recently, I rethought the situation and feel as though Tara did get home safely, changed into night clothes, went to bed and was awakened - this is also the time Dolly is barking and barking and barking. I do not recall the "morning" time that the neighbors heard this but I think it was early morning Sunday. If an intruder or uninvited guest stopped by - maybe after driving around all night with a friend - it would make sense that Dolly would be upset. Tara could have been less than cordial or a verbal fight began and led to her getting hurt. It would have to be a "no blood" kind of hurt such as strangulation. The person would leave the house in a panick then return hours later and borrow someone elses's truck/car to transport the body. There is a chance there were two people that moved the body - the owner of the truck/car and the person that committed the crime. If this is the case, the truck/car could easily be burned to cover evidence. Especially if the body was taken to another location, say an empty house, while plans were made to discard the body. Possibly both the auto and the house could be burned to get rid of evidence. If this is the case, at least one other person is involved. This person should not protect the criminal any longer. Afterall, they did nothing wrong. They did not commit a crime. They just helped a friend dispose of a body. I believe any intelligent person would have the sense to contact a trustworthy law enforcement official and discuss their part in this crime. It certainly would free up their conscience. I am sure they have not had an easy life since assisting in the removal of the body.

[minga]

For a long time I felt Tara was surprised at home when she returned from the party. Recently, I rethought the situation and feel as though Tara did get home safely, changed into night clothes, went to bed and was awakened - this is also the time Dolly is barking and barking and barking. I do not recall the "morning" time that the neighbors heard this but I think it was early morning Sunday. If an intruder or uninvited guest stopped by - maybe after driving around all night with a friend - it would make sense that Dolly would be upset. Tara could have been less than cordial or a verbal fight began and led to her getting hurt. It would have to be a "no blood" kind of hurt such as strangulation. The person would leave the house in a panick then return hours later and borrow someone elses's truck/car to transport the body. There is a chance there were two people that moved the body - the owner of the truck/car and the person that committed the crime. If this is the case, the truck/car could easily be burned to cover evidence. Especially if the body was taken to another location, say an empty house, while plans were made to discard the body. Possibly both the auto and the house could be burned to get rid of evidence. If this is the case, at least one other person is involved. This person should not protect the criminal any longer. Afterall, they did nothing wrong. They did not commit a crime. They just helped a friend dispose of a body. I believe any intelligent person would have the sense to contact a trustworthy law enforcement official and discuss their part in this crime. It certainly would free up their conscience. I am sure they have not had an easy life since assisting in the removal of the body.



ASUMMING it happened that way, an intelligent person might or might not contact LE. That person might be unable to admit a part it in for fear of what may become of him. Some people's may think they can hide from God and the world and some manage it for awhile.

But on the other hand maybe it didn't happen this way at all and MH didn't enlist ML to hide and dispose of the body and torch the evidence. Common sense tells you not to get another person involved. (If you have common sense.) Do your own dirty work, loose lips might be a ball buster down the road. I don't think he's that stupid, so that theory doesn't really work for me.

And on the third hand, possibly Tara left with someone of her own accord, possibly someone who was alone and didn't have helpers because it would be too risky to involve other people.

And on another hand maybe it was someone we know totally nothing about.

[One2Snoop]

ASUMMING it happened that way, an intelligent person might or might not contact LE. That person might be unable to admit a part it in for fear of what may become of him. Some people's may think they can hide from God and the world and some manage it for awhile.

But on the other hand maybe it didn't happen this way at all and MH didn't enlist ML to hide and dispose of the body and torch the evidence. Common sense tells you not to get another person involved. (If you have common sense.) Do your own dirty work, loose lips might be a ball buster down the road. I don't think he's that stupid, so that theory doesn't really work for me.

And on the third hand, possibly Tara left with someone of her own accord, possibly someone who was alone and didn't have helpers because it would be too risky to involve other people.

And on another hand maybe it was someone we know totally nothing about.

ITA Minga! :beer: :seeya:

[minga]

ITA Minga! :beer: :seeya:

Thanks One2, but I totally whacked that word. :rolleyes: That should read Assuming. :punch: I hate it when there are no edit features.

[One2Snoop]

Thanks One2, but I totally whacked that word. :rolleyes: That should read Assuming. :punch: I hate it when there are no edit features.

I knew what you meant. :beer:

[Its just me]

For a long time I felt Tara was surprised at home when she returned from the party. Recently, I rethought the situation and feel as though Tara did get home safely, changed into night clothes, went to bed and was awakened - this is also the time Dolly is barking and barking and barking. I do not recall the "morning" time that the neighbors heard this but I think it was early morning Sunday. If an intruder or uninvited guest stopped by - maybe after driving around all night with a friend - it would make sense that Dolly would be upset. Tara could have been less than cordial or a verbal fight began and led to her getting hurt. It would have to be a "no blood" kind of hurt such as strangulation. The person would leave the house in a panick then return hours later and borrow someone elses's truck/car to transport the body. There is a chance there were two people that moved the body - the owner of the truck/car and the person that committed the crime. If this is the case, the truck/car could easily be burned to cover evidence. Especially if the body was taken to another location, say an empty house, while plans were made to discard the body. Possibly both the auto and the house could be burned to get rid of evidence. If this is the case, at least one other person is involved. This person should not protect the criminal any longer. Afterall, they did nothing wrong. They did not commit a crime. They just helped a friend dispose of a body. I believe any intelligent person would have the sense to contact a trustworthy law enforcement official and discuss their part in this crime. It certainly would free up their conscience. I am sure they have not had an easy life since assisting in the removal of the body.

I'm kind of lost on how you feel about the second person committing a crime or not...I don't think this is what happened but if it is both people committed a crime...one was just worse that the other. As I said, I don't believe this is the case and Tara was not burned in a house. MHOO fep

[The R]

I'm kind of lost on how you feel about the second person committing a crime or not...I don't think this is what happened but if it is both people committed a crime...one was just worse that the other. As I said, I don't believe this is the case and Tara was not burned in a house. MHOO fep\


ITA!

Pretty loooong leap from missing person to being burned up in a house by someone with an accomplice. Guess it is possible,

ALLMO,
R

[Maybaby59]

I'm kind of lost on how you feel about the second person committing a crime or not...I don't think this is what happened but if it is both people committed a crime...one was just worse that the other. As I said, I don't believe this is the case and Tara was not burned in a house. MHOO fep

Fep, that whole post by Kundalini sounded awful familiar...seems like that's a story that just won't die...;)

[Maybaby59]

\


ITA!

Pretty loooong leap from missing person to being burned up in a house by someone with an accomplice. Guess it is possible,

ALLMO,
R

R, I agree! I understand there might have been suspicion at the time of the fire, especially since it happened fairly close to Tara's disappearance. But with time...and investigation and the release of facts...seems like people would move on to something else.

I need me one of those beating the dead horse thingies...:tongue:

JMHO

[Its just me]

R, I agree! I understand there might have been suspicion at the time of the fire, especially since it happened fairly close to Tara's disappearance. But with time...and investigation and the release of facts...seems like people would move on to something else.

