Confession, DNA evidence revealed in Georgia teacher slaying

OCILLA, Ga. — OCILLA, Ga. (AP) - Authorities have revealed new evidence in their case against a Georgia man charged with killing a high school teacher who disappeared more than 13 years ago.

Ryan Duke is scheduled to stand trial April 1 for the murder of Tara Grinstead, who vanished in October 2005 in rural Irwin County. Duke was arrested and charged in 2017.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent Jason Shoudel testified at a pretrial court hearing Monday that Duke confessed to killing Grinstead and burning her body. He said DNA from both Duke and Grinstead was found on a latex glove recovered outside her home.

News outlets report Duke's defense attorneys said he gave a false confession.

Superior Court Judge Bill Reinhardt denied a defense motion to move the trial because of pretrial publicity.