Search reopens in disappearance of Tara Grinstead

FITZGERALD, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The GBI found possible evidence this week in the disappearance of Tara Grinstead.

According to Special Agent in Charge J.T. Ricketson with the GBI office in Perry, investigators drained a pond in Ben Hill County. A tipster told them there might be some evidence related to Grinstead’s disappearance.

Ricketson confirms investigators found some items. He adds they have not found a body or charged someone in the case.

The then 31-year-old disappeared from Ocilla in October 2005. She was attending the Georgia Sweet Potato Pageant.

A probate judge officially declared the Irwin County teacher and beauty queen dead in December 2010.

Ricketson tells 41NBC this is not a cold case. He says over the past nine years, investigators have been following up on credible leads.

Ricketson calls this “the largest case in the history of the GBI.”

WALB contributed to this report.