I need me one of those beating the dead horse thingies...:tongue:

JMHO

IIRC Maybaby there was a lot of suspicion at the time of the fire. Irwin county was in an uproar that one of their own was missing. Natually people were suspicious of anything and everything. Its clear by the fire report that this fire was investigated properly and the fire report states the case is closed but some can't let it go because they are determined that MH has harmed Tara. I try to look at the complete picture of things and GBI agent Rothwell made a public statement not too long ago there there is no evidence that points to MH or AV. I may be wrong but I'm comfortable that there was no evidence found at that fire that connects to Tara and certainly not MH. fep

[The R]

R, I agree! I understand there might have been suspicion at the time of the fire, especially since it happened fairly close to Tara's disappearance. But with time...and investigation and the release of facts...seems like people would move on to something else.

I need me one of those beating the dead horse thingies...:tongue:

JMHO

ITA Maybaby!

Seems to be public records ought to account for something. When a report says the case is closed what else could that mean?

[One2Snoop]

ITA Maybaby!

Seems to be public records ought to account for something. When a report says the case is closed what else could that mean?

LOL R I agree the public record should speak for itself but to some it means the GBI is still secretly investigating it because they "just know" Tara's disappearance is linked somehow. :rolleyes:

[One2Snoop]

R, I agree! I understand there might have been suspicion at the time of the fire, especially since it happened fairly close to Tara's disappearance. But with time...and investigation and the release of facts...seems like people would move on to something else.

I need me one of those beating the dead horse thingies...:tongue:
JMHO

Here you go Maybaby - :biggrin:

http://i25.tinypic.com/5xv3is.gif

[Maybaby59]

IIRC Maybaby there was a lot of suspicion at the time of the fire. Irwin county was in an uproar that one of their own was missing. Natually people were suspicious of anything and everything. Its clear by the fire report that this fire was investigated properly and the fire report states the case is closed but some can't let it go because they are determined that MH has harmed Tara. I try to look at the complete picture of things and GBI agent Rothwell made a public statement not too long ago there there is no evidence that points to MH or AV. I may be wrong but I'm comfortable that there was no evidence found at that fire that connects to Tara and certainly not MH. fep

Fep, I totally agree...but some people just won't let it go...Case closed means just that...at least to me...I may not be the brightest person, but I do know how to read and comprehend what I've read...well, most of the time anyway.
And the fire report convinced me there is no connection to Tara's disappearance.

And FWIW, I don't believe MH or AV are involved either...HD? Not sure about him...but I have a lot of suspicions, lots of unanswered questions.

JMHO

[Maybaby59]

ITA Maybaby!

Seems to be public records ought to account for something. When a report says the case is closed what else could that mean?

R, I've read somewhere...and I think this might be those dingbats that were mentioned the other night that say this...that it means anything and everything except CASE CLOSED! Maybe they graduated 6th grade along with Jethro Bodine! :D

[Maybaby59]

Here you go Maybaby - :biggrin:

http://i25.tinypic.com/5xv3is.gif


Thank you, One2...:rose:
I can hardly wait to use it!

[Its just me]

Fep, I totally agree...but some people just won't let it go...Case closed means just that...at least to me...I may not be the brightest person, but I do know how to read and comprehend what I've read...well, most of the time anyway.
And the fire report convinced me there is no connection to Tara's disappearance.

And FWIW, I don't believe MH or AV are involved either...HD? Not sure about him...but I have a lot of suspicions, lots of unanswered questions.

JMHO

LOL Maybaby I'm not the brightest either and I'm certainly not the highest educated but sometimes common sense out weights the highest IQ or diploma. The fire's Case closed will mean case closed not matter who wants to monkey with it. I just wish Tara's case was closed and the whole truth was known no matter what it is. I can honestly say I don't have a preference...just the truth. By me not having the most intellect I may be completely wrong but in my mind HD is absolutely the most possible POI. Why is because he was the last person to speak with Tara and was 90 miles away from his home all over Tara's house the time frame she disappeared and the public has no idea why. There are many more points I can argue why HD should be the main POI but I'll save them until later. fep

[zorro]

LOL Maybaby I'm not the brightest either and I'm certainly not the highest educated but sometimes common sense out weights the highest IQ or diploma. The fire's Case closed will mean case closed not matter who wants to monkey with it. I just wish Tara's case was closed and the whole truth was known no matter what it is. I can honestly say I don't have a preference...just the truth. By me not having the most intellect I may be completely wrong but in my mind HD is absolutely the most possible POI. Why is because he was the last person to speak with Tara and was 90 miles away from his home all over Tara's house the time frame she disappeared and the public has no idea why. There are many more points I can argue why HD should be the main POI but I'll save them until later. fep

I do not think there is any evidence to support that HD was the last person to speak with Tara. Tara was still at the Davis home when she spoke by telephone to HD around 10:20 PM. I guess she could have left 40 minutes later without saying good night to anyone but wait, didn't she say she was going home to watch the video? So she must have spoken to several people after talking to HD.

[One2Snoop]

I do not think there is any evidence to support that HD was the last person to speak with Tara. Tara was still at the Davis home when she spoke by telephone to HD around 10:20 PM. I guess she could have left 40 minutes later without saying good night to anyone but wait, didn't she say she was going home to watch the video? So she must have spoken to several people after talking to HD.

So who was the last person? :shrug: Does anyone really know? What about the dog owner?

[Its just me]

I do not think there is any evidence to support that HD was the last person to speak with Tara. Tara was still at the Davis home when she spoke by telephone to HD around 10:20 PM. I guess she could have left 40 minutes later without saying good night to anyone but wait, didn't she say she was going home to watch the video? So she must have spoken to several people after talking to HD.

I won't say what first crossed my mind but I think most people knew I meant cell phone conversations Zorro. I think everyone that follows my posting also know I think she talked to the dog owners home around 11:00 PM when she got home. While you here why don't you answer my question I asked at 320. When was your smart ass (oops said it anyway) told about all the information you provided about HD over there. IJM/FEP.

[One2Snoop]

I won't say what first crossed my mind but I think most people knew I meant cell phone conversations Zorro. I think everyone that follows my posting also know I think she talked to the dog owners home around 11:00 PM when she got home. While you here why don't you answer my question I asked at 320. When was your smart ass (oops said it anyway) told about all the information you provided about HD over there. IJM/FEP.


Cell phone was the first thing that came to my mind fep when I read your post.

While you here why don't you answer my question I asked at 320. When was your smart ass (oops said it anyway) told about all the information you provided about HD over there.

:biggrin: :beer:

[Its just me]

Cell phone was the first thing that came to my mind fep when I read your post.

While you here why don't you answer my question I asked at 320. When was your smart ass (oops said it anyway) told about all the information you provided about HD over there.

