Authorities: Suspect arrested in case of missing teacher
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}This Feb 22, 2017 photo released by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation shows Ryan Alexander Duke, in Georgia. Duke was arrested by authorities on murder charges in the disappearance of a high school teacher in rural south Georgia more than 11 years ago. (Georgia Bureau of Investigation via AP) (The Associated Press)
Authorities in Georgia say they believe they have solved the case of a Georgia teacher who has been missing for 11 years.
J.T. Ricketson of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Thursday that a suspect is in custody in connection with the disappearance of Tara Grinstead. She was 30 years old when she vanished in October 2005 from her home in the farm town of Ocilla in south Georgia.
Ricketson said that "we did find the person" responsible for the death of Grinstead.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The case had stumped authorities for more than a decade. Grinstead's cellphone was found inside her home and her car was in the driveway. But her keys and purse were gone.
Grinstead was a local beauty contest winner who taught at Irwin County High School.