Trial watch

[killerqueen]

Grant jury selection continues; TV station seeks right to broadcast trial

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dl...PDATE/712040417

"WXYZ-TV Channel 7 has filed a motion seeking to be able to broadcast the trial live, although no decision has yet been made."

I can't see the harm in broadcasting the trial, especially since Tara's children now live in another state far outside the broadcast area. I hope the trial gets underway soon and wraps up before Christmas. A guilty verdict by Christmas would be the best gift Tara's loved ones could receive besides having her back.


:1222423: For Tara and her children

[wingsgirl24]

I'm here...LOL

[angeltoo]

Whew! thank goodness!
Wings..did you check out the 'links' section
Ohara put together? VERY impressive!

[killerqueen]

Hey there, Wings and Angel, welcome aboard!

[Daisy]

I saw a blurb on the news this a.m re: the childrens visitation with the ever changing sister of Tara's murderer. The red hair she has going???? Different:0009: Is that hearing today? Can anyone tell me when they expect the murder trial to start? TIA

[killerqueen]

<snipped> Can anyone tell me when they expect the murder trial to start? TIA

From what the paper reported today, this will be the last day for thinning the jury pool. The people who passed the initial interviewing process (less than 100 people out of the 370 or so) will then come back and be interviewed in groups until they come up with their jury. I imagine it will be another week or so before they have a jury seated. Hopefully, for the sake of the family, the trial will be over by Christmas and the healing can continue in the new year.

[Topaz]

This is not far from where I live.

The impact from the press was very heavy for this tragic situation.
EVERYONE I know was horrified and into the news about this terrible crime.

I can't imagine getting a jury on it so close to the crime time.

[killerqueen]

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Judge in Grant murder trial bans cameras from courtroom
December 6, 2007
BY AMBER HUNT, FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

Responding to local television news stations’ requests to allow live coverage of the murder trial against Stephen Grant, Macomb County Circuit Judge Diane Druzinski not only denied their motion but she also banned all cameras — television and print – from the courtroom.

Druzinsk said coverage of the trial, especially in TV news casts, have been sensationalized to the point where it might hinder a fair trial.

She said in November during TV sweeps month, local TV engaged in “ratings one-up manship” to compete for viewers.” She said the decision does not violate the constitutional right to freedom of the press because the public still has the ability to attend the trial. But lawyers representing WDIV-TV Local 4 and WXYZ-TV Channel 7 said the mere 15 seats for public attendance was not enough to ensure right of access. James Stewart, a lawyer for WXYZ, said he isn’t aware of such an order for any Michigan trial, including such high-profile cases of Jack Kevorkian. He said that the judge is right in trying to control media coverage of the case to ensure a fair trial. “We just don’t agree with the way she’s done it,” Stewart said.


Grant judge bans still and video cameras
George Hunter / The Detroit News

MOUNT CLEMENS -- Macomb County Circuit Judge Diane Druzinski banned still and video cameras from her courtroom this morning, citing concerns about media sensationalism over the Stephen Grant murder trial, which is in the jury selection process.

Druzinski also cited worries that Grant's young children would have permanent records of the case. Grant is facing charges that he murdered his wife, Tara, in February and then dismembered her body. Grant initially reported his wife missing and possibly involved in an affair. But investigators discounted the story and found Tara Grant's remains in the garage of the family's Washington Township garage and in a nearby Metro park.

[killerqueen]

What is with the judges in this case? First the judge in the custody case seems to show bias towards the Standifers, now this judge denying ANY cameras, still or video, in the courtroom. And, frankly, I don't see why the kids having access to the video of the trial when they grow up is such an issue. They're going to be hearing half truths and rumors for the rest of their lives. At some point, they're going to want to know the whole truth instead of the sugar coated half facts being told to them now because they are young and impressionable children. JMO, IMO, etc.

[Victory Faust]

Wow, look at the judge's stated reasons for banning cameras. Pretty powerful stuff about the kids.


http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071206/UPDATE/712060460/1412/METRO03


Grant judge postpones request for change of venue, bans cameras
George Hunter / The Detroit News

MOUNT CLEMENS -- A Macomb Circuit Court Judge has postponed a request by attorneys for accused murderer Stephen Grant for a change of venue.

Judge Diane Druzinski said it's too early to rule on the motion made by attorneys Stephen Rabaut and Gail Pamukov in her court this afternoon. She said she was going to wait on making a ruling until it's determined that prosecutors and attorneys are not able to seat a jury for Grant's trial.

She did grant a motion made by Grant's attorneys to excuse 12 of 168 potential jurors based on the defense lawyers' objections. Grants lawyers wanted the judge to remove any potential juror who said their opinion was that Grant was guilty.

Macomb Prosecutor Eric Smith criticized the move.

"So, essentially the defense has picked the entire jury," he said. "Everyone the defense has objected to has been kicked off."

Druzinski said that wasn't true.

Meanwhile, citing a concern about the effects of a "media feeding frenzy" on Grant's children, Druzinski this morning ruled that all electronic devices -- video cameras, still cameras and microphones -- will be banned from the courtroom.

Druzinski this morning ruled on a motion brought by WXYZ (Channel 7) and WDIV (Channel 4) to allow those stations to broadcast the trial live. Druzinski on Nov. 9 had ruled that one video camera and one still camera would be allowed in the courtroom, and that pictures or videos were banned from broadcasting images of the trial until after each day's proceedings.

But today, in a surprising ruling, Druzinski went even further, banning the cameras altogether.

"During the November 'sweeps' month, competing television stations apparently engaged in a game of ratings one-upmanship in an effort to manufacture an audience," Druzinski wrote in her 10-page ruling.

"By way of example, television stations and corresponding Internet sites featured promotional 'teasers,' editorial comments, tickers at the bottom of the screen, and 'breaking news' headlines, many of which the Court opines tended to sensationalize the case and/or lead the public into believing the story was something that it was not, presumably for the benefit of television ratings."

Druzinski also cited concern for the children in her ruling. "The Court is greatly concerned about (the children's) present and future emotional well-being," she wrote. "Not only have they already lost their mother, but their custody and termination of (Grant's) parental rights are the subject of pending Family Court proceedings.

"If the Court were to allow the trial to be filmed and televised, and thus preserved in perpetuity, the details of their parents' relationship and the accusations against their father would be permanently preserved in a visual record that this Court believes will scar them emotionally for the rest of their lives.

"In this Court's opinion, a permanently preserved visual recording of the trial would lend itself to the very real possibility that the children's present and/or future peers would view the recording and raise the matter with them, thus increasing the emotional heavy weight they must already shoulder."

During jury selection over the past week, Druzinski wrote that potential jurors "have been accosted by film and electronic media in pursuit of interviews. In short, said media has engaged in a 'feeding frenzy' over dismissed jurors, which, in this Court's view, constitutes a continued attempt to manufacture and maintain an audience for this matter."

Druzinski said her decision is also based on security concerns. "The Court points out that both sides in the pending custody battle over the young children will be present in the courtroom and/or testify as witnesses. The apparent tension between the sides (which are comprised of family members of (Stephen Grant) and his late wife) could easily escalate when cameras are pointed in their direction waiting for their reactions during trial, which will be broadcast to the public.

"The presence of cameras also creates a risk of showmanship by trial participants," Druzinski wrote.

"The Court will not allow these solemn criminal proceedings to be utilized as a means to increase television ratings at the expense of the dignity, decorum and professionalism befitting such proceeding," the judge wrote.

Druzinski cited the Circuit Court's 1989 Administrative Order as precedent for her decision, which states that "any judge may terminate, suspend, limit or exclude film or electronic media coverage at any time upon a finding that the fair administration of justice requires such action, or that rules established under this order or additional rules by the judge have been violated."

[FreeFalling]

Hi Angeltoo, Killerqueen, Wings and y'all coming over from the CTV thread! VERY nice links section - Thank you Harlett Ohara!

[TeeOne]

checking in...............

[angeltoo]

Hi Free! Glad you made it here!
Ya know, the original Tara Grant thread was miles long and
remained civil throughout. Tensions are flaring on the new one.
I wish it wasnt so. Especially for Wingsgirl, it was a place she
could come to for support. But as a public forum, I understand
SG family members want to defend his extended family. Hope the
thread makes it. The courthouse is only a 15 min drive for me, wish
I had the courage to try to sit in. Wonder what the demand is for
public seating? Think I heard only room for about 15?

[FreeFalling]

Hi angeltoo,

I agree with the judge's decision to limit seating for this trial simply because Tara's family has been through TOO much, and their rights to privacy, and to be treated with respect and dignity would be lost in a circus of media and spectators in the courtroom... I shudder to think of what Alicia and Eric will encounter while entering and leaving the courthouse, though, where there are no-holds barred, that I know of, for the press and public :(

[Victory Faust]

Hi angeltoo,

I agree with the judge's decision to limit seating for this trial simply because Tara's family has been through TOO much, and their rights to privacy, and to be treated with respect and dignity would be lost in a circus of media and spectators in the courtroom... I shudder to think of what Alicia and Eric will encounter while entering and leaving the courthouse, though, where there are no-holds barred, that I know of, for the press and public :(



You're right. The cameras were totally in the face of the prosecutors and defense attorneys as they left the courtroom yesterday; can you imagine what it's going to be like when Alicia comes and goes to the trial?

On another note: After the prosecutor's opening statement yesterday, which brings the au pair back into the spotlight, does anyone think Verena will now testify? She's certainly on the witness list.

[killerqueen]

I brought this over from the other board:

So much info since I visited yesterday. Let's recap:

SG pleads guilty to dismembering Tara and we learn that he immediately called the au pair and told her she owed him a kiss. Why? Did she bet him he'd never kill his wife? Hmmm....

We learn from someone in SG's family that Tara's kids have a measly $750,000. Not much considering what their mother's wages would have been if their daddy hadn't killed her. Support, health insurance, therapists, clothing, college expenses - maybe there'll be a couple of dimes to rub together after they graduate college. That should help them with therapy costs for the rest of their lives, eh? These kids deserve way more than that for having been deprived of a hard working loving mother.

Money does do strange things to people, and it wouldn't surprise me that money intended for the kids would somehow wind up in SluG's prison account if sympathetic - or just pathetic - sis ended up with the kids Leave them in Ohio, far away from their daddy the butcher.

We learned tha KU hired an attorney for her wife murdering bro, and states what "Steven and I" want for the kids. Wrong answer, girl. If you want everything your brother wants, than answer this question: did you want Tara dead, too, since the two of you didn't get along anyway? Those kids need to be free of the man who killed their mother - free of his wants, free of his needs, free of him period. If he didn't want them to know details of their mother's death, HE SHOULDN'T HAVE KILLED HER!

Let's all just pray that he doesn't get to cop a plea deal to anything. He sure didn't let Tara have a plea deal to save her life, so why should he get out of his box someday? Since Tara's trapped in hers for eternity, let him stay trapped in his. The kids will never see or speak to their mommy again, they shouldn't ever have to see his face or hear his voice again, either. The thought that he may walk free someday sickens me.

As always, JMO, IMO, MOO, etc.o

[FreeFalling]

Could someone please direct me to the Witness List for this trial? The link is probably right under my nose, but I'm not finding it. :0doh: TIA

...Free

[FreeFalling]

Respectfully Snipped, Killerqueen :)

I brought this over from the other board:

So much info since I visited yesterday. Let's recap:

SG pleads guilty to dismembering Tara and we learn that he immediately called the au pair and told her she owed him a kiss. Why? Did she bet him he'd never kill his wife? Hmmm....

As always, JMO, IMO, MOO, etc.o

I'm in agreement with much of your post...

Reports this past summer indicated, however, that there were ongoing flirtations between Verena (the Au Pair) and Stephen Grant that began at least weeks (??) before SG murdered Tara... Could've been reported as longer than that - I don't have clear recall on how long the flirting had been going on at this moment. It was long enough, and presumably frequent and consistent enough however, that Verena reportedly told another Au Pair, whom she considered to be a trusted friend - about what was taking place in between she and SG when Tara was out of the home earning income with her career... It was also reported that SG and Verena had a considerable amount of cell phone contacts between them as Tara was flying in and then driving home from the airport the night Stephen Grant murdered her - these contacts, reportedly, were also, mutually, quite flirtatious in nature. Therefore, IMO, it is likely that Stephen maintained/continued his behavior that he had going hours before killing his wife... Whether he did so simply to make sure everything seemed "normal" to Verena, and/or because he was feeling especially grandiose and ABLE to kick it up a notch with Tara "out of the way" is something I expect the prosecution to present to the Court this coming week. I'm NOT thinking there was anything on the level of "a bet" between SG and Verena - But stranger things have come out in this case, haven't they?

[FreeFalling]

Got it! Tacori hooked me up with the list over at CTV

[Victory Faust]

SG pleads guilty to dismembering Tara and we learn that he immediately called the au pair and told her she owed him a kiss. Why? Did she bet him he'd never kill his wife? Hmmm....


I don't think the au pair was in on the murder. During his opening statements, the prosecutor also reiterated how, after SG killed Tara and put her body into the back of her car, he went into an elaborate act when Verena came home, shouting "what the fu** are you doing home?" and then when he saw it was his au pair, he said, "oh, sorry, I thought you were Tara."

Also, Smith said in his opening that Grant portrayed himself to Verena as a wounded husband whose hubby left him. So I don't think the au pair was involved. I think she was just a young, naive girl who was duped by SG: not unlike Tara when she first met SG. Tara's family has said they all thought SG was rich at first, because that's the way he portrayed himself. He made himself out to be a young, aspiring politician, when the reality was he was a politician's flunky.

I think SG ran the same kind of game on the au pair.

To me, the most sickening thing about what was revealed during Eric Smith's opening statement is how SG kept leaving messages Tara's cell phone after he'd murdered her, saying things like, "can you please call and talk to the kids? You owe them that much at least."