:biggrin: :beer:

:beer: Thanks One2...Zorro knew what I was talking about too. He's just in AG's pocket and refuses to open his eyes that HD is as likely POI and another. fep

[readmylips]

:beer: Thanks One2...Zorro knew what I was talking about too. He's just in AG's pocket and refuses to open his eyes that HD is as likely POI and another. fep

Oh he just likes to be contrary feppy. LOL Just ignore him. He knew what you meant. He just had to get a cursory attempt to defend HD in. Lord knows someone has to do it. AG signed off on the task long ago and HD himself never stepped up to do it for himself. Of course, maybe he was more strategic than MH because he sure has been raked over the coals for his efforts. I wonder how different the discussions would be if MH had never spoken to anyone, never shown up to help search, never allowed his alibi to be publicized, never did anything to help, etc. Even more I wonder what would have ensued if MH not only didn't speak, didn't provide a public alibi,etc. but also was known to have been the last cell call conversation, known to have place multiple calls to her phones and was placed in tara's yard in the middle of the night the weekend she disappeared. Just imagine .....

:rolleyes:

Oh yeah, but poor HD for all the suspicion sent his direction. He sure doesn't deserve any of it. :rolleyes:

[Its just me]

Oh he just likes to be contrary feppy. LOL Just ignore him. He knew what you meant. He just had to get a cursory attempt to defend HD in. Lord knows someone has to do it. AG signed off on the task long ago and HD himself never stepped up to do it for himself. Of course, maybe he was more strategic than MH because he sure has been raked over the coals for his efforts. I wonder how different the discussions would be if MH had never spoken to anyone, never shown up to help search, never allowed his alibi to be publicized, never did anything to help, etc. Even more I wonder what would have ensued if MH not only didn't speak, didn't provide a public alibi,etc. but also was known to have been the last cell call conversation, known to have place multiple calls to her phones and was placed in tara's yard in the middle of the night the weekend she disappeared. Just imagine .....

:rolleyes:

Oh yeah, but poor HD for all the suspicion sent his direction. He sure doesn't deserve any of it. :rolleyes:

:D And just what does the girls say about us Irwin County people being in a conspircy with MH...Didn't Sorror ooops Zorro say his vehicle wears a Houston County tag. Unless I'm reading my road signs in reverse that's Perry Georgia too... right where HD is employed. fep

[Blue Mermaid]

GBI releases new information in Tara Grinstead case

http://www.macon.com/532/story/393675.html


By Amy Leigh Womack - awomack@macon.com

PERRY --The Georgia Bureau of Investigation wants to know whose DNA and fingerprint are on a glove found near the home of an Ocilla woman missing for nearly three years.

The GBI released the new evidence today in the Tara Grinstead case, hoping it could lead to an answer of where the young teacher has been since her disappearance sometime after 11 p.m. Oct. 22, 2005.

The new evidence was aired tonight on CBS's "48 Hours" news magazine TV show.

Although it has previously been reported that police found the glove outside Grinstead's house, Gary Rothwell, special agent at the GBI's Perry office, said today investigators withheld information about the DNA for investigative purposes. But when the GBI was contacted by "48 Hours" about producing a TV segment about Grinstead's disappearance, agents saw an opportunity to generate phone calls from people with new information about the case.

At the time of her disappearance, the 30-year-old former beauty queen, a Hawkinsville native, had moved to Ocilla as a student teacher. After falling in love with the town, Grinstead accepted a full-time job teaching high school history.

When she didn't show up for work on a Monday morning in October 2005, co-workers called police. They found her cell phone inside the house where she lived alone. Her car was outside, unlocked. Her purse and keys were gone.

Police officers found the latex glove in Grinstead's yard, just a stone's throw from her front stoop, Rothwell said.

But Grinstead was never found.

Rothwell did not identify as a suspect the person whose DNA was found in the glove, but he said that person could help lead to a break in the case.

"We believe it is a critical element to solving the case," Rothwell said.

Rothwell said the DNA has been analyzed and agents know it's a man's DNA. But they haven't identified the man.

Over the course of the investigation, he said, agents have compared the DNA to dozens of men who knew Grinstead or who were associated with her.

"None of them matched," Rothwell said.

The DNA also has been entered into Georgia and national databases, but still no matches.

Agents also recovered a fingerprint from the glove, but Rothwell said it isn't of sufficient quality to enter into a database for comparison.

The "48 Hours" show also examined the similar disappearance of an Orlando, Fla., woman three months after Grinstead vanished.

Like Grinstead, Jennifer Kesse disappeared with no sign of forced entry into her home or a struggle. Only Kesse's keys and purse were missing.

Orlando investigators have uncovered grainy surveillance footage showing an unidentified person existing Kesse's car. Authorities say that person could be Kesse's abductor.

Rothwell said early in the investigation, GBI agents spoke with Orlando officers and shared information, but there's no obvious connection between the two cases.

"There's nothing concrete," he said. "But it was worth looking at."

Even though it's been nearly three years since Grinstead disappeared, Rothwell said the case is being actively investigated on a daily basis as agents reinterview witnesses and reassess evidence in hopes of finding a breakthrough.

Anyone with information about Grinstead's disappearance is asked to call the GBI at (478) 987-4545, (229) 468-8477 or (800) 567-8477.

There is a $100,000 reward for her safe return. There is another $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whomever is responsible for her disappearance..

"If there's somebody with information, we want that information," Rothwell said. "We don't want them to assume we know something. We might not know."

Information from The Telegraph's archives was used in this report.

[Maybaby59]

Stolen Beauty

A Young Teacher And A Financial Analyst Vanish. Are Their Cases Linked?

July 1, 2008


(CBS) Tara Grinstead, an 11th grade history teacher in Ocilla, Ga., disappeared without a trace in October 2005. Three months later, another young woman, Jennifer Kesse, also vanished in Orlando, Fla.

There were some similarities in the cases, leading investigators to wonder: are these disappearances somehow linked?

Student Dana Wilder remembers feeling a sense of dread when she heard an announcement in school that teacher Tara Grinstead should report to the office.

Dana was sitting in class at Irwin County High School on that Monday, Oct. 24, 2005. "I knew something was up then. I knew Tara would just not come to school. I think it got all the student's minds worried," Dana remembers.

Besides being a beloved teacher, 30-year-old Tara was also a mentor and friend to Dana, especially when it came to Tara's passion for beauty pageants.

Just two days earlier, Dana had been at Tara's house with some other girls to get ready for a big local event in this small town, the "Miss Georgia Sweet Potato" pageant. "She was in a great mood. Which of course, whenever she did hair and makeup for any pageant girls she was in a great mood," Dana remembers.

Tara's stepmother Connie and father Billy say Tara fell in love with pageants as a teenager. Besides winning crowns, the pageant victories also fulfilled another goal for Tara: money for school.

But none of her successes meant more to Tara than winning the title of Miss Tifton in 1999. Best friend Maria Hulett says the title meant Tara could now fulfill her lifelong dream of competing in the Miss Georgia pageant. "It was, for her, more than a dream come true. It was the chance for her to be really proud of herself," Maria remembers.

