The Latest: 2nd man arrested in Georgia missing teacher case

OCILLA, Ga. – The Latest on the murder case involving a Georgia teacher who went missing in 2005. (all times local):

1:40 p.m.

A second suspect has been arrested in connection with the disappearance of a Georgia high school teacher who vanished from her home nearly 12 years ago.

Georgia media organizations reported Friday that arrest warrants in Ben Hill County show 32-year-old Bo Dukes was charged with concealing a death, evidence tampering and hindering the apprehension of a criminal in connection with the slaying of Tara Grinstead. Dukes was released from jail on bond Friday.

Grinstead went missing in October 2005. Last week, authorities announced they had arrested 33-year-old Ryan Alexander Duke and charged him with her murder. It was not immediately clear how the two suspects knew each other.

A judge has issued a gag order prohibiting attorneys, law enforcement officers or relatives of the parties from discussing the case.

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12:10 p.m.

An attorney for Georgia media organizations says a judge acted too broadly by ordering lawyers, investigators, potential witnesses and family members to keep silent in the case of a teacher who vanished nearly 12 years ago.

Superior Court Judge Melanie Cross issued a gag order Tuesday as investigators searched a south Georgia pecan farm for the remains of Tara Grinstead, who went missing in October 2005. Last week, authorities charged Ryan Alexander Duke with murder. The judge said statements made outside of court could undermine Duke’s right to a fair trial.

Georgia Press Association attorney David Hudson told The Telegraph of Macon (http://bit.ly/2mTXIm1) the judge’s order “however well intentioned, is overbroad.” Hudson said a hearing would be required to restrict statements by anyone other than attorneys in the case.

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