I cannot fathom how people like you and I can be members of the same species as this pathetic piece of carbon.



Let's all just pray that he doesn't get to cop a plea deal to anything. He sure didn't let Tara have a plea deal to save her life, so why should he get out of his box someday? Since Tara's trapped in hers for eternity, let him stay trapped in his. The kids will never see or speak to their mommy again, they shouldn't ever have to see his face or hear his voice again, either. The thought that he may walk free someday sickens me.


There will be no plea deal -- that would be absolute political suicide for Eric Smith, and it would never happen in a billion years.

The real question is whether SG's attorneys will be able to convince the jury that his actions were not premeditated. I do think there's a chance they'll be able to get the charges reduced to 2nd-degree murder.

The prosecution is arguing that, because it took Tara about 4 minutes to die, SG had enough time to contemplate his actions, meaning the murder was premeditated. And there is legal precedent for to support that argument.

But, legally speaking, the defense also has a valid argument, and there's a chance they'll be able to convince a jury that Grant's actions came out of panic. Grant's attorney, Gail Pamukov, made that argument during her opening.

So there's a chance that Grant will be eligible for parole in 30-40 years. And that's scary.

But, to be honest, I don't think it's going to matter. I have a hunch SG will suffer the same fate as Jeffrey Dahmer: once Stephen gets to prison, someone is going to shank him.

[FreeFalling]

IMO, the only so-called argument that remains available to the defense to attempt to fool a jury is The Panic Play, which would involve portraying Stephen C. Grant as the poor helpless victim.

There's so much evidence to the contrary, though, which I expect the Prosecution to present to the Jury with strong supporting statements.

One of the defense's notions for the jury to consider is "Provocation."

On the first page, starting at line 6 of his written statement, under Miranda, Stephen C. Grant wrote: "I said something to her to make her turn away, something mean. When she turned I grabbed her left wrist..."

On the second page, starting at line 3 of his written statement, under Miranda, Stephen C. Grant wrote:

"Once she was dead, I started to panic..."

Source: http://www.detnews.com/pix/pdf/grant_capture_miranda_statement.pdf

...Free

[FreeFalling]

It took me a LONG while, but I found THE article that completely changed my opinion about KU and, thus, my concerns for the children and what the Destrampe and Standerfer families were, possibly, about to be put through.

Because this possibilty has been made a reality - concurrently with the horrific ordeal of the trial for the murder of Tara Grant, I feel it's fitting in this forum - Especially since it portrays aspects of the seemingly perpetual anger and the controlling nature of Stpehen Grant - Murderer. Is there no end to the lengths that SG will go to in order to control everyone in his proximity for HIS "comfort"????

It's apparent that the quotes are directly from KU -- Not "just" a reporter's take on things. I STILL cringe and shudder when I read this particular comment made by KU: "We haven't seen those kids since Easter," Utykanski said. "That's ridiculous. If she's (Alicia) trying to punish me because she can't punish Stephen, she needs to know she's only punishing the kids." What's ridiculous is ASSUMING and ACCUSING that Alicia (AND Eric and the rest of Tara's family, along with the GAL, DHS, and the Courts) is "trying to punish" KU...

The posts by wikiality (on the other forum) tripped my trigger the very same way...(Shudder and Cringe) Which led me on my search for THIS article that was published in June, but has haunted my thoughts ever since it was published.

Personal observation: The FIGHT for custody of the Tara's children commenced immediately following court hearings to begin settling the estate of Tara Grant through Alicia's attorney, as well as the lawsuit against SG that included the possibilty of obtaining SG's share of his place of employment/the family business... All done NOT to "punish" SG and/or his family, but ONLY to prevent SG from any possibilty of receiving any financial gain from murdering his wife.

In case this link does not work, I am also including the article here.


Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Grant wants sister to get kids

Accused killer's sibling says children know her better than slain wife's family.

George Hunter / The Detroit News

MOUNT CLEMENS -- Accused wife killer Stephen Grant wants his two children to be raised in Michigan because he feels they would be more comfortable living with his relatives than with his wife's family, Grant's sister said Tuesday.
Grant's sister, Kelly Utykanski, said her brother plans to sign over his parental rights to her in an effort to make sure his slain wife's sister, Alicia Standerfer, does not get custody of them.

"He would not sign his parental rights over to Alicia, because he doesn't want the kids to go to her," Utykanski said."Nothing against Alicia, but the kids know us better, and both Stephen and I feel they would be better off living with us."

Grant, 37, is incarcerated in the Macomb County Jail awaiting trial for the Feb. 9 murder and dismemberment of his wife, Tara, 34. On Tuesday, Utykanski spoke at length about her brother's state of mind regarding the fate of his children.

Grant feels Standerfer should have waited a few years before telling the children, ages 6 and 4, the details of how their mother was killed, Utykanski said.

"They're still too young," said Utykanski, who has hired an attorney to represent her brother in the custody case. "If it were up to us, we would have told them later."

"Stephen is afraid they're going to be raised in a negative environment," Utykanski said. "Even if they never want to forgive him for what he did, it's the responsibility of whoever raises the kids to get them through this ordeal as best as possible, and to raise them with as positive an outlook as possible. You shouldn't raise them as if they're going to be scarred for life. Kids can overcome tragedy."

Standerfer declined to comment about Utykanski's statements. But her attorney, Michael Smith, accused Grant of trying to manipulate his children from his jail cell.

"He has no control in the murder case -- even his own lawyer admits that he killed his wife -- so he's trying to be a controlling force in the custody case," Smith said. "I don't think that's good for these children."

After Grant's March 4 arrest, Standerfer was granted temporary custody of the children. They are staying in her home in Chillicothe, Ohio, until court officials decide who will get permanent custody. Days after Grant was arrested, Standerfer filed an adoption request and a motion to terminate Grant's parental rights.

Last week, Utykanski also filed a request to adopt the children, and Smith filed a motion to block Utykanski's adoption request. The motions are scheduled to be heard June 27 before Macomb Circuit Judge John Foster.
Utykanski said if she was granted custody of the children, she would let them visit their mother's side of the family. "But Alicia isn't giving us the same courtesy," she said.

"We haven't seen those kids since Easter," Utykanski said. "That's ridiculous. If she's trying to punish me because she can't punish Stephen, she needs to know she's only punishing the kids."

Utykanski said the case's high-profile nature would cause as many problems in Ohio as in Michigan.

"People in Chillicothe know Alicia, and I'm sure they talk to her about the case every time she goes to the grocery store," Utykanski said. "The publicity wouldn't be any more of a problem here than it would there."
Utykanski stressed she is not trying to adopt the Grant children to appease her brother.

"My husband, Chris, and I talked about it at length," she said. "This would be a huge change for us. Chris' kids are all grown and gone, and it would be like starting over again."


... Free

[killerqueen]

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071211/UPDATE/712110419

Tara Grant's sister arrives at courthouse, expected to testify
George Hunter / The Detroit News

MOUNT CLEMENS -- Tara Grant's sister arrived in the Macomb County Circuit Court building about 8:15 a.m. this morning and made her way past a line of media snapping her photo or shooting video of her arrival.

Alicia Standerfer is expected to testify later today in Stephen Grant's murder trial. Grant is accused of killing his wife, Tara Grant, and dismembering her body in February.

The trial started Friday after Macomb County prosecutors called hundreds of people in order to seat a jury that had not been exposed to media coverage of the murder, which has drawn national attention.

[killerqueen]

Tara Grant's sister testifies about final conversation
December 11, 2007

By AMBER HUNT, FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

Tara Grant's sister, Alica Standerfer, testified Tuesday that she spoke with Tara twice Feb. 9, the day that Stephen Grant is accused of killing her.

"We talked about sister things," Standerfer said. "Her work schedule, her kids ..."

And Standerfer said they talked about when Tara Grant was expected to go back to Puerto Rico, where she worked weekdays.

She said contrary to what Stephen Grant has told police and the media about his wife, Tara Grant was not planning to return to Puerto Rico a day early.

Tara Grant's boss, Louis Troendle, said the same.

Both witnesses counter Grant's explanation of the alleged fight that he told police led to her strangulation.

On Day 2 of testimony in her brother-in-law's murder trial, Tara Grant's sister described her as a "fantastic mom."

"The children were the focus of all of her conversations," she said.

Troendle nor Standerfer said Tara Grant never indicated that her hectic travel schedule was a point of contention in her marriage. Asked by defense attorney Gail Pamukov if Tara Grant had said she wanted to work on her marriage to become less of a controlling force in the household, Standerfer begged to differ.

"She wasn't the domineering force in that marriage," she said. "She was the breadwinner. But she was by no means the controlling force in the household."

[Victory Faust]

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071211/UPDATE/712110419



'Breadwinner' Tara didn't dominate marriage, sister says

George Hunter / The Detroit News
MOUNT CLEMENS -- Alicia Standerfer defended her sister Tara Grant's mothering skills on the witness stand this morning, saying the slain woman was a "fantastic mom" and disputing defense suggestions that she was "controlling" and "domineering" in her marriage.

Standerfer, of Chillicothe, Ohio, testified this morning in the murder trial of Stephen Grant, who is charged with strangling and dismembering Tara Grant on Feb. 9.

"Did she ever say she wanted to stop being so controlling and domineering in the marriage?" defense attorney Gail Pamukov asked Standerfer.

Standerfer responded: "She wasn't the dominating person in that marriage. She was the breadwinner in the marriage, but she wasn't the dominant one."

Standerfer testified that she and Tara Grant were "very close. We were best friends, we talked quite a bit." She said her sister, who worked as an operations manager of an engineering and construction firm in Puerto Rico, as a wonderful mother to her two young children, and that she was "always part of their lives" -- calling them several times daily when she was away from home.

She said Tara enjoyed planning joint birthday parties for her children, who both were born in November.

Standerfer testified that she first learned Tara was missing the day Stephen Grant left a message on her answering machine Feb. 13. The message said, "'Can you call me when you get a minute? It's not a big deal," she testified. "He didn't mention she was missing."

Pamukov asked Standerfer if she ever had "a major argument" with her sister. Standerfer responded: "All sisters do was it always lovey-dovey? No. We were sisters."

Standerfer said she last spoke with Tara during a phone call when Tara was at the Newark airport on the way home from her last work trip to Puerto Rico.

She said Tara said she wasn't due back to work until Monday, which appears to contradict Stephen Grant's earlier assertions that he and Tara fought because she said she told him she had to return to work immediately.

Also this morning, Tara's boss at Washington Group International, Lou Troendle, testified that Tara called home often and spoke with her children "regularly, several times a day" while in Puerto Rico.

Pamukov asked Troendle about Tara Grant's personality on the job, saying "I'm assuming as operations manager, this was no shrinking violet."

Troendle responded: "I don't know what you mean by that terminology, but she was a good leader."

Troendle testified that he urged Stephen Grant several times to call the police after Tara Grant turned up missing. "It was a strange conversation," he said. "I kept asking, 'have you gone to the police?'" He said he offered to come to Michigan to help Grant.

The trial started Friday after Macomb County prosecutors called hundreds of people in order to seat a jury that had not been exposed to media coverage of the murder, which has drawn national attention.

You can reach George Hunter at (586) 468-7396 or ghunter@detnews.com.

[killerqueen]

Risque e-mails to ex-girlfriend allowed in Grant trial
December 11, 2007

By AMBER HUNT, FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

Two weeks before police say he strangled and dismembered his wife, Stephen Grant wrote risque e-mails to an ex-girlfriend – and a judge this hour has decided the jury in Grant’s murder case will get to hear them.

“They’re more prejudicial than probative,” defense lawyer Gail Pamukov argued to Macomb County Circuit Judge Diane Druzinski in asking that the e-mails not be admitted in court.

She said she saw no point to the e-mails “other than to make the jury hate Mr. Grant.”

County Prosecutor Eric Smith, however, said the flirtatious e-mails -- in which Grant suggests his ex-girlfriend give him a sponge bath and says he’s bored with his marriage -- speak to Grant’s state of mind around the time of the slaying.

Druzinski announced her decision when the jury returned from a lunch break.

Grant, 37, is in the second day of trial on a charge of first-degree murder in the Feb. 9 strangulation of his wife, Tara. Grant pleaded guilty Friday to cutting up Tara’s body and dispersing her remains.

Tara Grant’s sister, Alicia Standerfer, took the stand early today and described Tara as a fantastic mom whose life centered around her two children, despite her hectic work schedule that took her out of the country most weekdays.

Standerfer said her sister never indicated that her hectic travel schedule was a point of contention in her marriage. Asked by Pamukov if Tara Grant had said she wanted to work on her marriage to become less of a controlling force in the household, Standerfer took exception.

"She wasn't the domineering force in that marriage," she said. "She was the breadwinner, but she was by no means the controlling force in the household."

After lunch, the prosecution is expected to call Deena Hardy, the ex-girlfriend Grant exchanged the e-mails with, to testify.

[concerto]

The board at CTV has been locked.

I was just wondering if anyone knew what happened this afternoon.

[killerqueen]

The board at CTV has been locked.

I was just wondering if anyone knew what happened this afternoon.

Just some of the most damning testimony so far, IMO. I couldn't be more shocked at what these poor children must have seen and heard.

The nanny testified that she spent the night in Tara's bed the night before TG returned home and that little L walked in on them the next morning while SG was performing oral on her and she tried to hide under the blanket. Tara "disappeared" that very evening. Coupled with the testimony that Tara talked to the children several times a day, I think we can assume L may have told her mommy what she saw. Was that what they were arguing about when he killed her?

JMO, IMO, etc.

[killerqueen]

Just a little nighttime reading:

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071211/NEWS04/71211045

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071211/UPDATE/712110419/1361

[concerto]

Thank you, KQ!