Tara didn't place in the competition, but was thrilled when her friend Osjha Anderson won. Her friends say after the Miss Georgia pageant, Tara refocused on her career in education. "She wanted to be a principal. She was well on her way," Osjha says.

By the fall of 2005, she was teaching by day and taking classes by night; she applied for a doctoral program. Tara was even filling in as an assistant principal from time to time.

Everything seemed to be going so well, until that October morning.

By the time Police Chief Billy Hancock arrived at Tara's house, nobody had seen or heard from Tara for 34 hours. "When I arrived the car was parked in the carport. You could actually see it as you were pulling up," he remembers.

Hancock says the fact she had gone missing but her car was still there was "certainly a red flag."

But maybe most disturbing was a latex glove, found laying in the front yard.

Hancock noticed that inside the house everything appeared to be normal. "I walked through the house. No apparent sign of struggle, no forced entry," he remembers. "Her cell phone was in the charger by the nightstand. Her pocketbook and keys were missing."

Asked what his gut feeling was as he walked through that house, Hancock tells Van Sant, "I did have kind of a gut feeling that something was wrong."

At 11 a.m., Chief Hancock called Gary Rothwell, a special agent at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (http://gbi.georgia.gov/).

Rothwell's initial impression? "It appeared that Tara may have left on her own. However, we had a glove, a latex glove that we couldn't explain. That glove indicates foul play to us."

He was also intrigued by something else found at Tara's house: a business card found wedged in the front door of Tara's home.

Investigators sealed the house, and took Tara’s car and the glove in for processing. Then they started reconstructing her last known movements.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/06/30/48hours/main4219397.shtml#ccmm

(More at link)

[Maybaby59]

Stolen Beauty

A Young Teacher And A Financial Analyst Vanish. Are Their Cases Linked?

Page 2 of 6
July 1, 2008


(CBS) On the last day she was seen, Saturday, October 22, Tara spent the day with Dana and the pageant girls at home, then went to the Miss Georgia Sweet Potato pageant that evening.

At 8 p.m., she stopped by the house of a neighbor and stayed there for a half hour before going to a cookout a few blocks from her home.

According to Rothwell, she remained at the cookout until about 11 p.m., when she left to go home. Rothwell says they found the clothes she wore at the cookout on the floor of her bedroom, leading investigators to believe that she had come home from the cookout.

But from that moment on, he says they "have no idea" what happened to her.

Hours after Tara was reported missing, Irwin County students and teachers sprang into action. "We made flyers and at 11 o’clock at night people wanted to go put these out everywhere. We all wanted Tara back. And we were willing to do whatever we could," Dana remembers.

Volunteers and local authorities joined in a massive search for the missing teacher. But in a place the size of Irwin County, finding Tara was like looking for a needle in a haystack.

So far, GBI investigator Gary Rothwell has had very few clues in the case. "There was no sign of a struggle, no sign of forced entry, there's no windows broken," he explains.

Tara's car was still in the carport, but her purse and keys were missing. It looked to investigators like Tara may have left with someone she knew. "No one in close proximity to her residence heard any screaming that night. So, if you accept the premise that she left in a vehicle. Yes, it would be likely she left in one that was driven by someone she knew," Rothwell says.

Investigators put Tara's life under the microscope and soon discovered it was not as simple as they expected. "One of the things that made this case so complicated is that she did have several romantic relationships that occurred in relative proximity to one another," Rothwell says.

Investigators first focused on her ex-boyfriend, former cop and Army Ranger Marcus Harper. "We learned that Tara and Marcus had had a relationship lasting approximately six years," Rothwell says.

It had been a stormy romance. "Their relationship had been troubled for the last two years. And during that time they both had dated other people. But Tara was absolutely in love with Marcus," Connie says.

But just two weeks before she disappeared, Marcus told Tara their relationship was over for good. Connie says Tara was "absolutely devastated."

Marcus told journalist and TV host Greta Van Susteren the last time he saw Tara was a week before she vanished when she begged him not to leave her. "She approached me crying, she was very irrational, and she told me that if she found out I was dating someone, she would commit suicide," he said.

But Osjha says this doesn't sound like the Tara she knew. "She's never said anything remotely similar to me ever any time."

Rothwell doesn't believe Tara committed suicide either. "The circumstances just don't fit a suicide. And given the search for her, we believe she would have been found by now. It's very difficult to hide your own body," he points out.

On the last night Tara was seen, Marcus says he was at a bar with friends, then rode around town until dawn with a former partner on the local police force. "Mr. Harper provided an alibi and it was essentially substantiated," Rothwell says.

And there was no history of violence in their relationship.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/06/30/48hours/main4219397_page2.shtml


(more at link)

[Maybaby59]

Stolen Beauty

A Young Teacher And A Financial Analyst Vanish. Are Their Cases Linked?

Page 3 of 6
July 1, 2008


(CBS) But Tara had been the target of a violent outburst before, ironically by one of her former students. In March 2005, Anthony Vickers, a former student of Tara's, tried to force his way into her house.

Friends say Tara had taken Vickers under her wing. "He was just kind of a troubled kid and that would be her nature," Osjha explains.

But he may have become obsessed with her. "She talked about the fact that he would call and he would rely on her and she knew it was getting too much for her. I just kept telling her, 'You know Tara, something's wrong,'" Maria remembers.

Could Anthony Vickers have been involved in Tara's disappearance? Rothwell says investigators looked into that possibility extensively but that at this point "can't draw a connection."

And remember the business card investigators had found at Tara's front door? "It was certainly a piece of evidence that we’re interested in. I mean it's a business card stuck in the door of a person that’s now missing," Rothwell says.

It turns out the card was left by a police officer from a nearby town, a married man. A neighbor told 48 Hours he was a frequent visitor to Tara's house.

"He had been there apparently Sunday night looking for or trying to get her to the door. And he said he did not get an answer," Connie tells Van Sant.

The man also left almost two dozen messages on Tara's answering machine the weekend she disappeared.

Asked if Tara had put herself in a position in her life where she may have created jealousies or given someone a motive to murder her, Maria says, "I think the fact that she was beautiful and other people paid attention to her would obviously make some people jealous. I think she was afraid of the possibility of someone hurting her from being angry at her, having reactions to her dating people."

None of the men the GBI were most interested in would agree to speak to 48 Hours on camera; all deny any involvement in Tara's disappearance. The GBI says although they all have alibis, nobody's alibi covers the full 34-hour period during which Tara vanished. So for now, no one has been ruled out.

For two and a half years, the GBI has continued to investigate anyone and everyone Tara knew. "We've collected DNA samples from every person she might have had a romantic relationship with, interviewed them," Rothwell says.

And Tara's family and friends remain frustrated. "I believe there is a piece of the puzzle that is missing. And when that piece of information comes in, it will lead us to the answers of what happened to Tara," Connie hopes.

Ever since Tara disappeared, the GBI has refused to name any suspects in the case, and has remained tight-lipped about any evidence they have, until now: Rothwell says that latex glove could be a significant piece of evidence.