[FreeFalling]

Thank you, KQ!

[angeltoo]

Just some of the most damning testimony so far, IMO. I couldn't be more shocked at what these poor children must have seen and heard.

The nanny testified that she spent the night in Tara's bed the night before TG returned home and that little L walked in on them the next morning while SG was performing oral on her and she tried to hide under the blanket. Tara "disappeared" that very evening. Coupled with the testimony that Tara talked to the children several times a day, I think we can assume L may have told her mommy what she saw. Was that what they were arguing about when he killed her?

JMO, IMO, etc.

Now that is NOT what was testified. See how rumors get started. This is why
ppl demand links!!!! http://http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071211/UPDATE/712110419/1361

"She testified that Grant had been flirting with her for more than a week before Tara turned up missing, and that he had showed her e-mails he believed proved Tara was having an affair. She said the two had oral sex the night of Feb. 8, and that she tried to hide under the covers when Grant's daughter entered the room the next morning."

[LucyVanPelt]

Just some of the most damning testimony so far, IMO. I couldn't be more shocked at what these poor children must have seen and heard.

The nanny testified that she spent the night in Tara's bed the night before TG returned home and that little L walked in on them the next morning while SG was performing oral on her and she tried to hide under the blanket. Tara "disappeared" that very evening. Coupled with the testimony that Tara talked to the children several times a day, I think we can assume L may have told her mommy what she saw. Was that what they were arguing about when he killed her?

JMO, IMO, etc.


We also found out that there were no plans for her to return to PR other then those that were originally made (2/12/07 return). Her sister and boss testified to this. Since we only know of the argument from SG statements, I don't even think 'they' were fighting, he was gunning for her when she came home but I don't think she was aware. Ah what those little children have been put through, my heart breaks again and again.

Oh, and can anyone explain to me why the nanny was so calmly waiting at a resturant, knowing full well that little L possibly knew she was in daddy's bed? please!

:1222423:Rest in Peace, dear Tara, we will watch out for your babies:1222423:

[wingsgirl24]

Maybe L told her mommy what she saw...maybe Tara told SG she wanted a divorce...well that would mess up his easy road and he couldn't let that happen...

[TeeOne]

Knowing the L saw something like that puts a different spin on things.

[wingsgirl24]

Here's the link to Hank's blog...he was present at Tara's funeral...he's been following and reporting on the case all along.

http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/14706988/detail.html

[LucyVanPelt]

Maybe L told her mommy what she saw...maybe Tara told SG she wanted a divorce...well that would mess up his easy road and he couldn't let that happen...

Hmm, maybe. But I just have a feeling that Tara wasn't aware that a fight was coming her way. That 20 minute phone call they had on her way home could have just been him trying to figure out if she knew anything. I would think that her boss would have been aware that she was thinking of returning early, she made no arrangements to return early. I just don't think there was a fight. On a forum and I think it is one that you may have followed WingsGirl, or maybe it was a newspaper article where a friend of his talked about an incident that happened when they were kids it ran into that 'no conscience' thing like he said in the emails. He was covering his own bottom, but I don't think he let her prepare for battle.

[wingsgirl24]

I DO remember the "no conscience" comments. I am convinced that MAYBE 1/4 of his confession is actually factual...maybe not even that much. He twisted a lot of events to make himself look better from the day he met Tara...I'm sure that hasn't changed. I really wish this trial was televised...anxiously awaiting what will be released today!!

[killerqueen]

Knowing the L saw something like that puts a different spin on things.

It sure does, it provides motive for murder. I'm curious as to what time Tara's call to SG ended and his call to the nanny was made. That would tell us exactly how long Tara was in that house before she was killed.

Angeltoo, I posted what I'd read on the CTV boards, then went back, got the links and posted them also - I wanted people to read the actual news accounts, not something I just happened to read on another board. As a matter of fact, here's another news story, I don't know if someone else posted this already.



Stephen Grant trial to resume Tuesday; read about who is deciding Grant's fate

STAFF REPORTS

The murder trial of Stephen Grant, the Macomb County man accused of killing his wife, will resume Tuesday morning.

The trial before Macomb County Circuit Judge Diane Druzinski started Friday with opening statements from attorneys after nearly two weeks of jury selection.

Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith said Grant killed wife Tara, 34, on Feb. 9 and then tried wooing his family's au pair, a then-19-year-old German girl. Smith said Grant left both a note and text message, saying the girl owed him a kiss minutes after killing his wife.

The defense contends that Grant lost control after being belittled by his wife and that the subsequent cover up -- including dismembering her body, dumping it in a park, and then retrieving parts of it -- was confused and the work of a man acting impulsively, not with premeditation.

The trial is expected to take two weeks, and Judge Druzinski said she is optimistic it will end before Christmas.

Below are descriptions of the jurors who will decide if Grant murdered his wife:

The Grant case jurors

The 10-woman, six-man jury in the Stephen Grant case appears to be primarily middle-aged, with no apparent senior citizens and two or three people who appear to be in their 20s.

The following are limited profiles of and comments made by jury members during the jury selection process:

Juror No. 5: He appears to be in his 50s. He said he is a contractor. He said he noticed media coverage -- "just snippets from the news" -- during the early stages of the case.

No. 55: She is a registered nurse who appears to be in her 30s or 40s. She said that sometime after she learned about the case, she drove by the Grant home to say a prayer for the family. "I think with all the silliness going on, they deserved a prayer." She said it also gave her a "sense of closure."

No. 1: Appearing to be in her 40s, she works for a health insurance company. Prosecutor Eric Smith asked her, "It seems you didn't pay a whole lot of attention to this case?" She replied, "No, I didn't."

No. 8: She appears to be in her 30s or 40s. She said her exposure was from television, "just on the news." She said she twice before served on juries in murder cases, neither of which had media coverage.

No. 17: She appears to be in her 30s or 40s. She said she had not followed the case. She said she had domestic violence in her history about 25 years ago, which she said might help her "understand motive."

No. 361: A woman who appears to be in her 30s or 40s, she said regarding media exposure that she "just looked at some headlines... and caught some on TV," including some statements Grant made to police. She said she believed he is "guilty of something." She said she has "compassion for his (Grant's) sister and father."

No. 26: She appears to be in her 40s. She said she did not follow the case. "To be honest, I feel pretty ignorant about the whole thing," she said.

No. 28: Appearing to be in his 40s or 50s, he said he only read a couple of newspaper articles about the case.

No. 53: Appearing to be in his 20s, he said he first heard about the case in early October and does not know much about it. He said he has had friends who have been victims of minor crimes. His brother is charged with a crime and is in the court process.

No. 60: She is a registered nurse who appears to be in her 40s. She said she would not second-guess any nurse who testifies in the case. She said she did not know much about the case. "I don't really watch the news," she said.

No. 352: The single "manager" who oversees about 20 people appears to be in his 30s or 40s. He said he was exposed to some media coverage, as well as talk by others, and heard from co-workers that Grant had confessed. He said he assumed Grant was guilty but had not formed an opinion he was guilty. He said he sat on a civil jury many years ago.

No. 59: Married and with a young child, he sells tools. He said he once considered a career in law enforcement. He enjoys murder mystery novels but said that he realized that those books are fiction and do not "comport to reality at all."

No. 35: She appears to be in her 20s or 30s. She said she was aware of the case but did not follow it closely. "I would make sure I listen to the information in the courtroom," she said.

Information about Nos. 126, 161 and 455 was not available.

The panel will be reduced from 16 to 12 in a random selection after closing statements and before deliberations begin.

-- Journal Register News Service writer Jameson Cook

[killerqueen]

FYI, I just checked and the CTV board is still on lockdown. Does anyone know if it's permanent? So much trouble over there anymore...

I'm just waiting on the noon trial update.

[killerqueen]

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071212/NEWS04/71212022/1118/RSS

Jury will see pictures of Tara Grant
December 12, 2007

By AMBER HUNT, FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

The jury in the Stephen Grant murder trial will get to see some pictures of Tara Grant's body, the judge overseeing the case ruled today.

Admissable will be pictures of injuries to Tara's head. The jury also will see video of the search of the Grant home in Washington Township where Tara's torso was found in the garage .

Prosecutors say Tara was murdered Feb. 9. They say she was strangled then mutilated by her husband to cover up the crime.

another link or two:

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071212/UPDATE/712120453

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071212/METRO/712120407

http://info.detnews.com/pix/photogalleries/newsgallery/12112007_grantsketches/index.htm

[FreeFalling]

SOURCE: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071212/NEWS04/71212022

Snippets from opening paragraphs...

"...During testimony of a Macomb County Sheriff's Office detective, jurors were shown a video taken March 2, the day investigators searched Grant's Washington Township home.

On the ground floor of the garage was a green bin sitting among other storage bins and cleaning supplies. When investigators took off the lid, they saw black plastic bags, and when they began to cut through those, they saw blood pooling inside a clear plastic bag.

That's when Circuit Judge Diane Druzinski ordered the video to be stopped, saying that showing the jurors any more would be "more prejudicial than probative." Tara Grant's torso was inside..."

[FreeFalling]

Knowing the L saw something like that puts a different spin on things.

In TOTAL agreement with you, Trina

[FreeFalling]

Killerqueen,

Got some info for you in reply to your post!

"... I'm curious as to what time Tara's call to SG ended and his call to the nanny was made. That would tell us exactly how long Tara was in that house before she was killed."

"The last phone call recorded on Tara's cell was an incoming call from Grant's cell phone at 2147 hours (9:47 pm) on Feb. 9th. The phone call was 18 minutes...

...Stephen Grant ended the phone conversation with his wife at approximately 2205 hours (10:05 p.m.) and then made a call at (*)2207 hours
(10:07 p.m.) from the house phone to Verena Dierke's cell phone. Grants cell phone records then show a call to Verena's cell phone at (**)2232 hours
(10:32 p.m.) as well."

"...Tara Grant paid for airport parking at McNamara terminal at 2132 hours
(9:32 p.m.) on February 9th..."

>> The drive time to the Grant home from Detroit Metro Airport is APPROXIMATELY one hour

"... This would have put Tara home at APPROXIMATELY 2230 hours
(10:30 p.m.)."

"...Grant was on the phone with Dierkes either just before Tara arrived home or was on the phone with Verena when Tara was home. Grant confirmed neither."

My source: SOURCE: http://www.detnews.com/pix/pdf/grant_macomb_sheriff_reports.pdf


(*) Telling V "don't come home"?????
(**) Telling V "You owe me a kiss"'????

V DID come home, though, in opposition of Steve's earlier "order" for her to "obey"... Thus, IMO, we have the reason he yelled at V when she walked into the home: "What the f### are you doing home?!" (IIRC: SG had already told V NOT to come home that night in a text, IIRC, at approx 10:07pm)

..Free

[FreeFalling]

From the 3/15/2007 police report...

"an area of the west wall in the family room which contained two smears
of reddish brown substance, the floor along the east wall of the wine cellar
in the basement which contained two spots of reddish brown substance,
and an area near the north wall of the attached garage."

ALL confirmed to be blood... Still wondering if we'll hear WHOSE blood??

I have NEVER believed that Tara was actually murdered in her bedroom/bathroom... Have had a gut feeling from the very, very start that is NOT where Tara took her final breaths.

When I saw the police report with times of all of the calls, I developed the sense that SG was waiting at the door for Tara's arrival home...

It really creeps me out that he claims he was naked when he murdered his wife, dragged her lifeless body about, hauled her into the garage and put her into the back of her vehicle... with his children in the home and expecting their mommy to be coming home from work...

Also wondering, although I doubt we'll ever know... Where was the family dog while the altercation and murder took place?

[TeeOne]

What breed was the family dog, do you know?

[FreeFalling]

I think y'all will want to read this article!

IMO, this nutcase's battleship is sunk!

Let's pray the jury is bright enough to see there's NO excuse for what SG chose to do, and gives Tara's family justice with a guilty conviction for Murder One.


Au pair tells of affair with host father that allegedly prompted wife's murder

Updated Dec. 12, 2007, 3:03 p.m. ET

http://www.courttv.com/trials/grant/121207_ctv.html?page=1

...Free

[killerqueen]

What breed was the family dog, do you know?

I believe it was a golden lab, but I may be mistaken. There was a video earlier today on wdiv.com that showed him walking away from his house with the dog prior to the police finding Tara's torso in the garage, but I can't find it now.

[FreeFalling]

What breed was the family dog, do you know?

Not positive I remember correctly, Trina, but believe he was a lab mix... Dog hairs were reportedly used as evidence in a warrant, IIRC

[LucyVanPelt]

In the beginning when things were reported on the web and many things were happening in front of the camera it became apparent that many news sources don't seem to report the facts, they tend to put their own interpretation on things. Very similar to that game we played when we were kids, can't remember the name, but somebody whispered something into someones ear and then it moved around a circle and the last person would repeat out loud what they heard and it never quite sounded like the first person.

The CTv report referenced above worries me because much of it seems to be their spin, not saying its wrong just that it worries me the following two articles seemed to provide more of a 'transcript' of the things that happened yesterday.

http://www.dailytribune.com/stories/121207/loc_aupair.shtml


http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071212/METRO/712120407

I agree with FreeFall I think he nailed her as soon as she walked in the door AND I never quite grasped the flavor of his yelling at VD when she walked into the house like you colored it for me today. Makes much more sense.

Thanks to everyone for keep us updated.

Lucy

[TeeOne]

I believe it was a golden lab, but I may be mistaken. There was a video earlier today on wdiv.com that showed him walking away from his house with the dog prior to the police finding Tara's torso in the garage, but I can't find it now.

I remember him walking away from the house to take the dog for a walk. That was right before he borrowed his neighbor's yellow truck to flee.

[killerqueen]

Today's trial happenings thus far:

Prosecutors play video of Grant home search
George Hunter / The Detroit News

MOUNT CLEMENS -- The shaky video showing the inside of the two-story colonial at 6686 Westridge at first appears to be a tour of a normal home.

In an upstairs bedroom, a bed is unmade. In the bathroom next door, a towel is draped over a shower curtain rod. In the basement is a child's basketball hoop, workout equipment and a wine cellar.

But the video takes a gruesome turn as the cameraman moves into the garage.

As prosecutors played the video of the home of accused murderer Stephen Grant this morning, the courtroom was silent, other than the narration of a detective who was present when the video was shot on March 2, as police executed a search warrant of the Grant home.

Family members of murder victim Tara Grant sat still and upright as the video zoomed in on a plastic container that was in the garage of the home. On the courtroom screen, the video showed a gloved hand moving aside a black plastic bag inside the container to reveal flesh -- Tara Grant's dismembered torso.

Stephen Grant's defense attorneys fought to keep the video out of the proceedings because they argued it would prejudice the jury. But after an hour of discussion in her chambers this morning, Circuit Judge Diane Druzinski ruled that the video, along photographs showing Tara Grant's remains, would be allowed. However, the judge ordered prosecutors to limit the portion of the video showing Tara Grant's remains to 10 to 15 seconds.

The jury members -- 10 women and 6 men -- showed no emotion as the video was played. Stephen Grant, who is accused of murdering and dismembering his wife, also sat stone-faced during the video, which lasted about 10 minutes.

The video -- Exhibit 119 -- was part of the evidence presented by the prosecution today as the trial entered its third day.

Three members of the Macomb County Sheriffs Office testified today: Lt. Mark Grammatico, who was present when the Grant home was searched; Det. Sgt. David Kennedy, who searched the tool-and-die shop owned by Grant's father, where Grant allegedly dismembered his wife; and chief of staff Capt. Anthony Wickersham, who spoke with Grant moments before police found Tara Grant's torso.

Wickersham said Grant was "very calm" when police came to search his home. "There was nothing unusual about his demeanor," Wickersham said.

Because Grant had not been charged with a crime before his wife's remains were found in his garage, Wickersham told him he was free to leave.

"Our conversation was civil," Wickersham said. "I explained that he could leave, and he asked if we were going to tear his house apart searching for evidence. He was concerned we were going to rip out the ceiling tiles."

Prosecutor Eric Smith asked, "Were there any ceiling tiles?"

"No," Wickersham responded.

After the torso was discovered by police, "We shifted our resources to finding Mr. Grant," Wickersham said. Grant had told him earlier that he planned to stop at the Sterling Heights home of his sister, Kelly Utykanski, and police staked out the home, although he never showed up there. Instead, he borrowed a neighbor's truck and fled to northern Michigan, where he was arrested two days later.

Earlier today, Grammatico testified that all the detectives with the sheriff's office were involved in the search for Tara Grant, when she was still assumed to be alive after her husband reported her missing on Feb. 14.

"At one time or another, everyone in the detective bureau worked on this case," he said. "That's very unusual."

Grammatico was involved in executing the search warrant of the Grant home. He said about 10 police officers waited in the garage while evidence technicians went through the house. "We were just discussing the case, when I heard (Sgt. Brian Kozlowski, lead detective on the case), shout (an expletive). There was a green plastic container. (Kozlowski) removed the top and acted surprised. We didn't know what it was at first, but it was kind of heavy, and covered with plastic bags. (Kozlowski) told us to back off and wait for the evidence techs, so we wouldn't taint the evidence.

"The evidence techs cut open the bags and found a torso. The remains were later identified as Tara Grant."

Testimony is scheduled to continue this afternoon.

[LucyVanPelt]

SG has ice in his veins, actually asked the police if they were going to tear his house apart during their search.

http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071212/UPDATE/712120453

Interesting that the police say he did not go to his sisters house the night of the search warrant. Is this another one of SG's lies in his confession?

[killerqueen]

I'm starting to think the only true statements in his confession were the actual strangulation and dismemberment. Everything else he said is a crock IMO.

[FreeFalling]

SG has ice in his veins, actually asked the police if they were going to tear his house apart during their search.

http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071212/UPDATE/712120453

Interesting that the police say he did not go to his sisters house the night of the search warrant. Is this another one of SG's lies in his confession?

That IS interesting, Lucy!! I read the article again, and that IS what is says...

"After the torso was discovered by police, "We shifted our resources to finding Mr. Grant," Wickersham said. Grant had told him earlier that he planned to stop at the Sterling Heights home of his sister, Kelly Utykanski, and police staked out the home, although he never showed up there. Instead, he borrowed a neighbor's truck and fled to northern Michigan, where he was arrested two days later."

Perhaps that is an inaccurate statement, though... MAYBE the fact is actually that SG did not show up there AFTER the stakeout was in place.

(IF he "never" showed up there that night after LE was in his garage and before he fled north, then where did he get the alleged "Vicodin" and/or other pills that he is supposed to have taken during his fleeing??? I'm thinking this statement in the paper might be a little off.)

... Free

[LucyVanPelt]

Finally we hear from the person that loaned him the truck:

http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071212/NEWS04/71212022

it feels good to know that he is angry!

[angeltoo]

I'm curious to know if the au pair succeeded in 'hiding under the covers "
from L. Did L actually see the nanny? You would think the defense would make this clear.
That if L did tell Tara, and she came home livid...it could prove that it wasn't premeditated.

[wingsgirl24]

I'm curious to know if the au pair succeeded in 'hiding under the covers "
from L. Did L actually see the nanny? You would think the defense would make this clear.
That if L did tell Tara, and she came home livid...it could prove that it wasn't premeditated.


I'm doubting L talked to Tara before she came home but MAYBE...L would have been in school for most of the day Friday and Tara was in and out of airports...

[FreeFalling]

I'm curious to know if the au pair succeeded in 'hiding under the covers "
from L. Did L actually see the nanny? You would think the defense would make this clear.
That if L did tell Tara, and she came home livid...it could prove that it wasn't premeditated.


OH MY STARS!! That makes NO sense at all and borders on absurd, IMO. Are you truly suggesting that a man can cheat on his wife, and if the wife finds out about it and is anything less than "okay with that" it is HER fault if the man kills her??????????????????????????????????????

Are you really suggesting, as it appears to me, that perhaps SG realized that Tara found out he was a lying cheater, and that he figured that her finding out about his cheating angered her, so he "just" did what he did to his "livid" wife???????

And it is her fault she got killed because of a possible "livid" reaction to his cheating?????????????????????????

I PRAY that those who are on the jury do not think in terms like you have expressed in this post.


.. Free

[Rockdog]

I'm starting to think the only true statements in his confession were the actual strangulation and dismemberment. Everything else he said is a crock IMO.

ITA

[FreeFalling]

IF... IF SG was aware of the POSSIBILTY that Tara was "Livid" from POSSIBLY having information that her husband was, in fact, playing hide the sausage with the nanny in the sheets of her marital bed, that would lend directly toward premediation... not away from premediation. Put yourself in the shoes of that lying murderer, and imagine what may have been going thru his darkened little mind IF IF IF one of his children had innocently ratted him out in the sex games he had been getting away with for so very long with V and with others. I would imagine his thoughts would've been along the lines of, "Dang! Busted! Now HOW am I gonna get away with THIS??"

Prior to being strangled to death, SG had hit Tara so hard in the face there was internal bleeding in her lower left jaw area, and she also suffered internal bleeding from a fractured/broken sternum... THEN he strangled the life out of her. It is unlcear to me, at this time, whether the severe blunt force trauma to the back of and the base of her head was inflicted prior to her death or post-mortem... That may come out in the trial yet.

I don't know about you, but this is not the way I, or people that I keep close to me, choose to deal with other people that are suspected of being "livid."

Additionally, and MUCH MORE importantly, Pre-mediation in the legal context does NOT require days, hours, or even many minutes of aforethought, planning, or preparation.

It is so WRONG TO EVER, EVER, "Blame the Victim."

There is NO excuse for what Stephen C. Grant did to Tara. But there is prison, without chance for parole, for what he did.

[angeltoo]

OH MY STARS!! That makes NO sense at all and borders on absurd, IMO. Are you truly suggesting that a man can cheat on his wife, and if the wife finds out about it and is anything less than "okay with that" it is HER fault if the man kills her??????????????????????????????????????

Are you really suggesting, as it appears to me, that perhaps SG realized that Tara found out he was a lying cheater, and that he figured that her finding out about his cheating angered her, so he "just" did what he did to his "livid" wife???????

And it is her fault she got killed because of a possible "livid" reaction to his cheating?????????????????????????

I PRAY that those who are on the jury do not think in terms like you have expressed in this post.


.. Free

No Free......Thats NOT what Im suggesting.
What I'm WONDERING is if L actually saw them in
bed and some how Tara found out, therefore coming home
very upset and SG ended up killing her.
NOW......with his defense atty trying to convince the jury that
this was NOT premeditated, one would think that he would use this
as their defense!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Like the defense would be all over the fact
that Tara was upset about something and it ended up in him killing her.
(heat of the moment). I'm not saying thats what I think happened, just what
I would think the defense would try to play. I apologize if my post was worded in a confusing way.
I would prefer in the future if you dont underdstand my post that you ask me to clarify, rather then putting alot of words in my mouth.
I've been posting at CTV with wingsgirl24 etc. since the beginning, and you get aclimated to posters "styles". I need to remember that this is a new board with new posters who are not familiar with each other. :)

[angeltoo]

IF... IF SG was aware of the POSSIBILTY that Tara was "Livid" from POSSIBLY having information that her husband was, in fact, playing hide the sausage with the nanny in the sheets of her marital bed, that would lend directly toward premediation... not away from premediation. Put yourself in the shoes of that lying murderer, and imagine what may have been going thru his darkened little mind IF IF IF one of his children had innocently ratted him out in the sex games he had been getting away with for so very long with V and with others. I would imagine his thoughts would've been along the lines of, "Dang! Busted! Now HOW am I gonna get away with THIS??"

Prior to being strangled to death, SG had hit Tara so hard in the face there was internal bleeding in her lower left jaw area, and she also suffered internal bleeding from a fractured/broken sternum... THEN he strangled the life out of her. It is unlcear to me, at this time, whether the severe blunt force trauma to the back of and the base of her head was inflicted prior to her death or post-mortem... That may come out in the trial yet.

I don't know about you, but this is not the way I, or people that I keep close to me, choose to deal with other people that are suspected of being "livid."

Additionally, and MUCH MORE importantly, Pre-mediation in the legal context does NOT require days, hours, or even many minutes of aforethought, planning, or preparation.

It is so WRONG TO EVER, EVER, "Blame the Victim."

There is NO excuse for what Stephen C. Grant did to Tara. But there is prison, without chance for parole, for what he did.

Aww geez....your preachin' to the wrong choir here. See, this happened less
than 5 miles for me. I was at Tara's memorial at Stoney Creek. As I drive, I
recognize areas SG held some of his impromtu interviews with media. (creepy)
I AM NOT BLAMING THE VICTIM!
Defense Attys throw whatever s**t on the wall, to see what
sticks. Again. I was speculating to an angle they may persue.
My god, these are message boards, to express views on cases.
Which I enjoy doing, not being in attack mode!
I not gonna help get this board shut down. :022:

BTW...the blunt force trauma to the back of her head, according to the
coroners report. likely happened when the belt broke as he was loading her
body in the garage and it hit the floor. (post mortum) in SG's words, 'sounding like a watermelon'. :INhouseReading04:

[wingsgirl24]

Thanks for clarifying that last sentence from your previous post angel!! I had missed it when I first read it but was a bit confused too... :) I also wondered if maybe L tipped Tara off to sicko's bedroom games...but if so, he and tara HAD probably argued on her way home from the hospital and that would even better suggest premeditation...would sure fit the time frame better...he killed her upon entering the house not "after an argument"

[angeltoo]

Thanks for clarifying that last sentence from your previous post angel!! I had missed it when I first read it but was a bit confused too... :) I also wondered if maybe L tipped Tara off to sicko's bedroom games...but if so, he and tara HAD probably argued on her way home from the hospital and that would even better suggest premeditation...would sure fit the time frame better...he killed her upon entering the house not "after an argument"

Thanks for understanding wings....your the last person I want to offend.
I wish it wasnt too late to go back and edit. I guess I crammed my thoughts
into three sentences! lol. SG ship really is sunk, defense wants to claim
he paniced. I'll say! Even if L didnt tell her, she didn't YET!

[FreeFalling]

Angeltoo,

Thanks for explaining what you meant in the earlier post... I misunderstood your meaning entirely, obviously, and it was upsetting to me. I am sorry for not asking you to clarify. That wasn't right of me.

My "Furthermore" post was seperate because it was not directed to anyone in particular; but to whoever, in general, may think that there is a reasonable "defense" to this murder.

... Free

[angeltoo]

Angeltoo,

Thanks for explaining what you meant in the earlier post... I misunderstood your meaning entirely, obviously, and it was upsetting to me. I am sorry for not asking you to clarify. That wasn't right of me.

My "Furthermore" post was seperate because it was not directed to anyone in particular; but to whoever, in general, may think that there is a reasonable "defense" to this murder.

... Free

Thank YOU Free, for understanding, and willing to say so. http://bestsmileys.com/handshake/1.gif

[LucyVanPelt]

Thanks for clarifying that last sentence from your previous post angel!! I had missed it when I first read it but was a bit confused too... :) I also wondered if maybe L tipped Tara off to sicko's bedroom games...but if so, he and tara HAD probably argued on her way home from the hospital and that would even better suggest premeditation...would sure fit the time frame better...he killed her upon entering the house not "after an argument"

Hey did you mean airport?