Just days after Tara went missing, Rothwell sent the glove to the GBI crime lab in Atlanta. Trace evidence specialist Larry Peterson wasn't optimistic. "It's my experience from past cases that latex gloves like this had a relatively low rate of success," he explains.

But in this case, investigators caught a lucky break: against all odds, investigators had recovered DNA-male profile DNA-from the glove.

And besides the DNA, Rothwell says they also got a fingerprint. But when they compared the DNA and fingerprint to the men in Tara's life, there was no match.

There was no match nationally, either. Still, investigators can't eliminate any of the men in Tara's life, since they might have had an accomplice. "We always have to consider the possibility of a third party. Either someone was involved in getting a third party to harm Tara or that Tara was harmed by accident and a third party was used to help cover up the crime," Rothwell says.

For two and a half years the GBI kept the DNA evidence secret, hoping they would find a match. But now they’re hoping someone from the 48 Hours audience can help solve this case.

"We hope there's someone who knows something, has a person that they know was involved in this case and was withholding that information for fear that we were not going to be able to prove it. Well we'll be able to prove it. We want one of those persons, if they have that type of information, to come forward," Rothwell says.


If you have any information, please contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (http://gbi.georgia.gov/00/channel_modifieddate/0,2096,67862954_67866865,00.html).


http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/06/30/48hours/main4219397_page3.shtml

(more at link)

[Maybaby59]

Stolen Beauty

A Young Teacher And A Financial Analyst Vanish. Are Their Cases Linked?

Page 4 of 6
July 1, 2008


(CBS) As astonishing as it seems that someone could disappear without a trace, and that a stranger might be involved, shortly after Tara disappeared, the GBI learned of another case of a beautiful young woman who vanished, this one in Orlando, Fla., exactly three months after Tara disappeared. The similarities were eerie.

Asked if there could be a link between the cases, Rothwell says, "Possibly. It’s something we really, really need to consider."

Even as a child, people were drawn to Jennifer Kesse, says her mother Joyce. "She walked into a room and people noticed her. She was just so vibrant and really full of life," Joyce remembers.

By the time she was in her twenties, her father Drew says Jennifer had blossomed into a beautiful young lady, and her career as a financial analyst was taking off.

Her family and friends say she was very practical when it came to safety; she regularly used what she referred to as "safe phone calls." "She would always be on the phone with somebody walking from the store to her car, her car to home," Joyce explains.

By January 2006, 24-year-old Jennifer seemed to have everything going for her: she had bought a brand new condo in Orlando, had been promoted at work, and there was a new man in her life.

Rob Allen, a 32-year-old Englishman, lived two and a half hours away in Fort Lauderdale. The couple had been dating for a year and saw each other every other weekend. "We'd communicate four, five, six, seven times a day, every day. She became my best friend," Rob says.

In January 2006, Rob and Jennifer took a vacation to St. Croix. "It was just perfect," Rob remembers. "A lotta cocktails. A lotta sun. A lotta beach. We had an awesome time. We joked we should just stay there and just not come back to the real world."

But the real world was about to intervene: they flew back from vacation on Sunday, Jan. 22, and Jennifer stayed at Rob's Sunday night. "She'd left my house at six Monday morning and then drove straight to Orlando and had a full day at work," Rob says.

That evening, Jennifer spoke to Rob again. It would be the last time they would talk.

The first clue something was wrong came the next morning when Jennifer failed to show up for a meeting at work. Her co-workers at Westgate Resorts couldn't reach her on her cell phone or at home, so they called her parents.

Joyce called the manager of Jen's apartment complex. He went to her unit - Jennifer wasn't there, and neither was her car.

Jennifer's parents and her brother Logan raced the two hours from their home in Bradenton, Fla., to Jen's condo. Asked what he saw when he went inside, Logan tells Van Sant, "Clean apartment. Shower was wet. Blow dryer out. Clothes on her bed. Other than that, the apartment was completely normal."

Just like in Tara's case, there were no signs of forced entry, and no signs of a struggle. Jen's luggage was still in the front hall, untouched. But her purse, her keys and the cell phone, which she always kept with her, were missing.

Detectives checked for activity on her ATM card and "pinged" her phone to pinpoint its location. There was no response. At 7 p.m., police Sergeant Roger Brennan says they entered her into the system as a missing person and issued an alert for both Jennifer and her car.

"The key thing we were trying to do at this point, starting from 8 on is to find Jennifer's car, Jennifer, her phone, her property. So we started with her car," Brennan recalls.

Police soon learned when Jennifer was on vacation, her brother Logan and some of his buddies from out of town had stayed in her condo. One of his friends left a cell phone there. Could Jen have left her condo after she hung up with Rob at 10 p.m. to try to mail the cell phone?

Less than an hour after Jennifer was declared "missing," Sgt. Brennan started searching the streets of Orlando, looking for Jen and her car.


If you have any information, please contact CrimeLine. (http://www.cfcrimeline.com/)

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/06/30/48hours/main4219397_page4.shtml

(more at link)

(http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/06/30/48hours/main4219397_page4.shtml)

[Maybaby59]

Stolen Beauty

A Young Teacher And A Financial Analyst Vanish. Are Their Cases Linked?


Page 5 of 6
July 1, 2008


(CBS) Once police learned of Jennifer's concern for safety, they realized she wouldn't have gone out at night alone to mail that cell phone. They now believed she must have been abducted the next morning.

"Her condo was just as if she'd gotten ready for work and took off out the door for work," says Orlando homicide Detective Joel Wright. "And since her door was locked and there were no signs of forced entry, a good deduction would be that she did make it at least out the door."

The next day, detectives interviewed family members and boyfriend Rob. "They started asking me if you'd had an argument with her, or if you'd had disagreements or you'd done something to her. I mean, it was kinda nerve-wracking," he remembers.

But nothing raised suspicions, and Rob's alibi checked out. He was at work two and a half hours away in Fort Lauderdale that day and his cell phone was pinging down there.

"I would consider Rob not a suspect," Wright says.

Meanwhile, huge numbers of volunteers and police were looking everywhere for Jennifer.

Two days after Jennifer’s disappearance, investigators got a major break in the case when her car was spotted at a housing complex just a mile from her condo.

Luckily, there were security cameras nearby. When police checked the tape, they watched as someone pulled her Chevy Malibu into the lot. Then, a ghostly figure emerges (http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=4224727n) (video) from Jennifer’s car and calmly strolls away as if on an afternoon walk.

This person is the main suspect in Jennifer's abduction, and should be easy to identify. But because the security cameras only take a photo every three seconds, his face is obscured on the surveillance footage.

Investigators can't even say for sure if the person is a man or a woman - all they know is it's someone 5'3" to 5'5" tall.

"Now the clothing looks to be maybe someone who is a painter or some type of worker," Wright remarks, commenting on the clothing.

The inside of Jennifer's car provided more frustration for investigators and her family: there was no sign of a struggle, no blood, no identifiable fingerprints except for Jennifer's.

But there was one item found that bothered detectives: a DVD player.

That DVD player hadn't been stolen. Asked what that tells him, Sgt. Brennan says, "It didn’t appear that it was a robbery. Didn’t appear that it was a car theft. It didn't appear that it was a carjacking."

Bloodhounds were called in to track any scent from Jennifer’s car. Brennan says one of those dogs essentially tracked back to her complex.

Could Jennifer's abductor be someone who lived in her own complex? Detectives discovered there was extensive remodeling going on, including some work in Jennifer’s own unit, and Jennifer had complained to her family that some of the workers were making her feel uncomfortable.

Asked what she said, Joyce says, "They would stop and stare. …Leering stares is what she would say."

"Were these guys mostly day workers?" Van Sant asks.

"It was large groups of crews that had traveled together. And many of them were staying right there in several of the units in the complex itself," Wright says.

In fact, of the 447 units in Jennifer’s complex, only 250 were occupied at the time, and workers were allowed to live in the empty units. But Brennan says tracing these people is "extremely difficult."

Police could not search all of the units in Jennifer's complex because many were privately owned. They also couldn't count on getting any reliable forensic evidence from Jennifer's condo. "Anywhere from a half dozen to two dozen people were in the condo over the course of the first 24 hours," Brennan says, explaining that that contaminates the crime scene.

At this point, the best clue in Jennifer’s disappearance remained that grainy video.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/06/30/48hours/main4219397_page5.shtml

(more at link)

[Maybaby59]

Stolen Beauty

A Young Teacher And A Financial Analyst Vanish. Are Their Cases Linked?

Page 6 of 6
July 1, 2008


(CBS) Two years after Jennifer's disappearance, her family and friends are still looking for her, and Orlando police are still looking for the person in that surveillance video. "We were hoping that somebody would come forward and say 'Oh yeah, that’s my boyfriend' or 'That’s my cousin.' But that didn’t happen," Brennan says.

Detectives have followed up on more than 1,000 tips in all 50 states, but so far nothing.

For Jennifer’s best friend Lauren and her boyfriend Rob, it’s like living in a constant state of limbo. "You don’t know if you can grieve because you haven’t truly lost them and you can’t heal because you haven’t found them. You wake up every day hoping that’s going to be the day you’ll get an answer," Lauren says.

"My life’s on pause right now. It’s like as the time progresses, it doesn’t get any easier," Rob says.

Losing Jen has left Rob wondering about a life they could have had, and wrestling with things left unsaid. Asked if he had fallen in love with her, Rob says, "I never admitted that to her but that’s something that I struggle with. Just the fact that those three simple words, that I never got to the chance to say that before this horrific event happened."

In Ocilla, Ga., the unsolved case of Tara's disappearance now hinges on finding a DNA match to that glove found outside her home.

"The one thing this case is not is cold," says GBI investigator Gary Rothwell, who says the Grinstead case file has grown to become the agency's biggest active investigation.

Rothwell - who believes this case will be solved - and his team are hoping for a breakthrough. They are in Orlando, Fla., meeting for the first time with detectives in the Jennifer Kesse case.

"We’re comparing notes, looking to see if anyone in their investigation pops up in our investigation," Roger Brennan comments.

But after three hours behind closed doors, it's clear they aren't getting the answers they were hoping for. "Their case appears much more likely to involve a stranger abduction, whereas we can't make that conclusion," Rothwell explains.


Two beautiful, beloved women - for everyone touched by the disappearance of Tara and Jennifer, hope now rests on a DNA match, or someone, somewhere, who will have the courage to share what they know with police.

"Someone has to do the right thing?" Van Sant asks Jennifer's father Drew.

"Yes, and it’s time. It’s been time. And it’s time right now," he says.

"I really want to see justice take place for Tara. I want the person who's responsible he held accountable for it," Tara's stepmother Connie says.

"We'll never give up," Jennifer's mother Joyce vows. "We will never give up the hope of finding her and bringing her home."


Tara Grinstead Case: If you have any information about Tara's disappearance, please contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. (http://www.gbi.georgia.gov/)

Tipline: 1-800-597-TIPS.


Jennifer Kesse Case: If you have any information about Jennifer's disappearance, please contact CrimeLine. (http://www.cfcrimeline.com/)

Tipline: 1-800-423-TIPS.


http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/06/30/48hours/main4219397_page6.shtml

[odette]

http://i26.tinypic.com/mtqcgp.jpg (http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=4224767n)

http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=4224767n

[The R]

Did anyone else see this? Looks like TG is on the front page at CNN!


http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/09/30/grace.beauty.missing/index.html


R

[SaraSidle]

Did anyone else see this? Looks like TG is on the front page at CNN!


http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/09/30/grace.beauty.missing/index.html


R
R I am so sorry but I put it under horses thread earlier today. I was not sure where to put it. I had questions. but I am happy she is getting coverage. IMo sara

[The R]

Sorry Sara, but someone pointed it out to me late last night.....I didn't check the other thread before posting. Looks like it was posted on other boards, too! Good deal.......

ALLMO,
R

[philosophy]

Did anyone else see this? Looks like TG is on the front page at CNN!


http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/09/30/grace.beauty.missing/index.html


R

There's a lot of wrong information in the CNN article. I'm not sure when it was written but it contradicts recent statements by the GBI. Nancy needs to check her facts.

[One2Snoop]

There's a lot of wrong information in the CNN article. I'm not sure when it was written but it contradicts recent statements by the GBI. Nancy needs to check her facts.

Duh ~ :punch: :rolleyes:

Start with post #52

http://boards.crimelibrary.com/showthread.php?t=291324&page=2

[One2Snoop]

Disappearance of Tara Grinstead, Former Beauty Queen,
Still a Mystery
By Sarah F. Sullivan, published Sep 30, 2008

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1075188/disappearance_of_tara_grinstead_former.html?cat=8

[zorro]

From Fox24 in Macon:

Tara Grinstead Anniversary
As a tragic anniversary approaches the search continues for an Ocilla teacher and friend.

Tara Grinstead went missing three years ago this October 22nd. The GBI says they are still investigating leads in the case.

Grinstead was last seen around 11:00 PM when she left a friend's BBQ. Monday morning authorities were notified after she didn't show up to the high school she taught in. The only sign of struggle was a damaged bed frame and broken lamp at her home. Her car, cell phone and dog Dolly Madison were left at the home.

"At this time we believe that foul play is probably involved, however, we can't rule out any possibilities. We've interviewed hundreds of people to this point but haven't reached any circumstance where we are even considering effecting any kind of arrest," said GBI Special Agent in Charge Gary Rothwell.

The case has gained national attention, and the GBI says the mystery surrounding the beauty queen's disappearance is solvable.

"We did an exclusive story with 48 Hours Mysteries. That generated a lot of leads out of that story. We are constantly everyday getting phone calls, emails, and inquires about the case," said GBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Craig Rotter.

Rothwell says time has passed since Grinstead disappeared, but not their attention and dedication to the case.

"By no means is this a cold case. We have one agent that is more or less dedicated to it full time. Additionally all other agents in the office are in the pursuit of leads."