I want to again state that we don't know that they were actually arguing, this is information from SG. Free mentioned and it appears from news accounts that the prosecutor thinks that he attacked her shortly after her arrival. Frankly, other then his confession there is no evidence that anything happened quite the way he stated except that he strangled her.

This was in this mornings Freep. WingsGirl, please be aware that there is a bit of graphic detail here.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007712130373

[wingsgirl24]

Hey did you mean airport?

I want to again state that we don't know that they were actually arguing, this is information from SG. Free mentioned and it appears from news accounts that the prosecutor thinks that he attacked her shortly after her arrival. Frankly, other then his confession there is no evidence that anything happened quite the way he stated except that he strangled her.

This was in this mornings Freep. WingsGirl, please be aware that there is a bit of graphic detail here.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007712130373
OMG yes I meant the airport...I was talking in IM about my grandma being in the hospital when I posted that...oops...AIRPORT not hospital!

[LucyVanPelt]

I think this must be a bit of a blow to the defense attorney, close enough friend that he defended SG in public, loaned him his truck and now states that he and his wife envied their relationship, never saw discontent (or rather just once that he recalled and it was small).

http://www.dailytribune.com/stories/121307/loc_grant.shtml

Detnews.com also has a rather detailed article on his testimony.

[LucyVanPelt]

OMG yes I meant the airport...I was talking in IM about my grandma being in the hospital when I posted that...oops...AIRPORT not hospital!


Prayers to you and your grandma, hope that it is nothing serious. You have so much going on right now, please be strong.

Lucy

[FreeFalling]

"Grant told Zanlungo he "slept with" Dierkes to "get back" at Tara due to a supposed affair she had, Zanlungo said."

"Prosecutor Smith, who is attempting to prove premeditation by Grant, asked Zanlungo about comments by Grant regarding wildlife at Stony Creek, where Grant is accused of spreading Tara's remains after killing her. Grant, Zanlungo and a couple of other people at a 2006 Christmas party at the Grant home talked about seeing or hearing coyotes in the park and finding dead deer.

"We had a conversation about the number of coyotes in Stony Creek Metropark," Zanlungo said. "I heard coyotes in my yard and saw deer carcasses."


"Grant drove to the home of his sister, Kelly Utykanski, in Sterling Heights, where his children were staying, and took them to a fish fry at a local church. He then fled Macomb County and drove to northern Michigan, where he was captured about 30 hours later, 6:37 a.m. March 4"

FreeFalling says: So it sounds to me like he hung close to the scene of the crime, hoping, I presume, he was STILL going to be able to get away with murder, and could return home to finish his "clean up"...

A Church is THE last place I'd have thought of him hiding at right then... Stephen C. Grant is going to burn for eternity...

"Rabaut repeated his point through questioning that police found no other evidence of premeditation in the shop."

FreeFalling says: 24/7/365 access to the shop, with all of the bandsaws and such, and no other employees aside from SG and his father, requires NO "other evidence" of premeditation for me!

Source:
http://www.macombdaily.com/stories/121307/loc_grant.shtml

...Free

[LucyVanPelt]

I found this interesting, a bit of an insight into what the defense is up to?!?!

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071213/OPINION03/712130356/1409

[LucyVanPelt]

From the freep website today (right side of the screen):

Judge to rule on autopsy report

Long-awaited witness Daniel Spitz, Macomb County Medical Examiner, has taken the stand in the murder trial against Stephen Grant -- but the judge hasn't yet decided if his autopsy report will be introduced as evidence.

Circuit Judge Diane Druzinski ordered a 10-minute break at about 3:35 p.m. to weigh the defense's objection to the admission -- presumably on the grounds that the autopsy report describes Tara Grant's body parts and the conditions of them.

The defense already has objected to the admission of photographs of Grant's body parts. The judge has agreed to exclude all but three of such photos, saying the majority of them wouldn't further the prosecution's case, but would rather prejudice jurors against Grant simply by the graphic nature of the pictures.

Autopsy reports generally are admitted as evidence, however, and Spitz is expected to testify about injuries he found on Tara's face and skull. Druzinski already has ruled that jurors will see three photographs depicting those injuries.

The judge will decide yet this afternoon whether that autopsy report will be admitted. Once she rules on that, Spitz's testimony will continue. Court is expected to wrap up for the day about 4:30 p.m.

[FreeFalling]

Wings, thanks for posting this link. I forgot about it until tonight.

Here's the link to Hank's blog...he was present at Tara's funeral...he's been following and reporting on the case all along.

http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/14706988/detail.html

Read Blog On Stephen Grant's Trial
Hank Winchester Blog online at clickondetroit

** SNIPPED from Hank's Blog**

The overview from someone who's been in the courtroom this week provides some additional insight... Things that make you go "hmmmmm....."

"Dec. 11, 2007
The Nanny speaks: Today (Tuesday) Verena made her way back to Michigan and into a Mt. Clemens courtroom. The former Grant family au pair revealed she had a sexual relationship with her former boss, Stephen Grant. She broke down on the stand and admitted hiding the details of her sexual relationship in order to protect Grant. Verena was nervous, scared and clearly overcome with emotion at points. She cried at least three different times and was visibly shaken. She says she believed she loved Grant, but in the end she says she realized she had been tricked...tricked into believing he was innocent...tricked into believing Tara just walked away from it all.
** She surprised many when she revealed Grant even allegedly called her when he was on the run from police. She also said before his arrest they both made up new email address so they could communicate...and police wouldn't track their online conversations..." :eyebrow1qb:

(Continued at link provided)

[wingsgirl24]

My grandma came home today!! A few days ago we thought she'd had a massive stroke and was dying...seems it was deizures due to a surgery in April on her brain anyeurism...so...with a bit of medication and some rest, she's going to be OK!! :)

Also, I got email from Alicia. She seems to believe the trial is going well and asked that people continue to pray because it's working. :)

[LucyVanPelt]

IF... IF SG was aware of the POSSIBILTY that Tara was "Livid" from POSSIBLY having information that her husband was, in fact, playing hide the sausage with the nanny in the sheets of her marital bed, that would lend directly toward premediation... not away from premediation. Put yourself in the shoes of that lying murderer, and imagine what may have been going thru his darkened little mind IF IF IF one of his children had innocently ratted him out in the sex games he had been getting away with for so very long with V and with others. I would imagine his thoughts would've been along the lines of, "Dang! Busted! Now HOW am I gonna get away with THIS??"

Prior to being strangled to death, SG had hit Tara so hard in the face there was internal bleeding in her lower left jaw area, and she also suffered internal bleeding from a fractured/broken sternum... THEN he strangled the life out of her. It is unlcear to me, at this time, whether the severe blunt force trauma to the back of and the base of her head was inflicted prior to her death or post-mortem... That may come out in the trial yet.

I don't know about you, but this is not the way I, or people that I keep close to me, choose to deal with other people that are suspected of being "livid."

Additionally, and MUCH MORE importantly, Pre-mediation in the legal context does NOT require days, hours, or even many minutes of aforethought, planning, or preparation.

It is so WRONG TO EVER, EVER, "Blame the Victim."

There is NO excuse for what Stephen C. Grant did to Tara. But there is prison, without chance for parole, for what he did.

Free,

The following article on todays medical examiner testimony:

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071213/UPDATE/712130472

curious that there is no mention of the sternum injury, but that could have just been left out of this report. I am sure there will be more play by play specific to this portion tomorrow. Looks like they are hoping to play the confession tomorrow.

Prayers for strength and energy for the Destrampe family!

[wingsgirl24]

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/...070347/0/NEWS04

This would be why I dislike KU so much...she LIES as much as SG...


"I'm not here to give him a big hug," said Stephen Grant's sister, Kelly Utykanski. "I want him to get his punishment.".....

They were taken from Utykanski's Sterling Heights home on Monday evening and placed with Tara Grant's sister, Alicia Standerfer, and her husband, Erik, with whom they will stay at least until another hearing within 30 days. Both families were seeking custody of the children, who have been told of their mother's death.

But it doesn't appear to be an acrimonious contest.

"We don't have any animosity toward each other," Utykanski said after her brother's arraignment. "We're not going to make this into a courtroom battle."

Utykanski, who cared for the children during the weekend with her husband, Chris, as her brother ran from the law, spoke lovingly of the Standerfers.

"When we saw them last night, we were hugging them," she said.

...yet now she bashes Alicia...sad...

[FreeFalling]

Free,

The following article on todays medical examiner testimony:

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071213/UPDATE/712130472

curious that there is no mention of the sternum injury, but that could have just been left out of this report. I am sure there will be more play by play specific to this portion tomorrow. Looks like they are hoping to play the confession tomorrow.

Prayers for strength and energy for the Destrampe family!


Thanks for posting this, Lucy.... Curious indeed!

"Spitz also testified that Tara Grant likely struggled with her husband the night of her murder, Feb. 9. There were signs of blunt-force trauma on her lower back, and bruises on her jaw, on the back of her head and abrasions on her right eyelid and on the bridge of her nose"

I did not realize there were ALSO signs of blunt force trauma on Tara's lower back, or of the abrasions on her eyelid and bridge of her nose... :( Very, very sad to learn this... Sounds like Tara's struggle lasted longer than we've been led to think from SG's stories

:1222423: With continued prayers for the Destrampe family

[wingsgirl24]

Despite her wishes to raise the children, Kelly Utykanski emphasized that her family and Tara Grant's relatives are maintaining a civil and cordial relationship during the pending custody and placement proceedings.

"Both families love these children. We understand that," she said. "And whichever family ends up with custody, we would want to see plenty of visitation time to the other family, as well."


http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/030707/loc_2007030729.shtml

Kelly Utykanski of Sterling Heights, a sister of Mr. Grant, said Tuesday that she and her brother both took part in an effort to distribute fliers in Macomb and Oakland counties seeking information in locating her.

"It's not like to go missing, and not to have contact with (Mr. Grant) or the children," she said. "When she was gone on business, she would always call and have contact with her family every day."

Utykanski also indicated she was skeptical of the office relationship reports and said she knew of no exceptional strain or problems in her brother's marriage. She also said Mr. Grant is doing his best to keep the couple's children, ages 4 and 6, away from any media reports or details about the missing person case.

and...she wanted control of L and I's money!!

Attorney: Grant children in good hands with Tara's sisterBy Jameson Cook and Chad HalcomMacomb Daily Staff WritersThe former guardian for the children of Tara and Stephen Grant said that in a recent visit with the children he was impressed with how well they were doing and the way Alicia andErik Standerfer were handling them. "These children were phenomenal," said attorney Edward Greenup, who visited them March16 at an undisclosed home. "The little girl seemed very at ease. She was cleaning the TV. It was a nice home setting. "Both were very comfortable with Alicia and her husband," Greenup adds in a March 21report to Macomb County Probate Judge Pamela O'Sullivan, who Monday appointed AliciaStanderfer to represent Tara Grant's estate and serve as conservator for the children, a 4-year-old boy and 6-year-old girl. The Standerfers have been granted permission to take the children to their home in southern Ohio, pending the completion of a Department of Human Services investigation of them in Ohio. The Standerfers already have two children aged 1 and 2. Kelly Utykanski, Stephen Grant's sister, asked to join Standerfer in handling the children's finances, but the judge turned it down. Greenup said joint control of the conservatorship would have been unusual but not unheardof. He said Monday's ruling also made sense because a co-appointment of Utykanski would have resulted in a conflict of interest. He said he expects the estate of Tara Grant, which could include the children, likely will file a lawsuit against Stephen Grant for wrongful deathto collect any assets he has collected. Utykanski has power of attorney for her brother. "There's a potential -- if not obvious potential -- interest for Kelly Utykanski if she represented the children," Greenup said.

And why SG's a loser as a parent...Our son was a surprise," Grant said. "Tara had gotten what she thought was a (birth control) shot, but they gave her a flu shot instead. It was a surprise. At first it was tough, because we weren't ready for that mentally -- we thought it was going to be just one kid. But then he was born, and he was as perfect as his sister was."

"I learned to deal with it"

LEARNED TO DEAL WITH IT??? So I is an it that needed to be dealt with? UGH

and more KU comments...

Kelly Utykanski, accompanied by her husband, Chris, said that despite the adversarial process between her and Standerfer, the two get along. They talked Tuesday.

"Alicia and I have been getting along amicably," she said. "Whoever gets the children, we're hoping the other one is given very liberal visitation."

She also said her brother indicated that he did not oppose juvenile Referee Deborah Brune lifting a ban on the children leaving Michigan to go to Ohio.

"My brother wants the kids to go back to school and get into a normal routine as soon as possible," she said.


ALICIA STATEMENT:
Standerfer told a Detroit television station Tuesday that the children have been told their mother is dead but do not know the manner of her death.

She said the children are "confused" and have been "asking questions." She said she clarified "half-truths" that they have heard and repeated to her. She wants counselors to help teach her and her husband how to answer their questions and talk to them about the situation.



MORE ON KU:
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article...005/1006/NEWS04

Putting Grant children first takes big heart, common sense for their father's family

March 7, 2007

If there is anything but tragedy to come out of the continuing saga involving Stephen Grant, who has admitted to killing and dismembering his wife, it is how his family and his late wife's family are handling the Grant's two children.

I was relieved to read his sister Kelly Utykanski's words: "I'm not here to give him a big hug. I want him to get his punishment." I was gladder still to read that she DID give hugs to Tara Lynn Grant's sister, Alicia Standerfer and her husband, Erik, who will probably wind up raising the children.

We've seen countless images on TV of wailing mothers and siblings screaming for judges to be lenient on dangerous criminals, some having dragged little children into the courtroom with them. I always thought "OK, judge. Don't let them convince you to put the rest of us in danger."

But Utykanski lives in the real world: When you strangle and dismember your wife, don't expect total loyalty. And when you leave your children virtual orphans, don't interfere with efforts to restore their lives.