The bureau says someone out there knows something, and any tip could solve the case.

http://www.fox24.com/article.asp?pkid=14088

[zorro]

News Article from the Macon Telegraph:

Missing teacher’s family seeks closure

Sandy McClurd sums up her friend Tara Grinstead best with a story.

McClurd, who coached cheerleading with Grinstead at Irwin County High School, said Grinstead was having trouble one day getting through to her history students about why the American colonies revolted against the British Empire. So she handed out play money to students and then began “taxing” them on what seemed like every possession they had — book bags, belt buckles, notebooks and more.
Click here to find out more!

“The students would say to her, ‘But we need these things!’’’ McClurd recalled with a chuckle. “When the kids ran out of money, she got the school’s DARE officer to ‘arrest’ them by locking them up in the teachers lounge. So the students revolted and put together picket signs against her. She was thrilled that they went and did this on their own.”

http://www.macon.com/198/story/504249.html

[Its just me]

Tara was a wonderful teacher from all accounts.
It would be nice for all America to take a Miss Grinstead history refresher on the British taxation before the up coming election. :eek: fep

[SaraSidle]

Tara was a wonderful teacher from all accounts.
It would be nice for all America to take a Miss Grinstead history refresher on the British taxation before the up coming election. :eek: fep

LOL great post fep

[Its just me]

LOL great post fep

Sara, Tara taught her students to revolt when things were not right. Things will have to get tougher and I think they are going to get rough but (hopeully) eventually the American people will wake up and also revolt.

Tara should have been honored but I'm afraid she has been harmed. fep

[Brainstorm]

Sara, Tara taught her students to revolt when things were not right. Things will have to get tougher and I think they are going to get rough but (hopeully) eventually the American people will wake up and also revolt.

Tara should have been honored but I'm afraid she has been harmed. fep

And really, Tara was just beginning too. Who knows who/what she might have inspired in students, had she been given the chance,IMO.

[SaraSidle]

And really, Tara was just beginning too. Who knows who/what she might have inspired in students, had she been given the chance,IMO.

I remember from old threads about how much her students and beauty pageant participants loved her. She would have been wonderful. IMO:rose:

[odette]

Three Year Anniversary of the Disappearance of Tara Grinstead

While this blog usually focuses on the strange and weird, there is one Georgia mystery that I find very intriguing-the disappearance of Tara Grinstead. For those that might not know, Tara Grinstead disappeared in Ocilla, Georgia on October 22, 2005.

This October marks the third anniversary of her disappearance. Tara was an all-American girl. She was a 31 year old high school American history teacher who had her masters, was working on her specialist in education degree, and was planning on finishing her doctorate in education one day.

She was a former Miss Georgia contestant, involved in many local community activities, was loved by her students, and had lots of friends. She was the kind of girl that any mother would hope her son marries.

Continued @ link ...

http://georgiamysteries.blogspot.com/2008/10/three-year-anniversary-of-disappearance.html

[lighthousedazy]

Three Year Anniversary of the Disappearance of Tara Grinstead

While this blog usually focuses on the strange and weird, there is one Georgia mystery that I find very intriguing-the disappearance of Tara Grinstead. For those that might not know, Tara Grinstead disappeared in Ocilla, Georgia on October 22, 2005.

This October marks the third anniversary of her disappearance. Tara was an all-American girl. She was a 31 year old high school American history teacher who had her masters, was working on her specialist in education degree, and was planning on finishing her doctorate in education one day.

She was a former Miss Georgia contestant, involved in many local community activities, was loved by her students, and had lots of friends. She was the kind of girl that any mother would hope her son marries.

Continued @ link ...

http://georgiamysteries.blogspot.com/2008/10/three-year-anniversary-of-disappearance.htmlThis is so hard to understand for us Georgia folks that grew up in this state. A beautiful, sweet, admired, accomplished young school teacher does not disappear without a trace. :( :shrug:

[Brainstorm]

Three Year Anniversary of the Disappearance of Tara Grinstead

While this blog usually focuses on the strange and weird, there is one Georgia mystery that I find very intriguing-the disappearance of Tara Grinstead. For those that might not know, Tara Grinstead disappeared in Ocilla, Georgia on October 22, 2005.

This October marks the third anniversary of her disappearance. Tara was an all-American girl. She was a 31 year old high school American history teacher who had her masters, was working on her specialist in education degree, and was planning on finishing her doctorate in education one day.

She was a former Miss Georgia contestant, involved in many local community activities, was loved by her students, and had lots of friends. She was the kind of girl that any mother would hope her son marries.

Continued @ link ...

http://georgiamysteries.blogspot.com/2008/10/three-year-anniversary-of-disappearance.html


Thanks for the link !!! I went there,read and today posted,that the author had left out a major player,imo.Of course,thats just my opinion,but why tell a story,and leave out ONE of the main characters? !!

[susie31023]

Thanks for the link !!! I went there,read and today posted,that the author had left out a major player,imo.Of course,thats just my opinion,but why tell a story,and leave out ONE of the main characters? !!

Hey BS, I think HD was left out for a reason, the same one that has been done over and over again. He has always been protected and it seems as if this blogger wants to ONLY have two of the men in Tara's life put out there. Even though HD was the ONLY one who could/can be positively placed at Tara's that weekend. Doesn't surprise me in the least. Just the same old crap that has posted all over the web:cuss:. Imo,IMOO,IMHO,JMO,etc...`Suz

[hypnotized]

Three Year Anniversary of the Disappearance of Tara Grinstead

While this blog usually focuses on the strange and weird, there is one Georgia mystery that I find very intriguing-the disappearance of Tara Grinstead. For those that might not know, Tara Grinstead disappeared in Ocilla, Georgia on October 22, 2005.

This October marks the third anniversary of her disappearance. Tara was an all-American girl. She was a 31 year old high school American history teacher who had her masters, was working on her specialist in education degree, and was planning on finishing her doctorate in education one day.

She was a former Miss Georgia contestant, involved in many local community activities, was loved by her students, and had lots of friends. She was the kind of girl that any mother would hope her son marries.

Continued @ link ...

http://georgiamysteries.blogspot.com/2008/10/three-year-anniversary-of-disappearance.html


Thanks for the link . .. . interesting read.

[butterbean]

This is a very long way from Ocilla but thought some might want to see it:

Monday, Nov. 17, 2008

Body found in Barrow County
The Associated Press

WINDER, Ga. -- Authorities are investigating after a decomposed body was found in Barrow County.

Deputies say two people walking through the woods found the human remains around dusk Sunday about 50 yards behind an abandoned house on Atlanta Highway between the Northeast Georgia Regional Airport and the city of Statham.


Sheriff's Maj. Murray Kogod says there were signs of foul play at the scene, and investigators consider the death a homicide.

The Barrow County Sheriff's Office is being assisted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Kogod said the body was taken to the GBI crime lab in Decatur for an autopsy.

http://www.macon.com/149/story/528079.html

[rosejustrose]

This is a very long way from Ocilla but thought some might want to see it:

Monday, Nov. 17, 2008

Body found in Barrow County
The Associated Press

WINDER, Ga. -- Authorities are investigating after a decomposed body was found in Barrow County.

Deputies say two people walking through the woods found the human remains around dusk Sunday about 50 yards behind an abandoned house on Atlanta Highway between the Northeast Georgia Regional Airport and the city of Statham.


Sheriff's Maj. Murray Kogod says there were signs of foul play at the scene, and investigators consider the death a homicide.

The Barrow County Sheriff's Office is being assisted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Kogod said the body was taken to the GBI crime lab in Decatur for an autopsy.

http://www.macon.com/149/story/528079.html

Good morning, all! Just thought I'd pop in and see if anything new came up in Tara's case. It's so incredibly hard to believe it's been over three years and nothing!

Did anything ever come of the linked story?

I'll check back in again with the hope that Tara has been found and the one that harmed her is in jail.

Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving.:seeya:

[odette]

Update on the Tara Grinstead Post and Case

After my post about the disappearance of Tara Grinstead from Ocilla, Georgia in 2005, I got lots of emails and a few comments on the site itself. As you can see, that post got the most responses from readers. One person that emailed me concerning the case was heavily involved in the case itself and has been following it since 2006. He emailed me to discuss some of my hypothesis. I asked him if I could quote him. He never got around to responding to that, so out of respect for him, I will not give his name here, but I will update you on what he said to me in his email discussion.

• Continued
http://georgiamysteries.blogspot.com/2008/11/update-on-tara-grinstead-post-and-case.html

[crimehunter]

Sounds like a very interesting fellow!

[crimehunter]

My kind of person same type of interests!:cool:





To all a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

[zorro]

Could this be related to Tara's disappearance?

Officials say a 15-year-old girl has been missing since Tuesday
By Ashley Knight
Friday, December 19, 2008 at 4:24 p.m.

The Irwin County Sheriff's office is looking for a 15-year-old girl.

Her name is Anna Harper. Harper has been missing since December 16th. She has blond hair and blue eyes, weighing 135 pounds. She was last seen wearing camo shorts, a gray American Eagle hoodie, black sneakers and a black baseball cap.

If you know where she is, please call investigator Stephen Rogers at 229-468-7459.
http://www.mysouthwestga.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=237891

[Its just me]

Could this be related to Tara's disappearance?

Officials say a 15-year-old girl has been missing since Tuesday
By Ashley Knight
Friday, December 19, 2008 at 4:24 p.m.

The Irwin County Sheriff's office is looking for a 15-year-old girl.

Her name is Anna Harper. Harper has been missing since December 16th. She has blond hair and blue eyes, weighing 135 pounds. She was last seen wearing camo shorts, a gray American Eagle hoodie, black sneakers and a black baseball cap.

If you know where she is, please call investigator Stephen Rogers at 229-468-7459.
http://www.mysouthwestga.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=237891

I seriouly doubt it is connected in any way. FWIW I'm not familiar with the person and this is news to me. fep

[Brainstorm]

I havent been anywhere to hear any news.I wonder who this is?

[One2Snoop]

I seriouly doubt it is connected in any way. FWIW I'm not familiar with the person and this is news to me. fep

I highly doubt it too. What are the similarities? :shrug:

[Its just me]

I highly doubt it too. What are the similarities? :shrug:

There are none that I'm aware of...except reported missing. This is news to me and the media gave little information. But you do know that everything that happens in Irwin County is connected to Tara. Remember how WS went wild when the guy was murdered and a family member was later arrested for his murder. IIRC they were going to contact the funeral home. Prayers Anna will be found safe and returns home. fep

[Its just me]

I havent been anywhere to hear any news.I wonder who this is?

I don't know either BS. Very common last name. fep

[susie31023]

[QUOTE][QUOTE=Its just me;9147828]There are none that I'm aware of...except reported missing. This is news to me and the media gave little information. But you do know that everything that happens in Irwin County is connected to Tara. Remember how WS went wild when the guy was murdered and a family member was later arrested for his murder. IIRC they were going [QUOTE=Its just me;9147828]

You are correct Feppy, they even were surprised that the funeral home wouldn't give them the address and phone numbers of the grieving family so they "could let them know his murder was connected to Taras disappearance". Remember they said he searched for her and therefore "MUST" have found something that would lead to Tara? Oh yes I remember that episode very well, grrrrr. Idiots..Sorry all that just made me very angry just to remember that crap that was posted.

O/T Wishing all here a very merry Christmas:rose:, Love yall ~Suz

[readmylips]

I havent been anywhere to hear any news.I wonder who this is?

I wonder with the age of the girl if they suspect it is a runaway situation and that is the reason there hasn't been anything said. I hope it IS a runaway situation and she comes home safely very soon. If it is NOT a runaway situation we need to get a search underway pronto!

This is a fine example IMO of just how GOOD the efforts to find Tara really were. This young lady has been missing for 6 days and the best we have is a nondescript blurb off a website? At 6 days missing, Tara's search efforts were beyond professional and organized. That is what leads me to think that they suspect this is a runaway situation. Again, I hope they are right and that she is just fine. Prayers for her family.

I don't see any reason at this point to consider a connection to Tara's disappearance (except dramatic effect). If details emerge that make it a viable discussion point I am more than willing to consider it at that time.

[Its just me]

I wonder with the age of the girl if they suspect it is a runaway situation and that is the reason there hasn't been anything said. I hope it IS a runaway situation and she comes home safely very soon. If it is NOT a runaway situation we need to get a search underway pronto!

This is a fine example IMO of just how GOOD the efforts to find Tara really were. This young lady has been missing for 6 days and the best we have is a nondescript blurb off a website? At 6 days missing, Tara's search efforts were beyond professional and organized. That is what leads me to think that they suspect this is a runaway situation. Again, I hope they are right and that she is just fine. Prayers for her family.

I don't see any reason at this point to consider a connection to Tara's disappearance (except dramatic effect). If details emerge that make it a viable discussion point I am more than willing to consider it at that time.

Excellent Common Sense Post. I totally agree. fep

[Brainstorm]

I wonder with the age of the girl if they suspect it is a runaway situation and that is the reason there hasn't been anything said. I hope it IS a runaway situation and she comes home safely very soon. If it is NOT a runaway situation we need to get a search underway pronto!

This is a fine example IMO of just how GOOD the efforts to find Tara really were. This young lady has been missing for 6 days and the best we have is a nondescript blurb off a website? At 6 days missing, Tara's search efforts were beyond professional and organized. That is what leads me to think that they suspect this is a runaway situation. Again, I hope they are right and that she is just fine. Prayers for her family.

I don't see any reason at this point to consider a connection to Tara's disappearance (except dramatic effect). If details emerge that make it a viable discussion point I am more than willing to consider it at that time.

I heard thru the grapevine that she had been located with/at a friends place.You were right,from what I understand,this had happened before,and it was a run away deal.I hate to know this,tho.That young lady needs some old fashioned discipline,IMOO.