The Grant children cannot leave Michigan now, but as soon as they can, nothing would be better than for the Standerfers to take them home, to Chillicothe, Ohio - far from the scene of the crime.


ALICIA COMMENTS:

'Their mother's in a better place'

Tara Grant's sister tries to protect children as they wonder where mom is

George Hunter / The Detroit News

ROMEO -- Tara and Stephen Grant's two children are being shielded from the horror that has ripped their family apart, but as their mother's funeral approaches they are starting to ask questions about what happened to her, Tara's sister, Alicia Standerfer, said Thursday.

"They understand that Mom is dead, and they're very, very sad about that," Standerfer said. "With the funeral approaching, more questions are coming up about what happened. My husband and I are doing everything in our power to help them get through this.

"Every night, we read a book to them about heaven, to explain their mother's in a better place," Standerfer said. "I think it's helping."

Tara Grant's funeral is scheduled for Sunday in Escanaba, near her hometown. Stephen Grant is in the Macomb County Jail on charges he strangled and dismembered his wife -- but the children do not know that, Standerfer said.

"The kids think their father is in the hospital," said Standerfer, who is temporarily taking care of the Grant children until permanent custody can be determined. "We're going to leave it at that until we can sit down with a psychologist to figure out the best way to explain what happened."

A judge's decision Thursday may help restore a bit of normalcy to the two children, ages 6 and 4. Judge Denis LeDuc ruled that the Grants' Washington Township home is no longer an active crime scene, meaning family members may go in to retrieve personal items.

The home was off-limits to anyone but investigators, because police say Stephen Grant strangled his wife there on Feb. 9.

"Now Alicia can go inside the house to get the kids' toys," Prosecutor Eric Smith said. "Like most other kids, they have a lot of things in their room I'm sure they'd like to have with them."

Standerfer said she doesn't plan to retrieve the children's personal items until after her sister's funeral.

"It'll be nice for them to have their own beds, dressers and things like that," Standerfer said. "We'd like them to have their own belongings, to make them feel like they're in a home, instead of being shuffled from one place to another."

TO PROVE PREMEDITATION:::

“I struck out back at Tara,” he said. “I don’t know. And after that I don’t really remember what happened. I know she – she fell. I know she banged the back of her head on the floor and then she said something like,'That’s it. I’m gonna take the kids. You’re gonna be ... homeless.'

“And I choked her.”

'I couldn’t stop”

As he choked her, he said, he covered her face with a gray-colored shirt or pair of underwear.

“She finally grabbed my hand at one point, but it was too late then and I couldn’t stop,” he said, according to the police report. “I knew I was going to prison. I panicked.”


AND...WHAT EVER BECAME OF THIS:

After Wednesday's court proceedings, Simasko told The Detroit News the document he found in the Grant home was "a typewritten sheet that talked about how much Stephen is concerned about his wife's whereabouts," he said. "It also talked about how he wanted to participate in the search (of Stony Creek Metropark on Feb. 24), but that the Macomb sheriffs didn't want him to be there."

Stephen Grant's sister, Kelly Utykanski, said Wednesday that she and her husband prepared a statement to be read to the media while police were searching for Tara Grant, but denied her brother gave her talking points.

"We typed up a statement, which I read to the media on the day of the search," Utykanski said. "But Stephen never told me to say anything."

Utykanski said Simasko likely mistook the statement she read to the media for a script.

"I want to see the document," Utykanski said. "If it turns out to be the same thing we typed up, we're going to file a lawsuit against Simasko for slander. I won't allow him to drag my name through the mud like that."

Simasko said he plans to turn the document over to prosecutors today. William Cataldo, chief of homicide for the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office, said prosecutors are aware of the document but can't comment on it. After a judge ruled the Grant home was no longer a crime scene, Simasko and Standerfer were going through Tara Grant's effects when they found the document on a microwave. Standerfer declined to comment on it.


http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article.../706270429/1006

Grant has say on kids' custody
He challenges accommodations

June 27, 2007

BY AMBER HUNT
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

Murder suspect Stephen Grant said his two children don't belong with the sister of the wife he's accused of killing.

Grant, speaking on camera in a deposition obtained by Free Press reporting partner WDIV Local 4, said his sister-in-law's three-bedroom home is too small to accommodate his son, 4, and daughter, 6.

If the children are staying in two basement bedrooms, he said, those rooms aren't built to code.

"They're illegal bedrooms," said Grant, who faces a first-degree murder charge in the strangulation and dismemberment of his wife, 34-year-old Tara Grant. "That doesn't quite make sense."

Tara Grant's sister and brother-in-law, Alicia and Eric Standerfer, who live in Ohio, have temporary custody of the children.

The 22-minute jailhouse deposition was filmed as evidence to decide whether Grant's parental rights should be terminated -- a hearing for which is set for this morning in Macomb County Circuit Court.

Throughout the June 4 deposition, Grant's eyes darted to his lawyer, Stephen Donovan, appearing to look for permission to answer the questions. He said he spent more time with the children than his wife, who he said traveled four to six days a week for her job.

Grant told Michael Smith, the lawyer handling the Standerfers' request for custody, that he didn't get along with his sister-in-law, and that his sister, Kelly Utykanski -- who also seeks custody -- didn't get along with Tara Grant.

Grant made it clear he'd prefer that his sister have custody, and he refused to answer questions about his relationship with his wife.

"My attorney's advised me not to answer any questions like that based on my Fifth Amendment rights," he said.

When asked why, he answered: "It goes to motive."

When Smith attempted to continue the deposition two days later, Grant angrily took off his microphone, said he refused to answer more questions and knocked into a chair as he stormed from the room.

OK...enough for tonight...but...once again I have posted QUOTES to back up WHY I don't trust KU...

[FreeFalling]

http://www.crimeandjustice.us/forums/index.php?showtopic=10302&st=200


"There were bruises and scratches to her face, as well as a blunt-force impact to the back of her head," Spitz said. "She also had a fractured sternum. These were injuries indicative of an altercation."


... Free

[FreeFalling]

Page 50 of 67

03/04/07 Autopsy
Forensic Nurse Examiner examination

..."Dr. Spitz noted a fractured sternum with internal bleeding. He determined the injury occurred ante-mortem." (Prior to Tara's death)

SOURCE:
http://www.clickondetroit.com/download/2007/0413/11856716.pdf

[angeltoo]

Hi wings....Do you think Alicia/family was made aware of the details concerning the
nanny or did they find out when we did, through the trial? Not sure if the prosecuter
is allowed (gag order) to inform the family of some of the shocking revelations before
hand. But then again, she was a witness so probably not....

[Victory Faust]

Hi wings....Do you think Alicia/family was made aware of the details concerning the
nanny or did they find out when we did, through the trial? Not sure if the prosecuter
is allowed (gag order) to inform the family of some of the shocking revelations before
hand. But then again, she was a witness so probably not....



I don't mean to answer for wingsgirl, but Eric Smith almost certainly told Alicia and her family what to expect during the trial. The gag order only applies to the media.

[LucyVanPelt]

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/...070347/0/NEWS04

This would be why I dislike KU so much...she LIES as much as SG...


"I'm not here to give him a big hug," said Stephen Grant's sister, Kelly Utykanski. "I want him to get his punishment.".....

<snipped for size>..

WingsGirl, many of us have much the same opinion as you do about KU, because of these articles, which is the only way that we know her. We already had one thread shut down, until there is something new on her or the custody maybe we should not go down this path?

Yesterday, As I was looking at photos from the proceedings I noticed or rather didn't notice ANY pictures of KU, I was going to post about it but didn't want to start anything. If in fact she is not at these proceedings, I have to send her a kudo, she seems to be sticking by her statement about wanting him to get his punishment....

If you have followed any of the other cases similar to this, ie: Scott Peterson, IMO the immediate family is typcially disgusting in their efforts for their family member.

So please, please please WingsGirl, know that I feel deeply for you and your family, but lets not go into this area until there is something new?.
Please

[FreeFalling]

**SNIPPED**

Yesterday, As I was looking at photos from the proceedings I noticed or rather didn't notice ANY pictures of KU, I was going to post about it but didn't want to start anything. If in fact she is not at these proceedings, I have to send her a kudo, she seems to be sticking by her statement about wanting him to get his punishment....

If you have followed any of the other cases similar to this, ie: Scott Peterson, IMO the immediate family is typcially disgusting in their efforts for their family member.



Due to the fact that she is on the witness list and has not testified yet, it is quite possible that KU has been sequestered from the courtroom proceedings thus far.

...Free

[TeeOne]

Due to the fact that she is on the witness list and has not testified yet, it is quite possible that KU has been sequestered from the courtroom proceedings thus far.

...Free

Excuse me in advance, this has nothing to do with the trial....

Yesterday I was home sick, and the people from Dittrch Furs came on the news, talking abut their famous ads, with women sking, horseback riding wearing Dittrich furs. They are looking to make more exciting ads, well it just hit me you, Free in your avatar pose with a fur on...lol :yes2:

[FreeFalling]

Excuse me in advance, this has nothing to do with the trial....

Yesterday I was home sick, and the people from Dittrch Furs came on the news, talking abut their famous ads, with women sking, horseback riding wearing Dittrich furs. They are looking to make more exciting ads, well it just hit me you, Free in your avatar pose with a fur on...lol :yes2:

:girl_haha: ...Free

[FreeFalling]

"It" is always ALL about Stephen... and always so controlling... So lacking in responsibilty (blaming)... SOOO "Feel sorry for ME"... and SO cowardly! Even in his ALLEGED suicide note. Sheeze!

In a court of law, "feelings" do not matter. The only thing that matters is the truth. And, really, even the truth does not matter quite as much as the facts... As they say, "Just the facts, ma'am..."

Every single time that I've read everything uttered or written by SG, I literally delete or strike out the alleged "feelings" he claimed to have had - especially AFTER he was caught. Moreover, I've set aside comments that were blaming in nature, and recognized them as projection/What SG feels Guity of. (Example: Contrary to what SG was telling literally E-V-E-R-Y-O-N-E in the world, the fact is that it was SG who was having the affair(s).

Then I've looked at what was left. I guess I could say I cut the crap and review the facts. All that is significant to me in his ALLEGED suicide note is:

"I ended up hitting mom and hurting her bad... I was afraid of losing... So I ended up taking mom's life."

Premeditation, much?? Clearly, he made A CHOICE to end Tara's life. He could have CHOSEN - IF Tara had been afforded the opportunity to tell someone - to POSSIBLY be held responsible as being ONLY physically and verbally abusive to her, and perhaps held accountable for being adulterous as well. (IF he had stopped short of killing his wife) CLEARLY, SG was very much aware and cognitive of that fact. It is with that knowledge - which SG states time again he did have - that SG made an entirely different choice, FOR HIMSELF. SG CHOSE to murder his wife, rather than risk being exposed as the truly demonic individual he was for having cheated on his wife and for beating the heck out of the working mother of his children.

(THEN he made the further choices to try to get away with it AND try to "make" everyone despise Tara as a mother, a sister, a daughter, a valued employee... as well as the choices to try to "make" everyone think highly of him as well as feel sorry for him.)

HOW surprised WAS SG, intitially, when Verena returned back to the house after he had, reportedly, either called or sent the text (?) after he murdered his wife and told V NOT to come back home?? We've read that he yelled at V: "What the F*** are you doing here?!" when she walked into the house that night.

IMO, he may have experienced a very short-lived moment of so-called "panic" then, which he immediately gained control of... But I haven't seen anything that substantiates that SG had "feelings" of so-called "panic" either prior to or during his beating and murdering of Tara... Nor while he dismembered and later disposed of most of her body parts.

IMO, the ONLY thing Stephen Grant is "sorry" about is that he IS going to prison because he lacked the time to dispose of Tara's body as efficiently as he had disposed of her laptop, her cell phone, her suitcase full of her clothing, etc...

I have every confidence that the prosecution will make these points to the jury. The only question is, will the jury "get it'???

With continued prayers for the Destrampe family, AND for the jury to see through the smoke and mirrors of the Stephen Grant and the defense attorneys


SOURCE: http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dl.../712140440/1361

"I know you two don't understand what happened to mom," Macomb County sheriff's Sgt. Jeffrey Budzynowski recited. "Maybe someday Kelly (Utykanski, Grant's sister) will tell you what happened.

"Just know that I love you both more than anything. I have decided to end my life. I know it is better.

"Things kept getting worse between your mom and me, and things got physical. I ended up hitting mom and hurting her bad.

"I was afraid of losing you two, so I ended up taking mom's life in a panic. I am sorry.

"I know it will be hard to lose me after your mom was taken from you."

[ScottyDo]

Due to the fact that she is on the witness list and has not testified yet, it is quite possible that KU has been sequestered from the courtroom proceedings thus far.

...Free

that is exactly what i remember reading.

[wingsgirl24]

that is exactly what i remember reading.


That would make sense too because they have shown her outside the courtroom...she IS present but probably not allowed in. IMO that doesn't make a whole lot of sense though either...it's not like his lawyers can't tell her what was testified to...

[FreeFalling]

"...Standerfer said that after she learned Tara was missing, she came from her home in Chillicothe, Ohio to Michigan to post missing person flyers. Stephen Grant didn't help, she said.

She and her family had dinner with Grant twice, however --
once riding in the Isuzu Trooper that days before had hauled her sister's dead body to the Mt. Clemens tool-and-die shop where it was dismembered. ..."

SOURCE: http://www.chillicothegazette.com/a...ATES01/71212004


"MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. --
During Friday’s murder trial of Stephen Grant,
who is accused of killing and dismembering his wife,
Local 4 learned about
his troubled life behind bars,
a letter he wrote to his children while he was on the run and
more about the statements he made after his capture in northern lower Michigan.

The judge has suspended Grant’s visitation rights for a month.
From Dec. 8 to January 8, Grant will not be allowed to have any visitors,
including his sister Kelly, who often visited him. ..."

Source: http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/14856698/detail.html

[killerqueen]

I, for one, am so glad there was a gag order in effect concerning this trial. So many things are coming out now that I find it hard to believe a jury wouldn't be able to agree to a first degree conviction in this matter.

Here's my version of events. All thoughts and opinions are my own and not meant to be taken as the truth of this situation.

First, you have SG talking to visitors in his own home about the large numbers of coyotes in the park near his home just a month and a half before Tara disappeared.

By SG's own admission, he was naked and they'd agrued that night. Naked so no DNA would end up on his clothing; maybe arguing, not about her work schedule, but possibly something her daughter may have had the oportunity to tell her. We only have his word - as little as that's worth.

Now, to the premeditation. He says she slapped him, so he reached out and started to strangle her, but the evidence says otherwise. Dr. Spitz says that Tara put up a heck of a struggle. SG punched her in the jaw. He could have stopped there. He punched her in the nose, but he didn't stop there. He struck her in the head and back, and could've stopped there. But he didn't. Even after he'd fractured her sternum, he could have stopped. But he didn't. Blow after blow after blow, he could have stopped, but didn't. Not until he had her down on the ground with his hands around her throat. But still, he didn't stop. Not when she passed into unconsciousness, not when she stopped breathing. He didn't stop his assault until he was sure she was dead. Then he chopped her up in pieces manageable enough for a pack of starving animals to carry off and consume, which is how he thought he'd go free - they were supposed to make Tara disappear for him.

IMO, he had been planning to dispose of her long before he actually killed her, and he thought he had a foolproof plan. But what is it they say about a fools plans?

As always, IMO, JMO, etc.

[FreeFalling]

I, for one, am so glad there was a gag order in effect concerning this trial. So many things are coming out now that I find it hard to believe a jury wouldn't be able to agree to a first degree conviction in this matter.

Here's my version of events. All thoughts and opinions are my own and not meant to be taken as the truth of this situation.

First, you have SG talking to visitors in his own home about the large numbers of coyotes in the park near his home just a month and a half before Tara disappeared.

By SG's own admission, he was naked and they'd agrued that night. Naked so no DNA would end up on his clothing; maybe arguing, not about her work schedule, but possibly something her daughter may have had the oportunity to tell her. We only have his word - as little as that's worth.

Now, to the premeditation. He says she slapped him, so he reached out and started to strangle her, but the evidence says otherwise. Dr. Spitz says that Tara put up a heck of a struggle. SG punched her in the jaw. He could have stopped there. He punched her in the nose, but he didn't stop there. He struck her in the head and back, and could've stopped there. But he didn't. Even after he'd fractured her sternum, he could have stopped. But he didn't. Blow after blow after blow, he could have stopped, but didn't. Not until he had her down on the ground with his hands around her throat. But still, he didn't stop. Not when she passed into unconsciousness, not when she stopped breathing. He didn't stop his assault until he was sure she was dead. Then he chopped her up in pieces manageable enough for a pack of starving animals to carry off and consume, which is how he thought he'd go free - they were supposed to make Tara disappear for him.

IMO, he had been planning to dispose of her long before he actually killed her, and he thought he had a foolproof plan. But what is it they say about a fools plans?

As always, IMO, JMO, etc.

I SO agree with your posted OPINIONS, Killerqueen. I could not get beyond an "Ick" factor of SG being nude when he killed Tara, so I never "got" why he was waiting for Tara in the nude... My thoughts just would not go "there". No DNA on his clothes. But of course! :0doh:

In his written confession SG stated - I AM paraphrasing this - that he thought of the meanest things he could say to Tara, said the meanest things he had thought of, and then she (allegedly) slapped him. That SG provoked either a fight with Tara, or provoked an escalation to a verbal exchange is one big thing that I would add to his premeditation......

ITA with all of your thoughts in this posting...

[killerqueen]

Grants messages to Tara got angrier and angrier:

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071218/NEWS03/71218019

And remember, he made many of these calls in front of the au pair and the children. I can't wait for the judge to give him the ultimate Christmas gift this year - life in prison with no possibility of parole.

[FreeFalling]

Grants messages to Tara got angrier and angrier:

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071218/NEWS03/71218019

And remember, he made many of these calls in front of the au pair and the children. I can't wait for the judge to give him the ultimate Christmas gift this year - life in prison with no possibility of parole.

:zm10:

[concerto]

I'm praying he gets life without parole.

[LucyVanPelt]

I'm praying he gets life without parole.

I was wondering today, where would he serve his time? I am not familiar with where all the prisons are in Michigan and recall that Jackson shutdown.

Gosh - I hope it isn't a long drive for his sister. We know that she doesn't like driving 11 hours for visits.

[concerto]

I was wondering today, where would he serve his time? I am not familiar with where all the prisons are in Michigan and recall that Jackson shutdown.

Gosh - I hope it isn't a long drive for his sister. We know that she doesn't like driving 11 hours for visits.


I don't know where the prisons are located but hopefully he'll be in the one that most resembles hell.

[concerto]

The prosecution has rested.

http://www.clickondetroit.com/grant/14856698/detail.html

[FreeFalling]

I've gotten better prizes out of a Cracker Jack box than the defense has in their first witness, Bader Cassin! :girl_haha:

"Assistant prosecutor Therese Tobin cast doubt on Bader's conclusions, questioning how he could determine a cause of death without a toxicology or biology report.

Cassin said he based some of his opinions about the autopsy from media reports.

..."Why shouldn't I?" Cassin asked." :shock:

"Source:
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dl...PDATE/712180421

"...But he also agreed with the prosecution's witness that it took about four minutes for Grant to strangle Tara, referred to Grant's statement to police as a "story" ..." :basic45:

Cassin is a medical examiner hired by Stephen Grant's attorneys.

[FreeFalling]

Prosecutor Rests In Grant Trial; Defense Witness Takes Stand

POSTED: 2:14 pm EST December 14, 2007
UPDATED: 7:40 pm EST December 18, 2007


"Local 4’s Hank Winchester reported that Grant seemed calm and comfortable while the court played his audio statement.

At one point, he started laughing in court. Tara Grant’s sister Alicia turned to her husband and said, "I can’t believe Stephen Grant had a smirk on his face," reported Winchester."

SOURCE: http://www.clickondetroit.com/grant/14856698/detail.html

[killerqueen]

Prosecutor Rests In Grant Trial; Defense Witness Takes Stand

POSTED: 2:14 pm EST December 14, 2007
UPDATED: 7:40 pm EST December 18, 2007


MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. -- The Grant Trial could go be turned over to the jury as early as Wednesday morning, said officials.

Testimony cruised along Tuesday in the trial of Stephen Grant, who is accused of murdering and dismembering his wife, Tara.

After prosecutors rested their case Tuesday, the first defense witness took the stand.

Medical examiner, Bader Cassin, got into a heated debate and defended his work while he was cross-examined by prosecuting attorney Therese Tobin.

Cassin testified that Grant had no concept of time when he killed his wife because he was enraged and in a panic and he was likely not looking at a clock.

In grant's own confession, he said he knew Tara was dead because it had been too long.

The prosecution pointed out that even though he performed an autopsy on Tara, he never reviewed the toxicology reports, the microscopic examination or Tara's medical records. He also never filed a final report, only a draft on his findings.

The jury viewed television interviews he did with local media, including an interview Grant did with Local 4's Hank Winchester 10 days after he killed his wife.

In the interview he pleaded to Tara to call the sheriff's department. "Call the sheriff's office. I would rather her call the sheriff's office. Obviously, if she has been gone this long, there is some problem between her and I, and I would rather her call the sheriff."

On Tuesday morning, the jury heard the audiotaped confession Grant gave to police in a northern Michigan Hospital, which he admitted to killing Tara and explained how he attempted to hide her body.

The jury also heard voicemails Grant left for Tara on Feb. 11, after her death. Grant left a message saying, "Please at least call your kids. It's not right, Tara. It's not right. Please, please just call."

Another message said, "Tara, next time I call you, you better pick up your phone. Do not hit 'Ignore.' It is absolute BS you won't call me or the kids. It's BS. Call me or the kids. I know you're mad. You travel too much. It's not right. Just call me."

The prosecutor entered a red sled and a Rubber Maid container into evidence. According to Grant's confession, he used the sled to help transport Tara's body through Stoney Creek Metro Park in an attempt to hide her body parts. Police said they found Tara's torso in the Rubber Maid container inside the Grants' garage.

<snipped>

So it could all be over with today? I hope they put SG on the stand and give him plenty of rope. That will be the icing on the cake, IMO.

[LucyVanPelt]

Defense Rests?!?!?!?!?!

[killerqueen]

Defense Rests?!?!?!?!?!

What what what?!? Is this confirmed? Please, let it be so. There'd still be time for the jury to convict this week, then.

[FreeFalling]

What what what?!? Is this confirmed? Please, let it be so. There'd still be time for the jury to convict this week, then.

Crossing my fingers!!

Awaiting word confirming this!!

Praying the jury can say "Murder One - Guilty" the same day they get to deliberate!!

Lucy?? What more can you tell us now???

[FreeFalling]

Associated Press - December 19, 2007 11:04 AM ET

http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=7518314&nav=0RbQ

[FreeFalling]

UPDATED: 11:08 am EST December 19, 2007

"MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. -- Both sides delivered their closing arguments this morning in the trial of Stephen Grant, accused of killing and dismembering his wife, Tara, back in February..."

Confirmation!! :s1gyahoo:

http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/14888794/detail.html

[killerqueen]

Stephen Grant defense rests
December 19, 2007

By AMBER HUNT, FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

The jury will not hear directly from Stephen Grant.

Without calling other witnesses this morning, the defense team for Grant, 37, rested its case.

On Tuesday, their only witness was Washtenaw County Medical Examiner Bader Cassin, who at times discredited statements Grant made to the police.

The defense says Grant acted in the heat of passion after a fight with his 34-year-old wife on Feb. 9 in their Washington Township home. Grant faces charges in the killing and dismembering his wife. He admits to the crimes, but says they were not premeditated. Instead of first-degree murder which would guarantee life in prison, the defense is hoping the jury finds him guilty of a lesser crime, such as second-degree murder or manslaughter, in which he would be eligible for parole.

The defense is now making its closing arguments.

In his closing, Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith said Grant had started up a relationship with the au pair and had intentions of getting rid of his wife. He said his actions after the death, in which he sent a text message to the young woman, saying "you owe me a kiss," proved his state of mind.

"He was seeking a reward for murdering his wife? My God," Smith said.

Grant, he said, could have walked away from this fight, but he didn't.

Smith told the jury there was no way Grant's tale of events that she died immediately could possibly be true as the prosecution's medical examiner testified. The medical examiner testified it would have taken at least 2 1/2 minutes after Grant stranguled his wife into unconsciousness for her to die.

At that moment, he told the jury, "Tara Grant is now unconscious" and he started a stopwatch.

And waited.

About two minutes later, he stopped the watch.

"Tara Grant is now dead," he said. "In that time, Stephen Grant had a choice between life and death."

[killerqueen]

Prosecutor's closing argument: Grant was a coiled snake
George Hunter / The Detroit News
MOUNT CLEMENS -- In a dramatic closing argument, Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith called accused murderer Stephen Grant a coiled snake waiting to strike and kill his wife, Tara Grant.

"February 9 of this year, Tara Grant had no idea what she was walking into. He was lying in wait for her, naked, like a coiled snake," Smith said.

"His whole world had changed. He wanted a new family -- a new wife. The only thing that was in his way was Tara. With no conscience or speed limits, he executed his plan. If I hear another word about not finding map I'm going to scream. There's no list that begins with 'had breakfast' and ends with 'kill my wife.'

Advertisement

"He stood face to face with the mother of his children and strangled every last breath from her. There's no buried treasure or flow chart. The only thing that matters are his actions.

"I don't want to hear about not finding any plane tickets. He wasn't going anywhere. This was the best moment of his life. He's a big star. He got the media following him. Have you ever seen a man love the microphone more?"

Grant is accused of killing and dismembering his wife. He initially reported her missing, but he later confessed to the crimes, investigators said.

[FreeFalling]

Both Sides Rest In Grant Trial

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. -- Both sides delivered their closing arguments this morning in the murder trial of Stephen Grant, accused of killing and dismembering his wife, Tara, back in Feb. 2007, and the jury is being given instructions. A verdict is likely today.

The prosecution said that testimony and evidence produced at the trial proved that Tara's death was a premeditated act by Stephen.

On Tuesday morning, the jury heard voicemails Grant left for Tara on Feb. 11, after her death, saying, "Please at least call your kids. It's not right, Tara. It's not right. Please, please just call."

Another message said, "Tara, next time I call you, you better pick up your phone. Do not hit 'Ignore.' It is absolute BS you won't call me or the kids. It's BS. Call me or the kids. I know you're mad. You travel too much. It's not right. Just call me."

The prosecution, in closing arguments Wednesday, said the voicemails prove premeditation on Stephen's part.

They prove that Stephen was "ruthless" and had thought his actions out.

Also on Tuesday, the jury heard the audiotaped confession Grant gave to police in a northern Michigan Hospital, which he admitted to killing Tara and explained how he attempted to hide her body.

Jurors also watched several videotapes Tuesday from Local 4 newscasts showing Grant emotional while being interviewed.

http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/14888794/detail.html

[killerqueen]

http://www.clickondetroit.com/grant...794/detail.html

Both Sides Rest In Grant Trial

POSTED: 10:05 am EST December 19, 2007
UPDATED: 11:21 am EST December 19, 2007


MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. -- Both sides delivered their closing arguments this morning in the murder trial of Stephen Grant, accused of killing and dismembering his wife, Tara, back in Feb. 2007, and the jury is being given instructions. A verdict is likely today.

The prosecution said that testimony and evidence produced at the trial proved that Tara's death was a premeditated act by Stephen.

On Tuesday morning, the jury heard voicemails Grant left for Tara on Feb. 11, after her death, saying, "Please at least call your kids. It's not right, Tara. It's not right. Please, please just call."

Another message said, "Tara, next time I call you, you better pick up your phone. Do not hit 'Ignore.' It is absolute BS you won't call me or the kids. It's BS. Call me or the kids. I know you're mad. You travel too much. It's not right. Just call me."

The prosecution, in closing arguments Wednesday, said the voicemails prove premeditation on Stephen's part.

They prove that Stephen was "ruthless" and had thought his actions out.

Also on Tuesday, the jury heard the audiotaped confession Grant gave to police in a northern Michigan Hospital, which he admitted to killing Tara and explained how he attempted to hide her body.

Jurors also watched several videotapes Tuesday from Local 4 newscasts showing Grant emotional while being interviewed.

[killerqueen]

Dang, Free, you beat me to the punch! I'm just psyched that there could be a verdict today. Does anyone know if the children are aware that Alicia is in Michigan for their father's murder trial? Bless them both, this Christmas is gonna be rough on them.

[FreeFalling]

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071219/UPDATE/712190457

Grant case in the hands of jury
George Hunter / The Detroit News
MOUNT CLEMENS -- Stephen Grant's fate lies in the hands of six men and six women after the jury began deliberating in his first-degree murder case at 11:47 a.m. today.

Both Macomb County prosecutor Eric Smith and defense attorney Stephen Rabaut gave closing arguments lasting about an hour.

Rabaut said Grant did not act with premeditation: "Who strangles somebody with premeditation? Or is it more typically a poisoning or by more forceful means?

"In order to be found guilty (of first-degree murder), the prosecution has to establish that he thought out his actions beforehand. It doesn't say during, it says beforehand."

The jury can consider whether to convict Grant of first-degree murder, second-degree murder or voluntary manslaughter.

Smith called accused murderer Stephen Grant a coiled snake waiting to strike and kill his wife, Tara Grant.

"February 9 of this year, Tara Grant had no idea what she was walking into. He was lying in wait for her, naked, like a coiled snake," Smith said.

"His whole world had changed. He wanted a new family -- a new wife. The only thing that was in his way was Tara. With no conscience or speed limits, he executed his plan. If I hear another word about not finding map I'm going to scream. There's no list that begins with 'have breakfast' and ends with 'kill my wife.'

"He stood face to face with the mother of his children and strangled every last breath from her. There's no buried treasure or flow chart. The only thing that matters are his actions.

"I don't want to hear about not finding any plane tickets. He wasn't going anywhere. This was the best moment of his life. He's a big star. He got the media following him. Have you ever seen a man love the microphone more?"

Grant is accused of killing and dismembering his wife. He initially reported her missing, but he later confessed to the crimes, investigators said.

[FreeFalling]

Dang, Free, you beat me to the punch! I'm just psyched that there could be a verdict today. Does anyone know if the children are aware that Alicia is in Michigan for their father's murder trial? Bless them both, this Christmas is gonna be rough on them.

I'm all psyched that there could be a verdict today too!!

I could only guess if the children know or not -- My educated GUESS is probably not...

[concerto]

Praying for Tara's children, Tara's family and a life without parole verdict...today!!!

[killerqueen]

Defense asks Grant jury to consider voluntary manslaughter
Jurors begin deliberating in murder trial
December 19, 2007

By AMBER HUNT

FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

Stephen Grant's fate finally rests in the hands of 12 jurors.

Closing arguments in the murder trial against Grant, who's charged with first-degree murder for the Feb. 9 slaying of his wife, Tara Grant, wrapped up about 11:30 this morning with his lawyers making a bold request:

Don't find Grant guilty of even second-degree murder, argued lawyer Stephen Rabaut. Find him guilty of voluntary manslaughter.

"This individual had no pre-thought plan to kill Tara Grant," Rabaut said. "Who plans a strangulation?

"He panicked. He made a bad choice."

Prosecutor Eric Smith said Grant had plenty of time to stop himself from strangling his wife. He used a stopwatch to demonstrate. After 15 seconds, he said: "Tara Grant is now unconscious."

The stopwatch counted off another 3 minutes, 45 seconds -- during which Smith said nothing, simply watching the watch until it reached 4 minutes, or the amount of time two forensic pathologists said it takes for someone to be choked to death.

"Tara Grant is now dead," Smith said as he clicked the stopwatch off. "Stephen Grant had a choice between life or death. He chose death."

Smith asked the jury to find Grant guilty of first-degree murder, which carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole.

A voluntary manslaughter conviction carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison -- meaning Grant, now 37, would be released by age 52. The 10-year sentence he faces for pleading guilty to dismembering his wife would run concurrently.

The jury also could come back with a verdict of second-degree murder, which carries a penalty of up to life in prison. Grant would have the possibility of being paroled.

Smith called the voluntary manslaughter request ridiculous.

"Are you kidding me?" he said in his rebuttal closing argument. "That's saying she provoked her own death."

Meanwhile, Rabaut said that the prosecutor's descriptions of Grant as calculated and methodical don't jibe with his actions after the slaying.

Grant left his wife's body in the back of her SUV for more than a day before lugging it to his father's tool-and-die shop and dismembering it with bow and band saws. Then he wrapped the pieces in plastic, put them in a rubber bin and used his children's sled to carry the bin into Stony Creek Metropark to disperse the body parts.

At one point, the sled got away from him and slid down a hill, hitting a tree and spilling the body parts on the ground. Grant panicked, Rabaut said, and ran home.

He later came back, cut the plastic off the body parts and hid them in what Smith described as "squirrel holes."

That, Smith said, was intentional as Grant had previously talked with a friend about the coyotes that were killing deer in the park.

"He lets the animals do what he knows they're going to do," Smith said.

County Medical Examiner Daniel Spitz said most of the body parts showed signs of animal activity. Some parts were reduced to bone.

Smith returned to Grant's statements to the media, some of which jurors saw during Tuesday's testimony, to show that he's a skilled actor.

"It's the performance of a lifetime," Smith said. "In his twisted mind, he's winning an Emmy."

Rabaut, however, said Grant simply was responding in panic, worried about losing his two children and landing in prison. Tara Grant, he said, swore at Grant the night of the slaying, telling Grant their relationship was over and he'd never see their kids again.

Rabaut also said Grant was lonely, a stay-at-home dad whose wife was gone most weekdays in Puerto Rico for her job. He grew jealous of his wife and her success, Rabaut said.

"It all builds up over time," he said, and Grant "lost it."

"He continously unravels to the point where he self-destructs."

[FreeFalling]

Praying for Tara's children, Tara's family and a life without parole verdict...today!!!

I'm praying for Life without parole...
PLUS the maximum of the full 10 years for dismemberment...

:zm10:

[concerto]

I'm praying for Life without parole...
PLUS the maximum of the full 10 years for dismemberment...

:zm10:

Yes, I don't want any of the concurrently business.

[FreeFalling]

Ditto, Concerto!

ITA with you KQ - Ya gotta love Eric Smith!! He is GOOOOOD!! I can feel his passion for a guilty verdict through reports of his statements!!

"It's the performance of a lifetime," Smith said. "In his twisted mind, he's winning an Emmy."

Thank you, Eric Smith, for fighting so powerfully for Tara!! :love0085:

[Pauli]

I can't believe this trial has gone so fast...

[FreeFalling]

I can't believe this trial has gone so fast...

I'm grateful that it has, Harlett!!! To me, that signifies a very strong case of Murder One for the Prosecution, as well the defense having little hope for the jury to see it as anything less....

I pray I'm not "off" on my hunch!

[killerqueen]

I can't believe this trial has gone so fast...

That's kind of how I feel about Tara - I can't believe she was gone so fast.

An eye for an eye, Steven. She will be buried in a box for eternity, and soon, you will be too. It's just too darn bad that YOU'LL get to still see your family abind friends, something you made sure Tara would never do again. I hope the life sentence is shortened drastically by your early demise - what's good for the goose is good for the gander, buddy. Now, learn to deal with that like you learned to deal with your wife having a second child.

[Pauli]

I'm grateful that it has, Harlett!!! To me, that signifies a very strong case of Murder One for the Prosecution, as well the defense having little hope for the jury to see it as anything less....

I pray I'm not "off" on my hunch!

I don't think you are off at all, they seem to have a pretty strong case against him.

That's kind of how I feel about Tara - I can't believe she was gone so fast.

An eye for an eye, Steven. She will be buried in a box for eternity, and soon, you will be too. It's just too darn bad that YOU'LL get to still see your family abind friends, something you made sure Tara would never do again. I hope the life sentence is shortened drastically by your early demise - what's good for the goose is good for the gander, buddy. Now, learn to deal with that like you learned to deal with your wife having a second child.

So many of them are gone in a blink of an eye. It's almost epidemic the amount that go missing and are murdered. That's the main reason we are so dedicated in trying to help find missing persons.

[FreeFalling]

FOX2 detroit is reporting ANY MINUTE now the jury will deliver the verdict!!!!!!

[FreeFalling]

http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/myfox/

Link

[FreeFalling]

:1222423: Prayers for Murder One Justice for Tara, L, I,
Mary and Dusty, Alicia and Eric

[killerqueen]

FOX2 detroit is reporting ANY MINUTE now the jury will deliver the verdict!!!!!!

Wow! That's faster than the OJ jury.

Found this a few minutes ago:

Grant jury asks to see confession, other evidence
Defense asks jurors to consider voluntary manslaughter
December 19, 2007

By AMBER HUNT

FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

Nearly three hours after jurors begin deliberating murder suspect Stephen Grant's fate, jurors asked the Macomb County Circuit Court judge for several items of evidence.

Among them: A list of the evidence that had been presented in trial; a list of the witnesses who had testified; Grant's three-page written confession; medical examiner Daniel Spitz's report, and Grant's initial missing person's report that he filed with police five days after his wife went missing in February.

The jury also asked for a summary of the phone records showing calls between Grant and his wife, 34-year-old Tara Grant, whom he's admitted to killing Feb. 9.

Judge Diane Druzinski said the evidence list and the witness list doesn't exist, so jurors won't receive that. The other evidence, they'll receive.

The jury began deliberating just before noon.

[FreeFalling]

Thanks Queen! :) Will peruse this while we wait...

I'm finding that patience is not one of my virtues TODAY

[FreeFalling]

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Grant jury requests items during break in deliberation

George Hunter And Christina Stolarz / The Detroit News

MOUNT CLEMENS -- Jurors broke from their deliberations in the Stephen Grant murder trial this afternoon to request a series of items to help them reach a decision.

Jurors asked for a list of evidence and witnesses, and copies of:

• Grant's three-page written confession.

Advertisement

• Macomb County medical examiner Daniel Spitz's testimony, as well as his autopsy report.

• The missing persons report Grant filled out when he claimed his wife was missing.

• Three autopsy photos showing Tara Grant's injuries.

• A summary of telephone records.

• Poster boards that Prosecutor Eric Smith and defense attorney Stephen Rabaut showed the jury earlier that detailed the legal differences between first- and second-degree murder and manslaughter.

Judge Diane Druzinski said the items would be provided, except for the list of evidence and witnesses, which did not exist, and a copy of Spitz' testimony, which had not yet been prepared. She said the poster boards were unnecessary because the differences in the legal charges were spelled out in jurors' instructions provided earlier.

Jurors began deliberating at 11:47 a.m., broke for lunch around noon and returned at about 1:30. They broke to seek the additional items around 2:30.

Today's proceedings began with Rabaut explaining to Druzinski that Grant would not be taking the stand. Then the jury was brought in, and Rabaut announced he'd rested his case.

"This is a pathetic individual," Rabaut said of Stephen Grant. "This individual had no intent of killing Tara Grant. Who strangles somebody with premeditation? Or is (premeditated murder) more typically a poisoning or by more forceful means?

"In order to be found guilty (of first-degree murder), the prosecution has to establish that he thought out his actions beforehand," Rabaut said. "The law doesn't say during, it says beforehand."

As part of his closing statement, Smith took out a stop watch and remained silent for four minutes -- the time medical experts say it likely took Tara Grant to die.

After the four minutes were up, Smith said, "Tara Grant is now dead." Then, he addressed the jury:

"Stephen Grant had a choice of life or death during that time," he said. "Make him pay."

Smith described Stephen Grant as a "coiled snake" waiting for Tara Grant to come home the night of Feb. 9.

"Tara Grant had no idea what she was walking into," Smith said. "He was lying in wait for her, naked, like a coiled snake.

"His whole world had changed," Smith said. "He wanted a new family -- a new wife. The only thing that was in his way was Tara. With no conscience or speed limits, he executed his plan."

Smith refuted defense attorneys' argument that, because police found no evidence that Grant planned to kill his wife, the murder was not premeditated.

"If I hear another word about not finding a map I'm going to scream," Smith said. "There's no list that begins with 'have breakfast' and ends with 'kill my wife.'

"He stood face to face with the mother of his children and strangled every last breath from her. There's no buried treasure or flow chart. The only thing that matters are his actions. His deeds tell us his thoughts. He murdered his wife in cold blood.

"I don't want to hear about not finding any plane tickets. He wasn't going anywhere. This was the best moment of his life. He's a big star. He got the media following him. Have you ever seen a man love the microphone more? He's a big star."

Smith referenced phone calls Grant made to Tara's cell phone after the murder, and Grant's tearful pleas to the media begging his wife to come home.

"Did you like the calls on the cell phone? And did you like the tears? That was pretty good. He's giving the performance of a lifetime. In his twisted mind, he's thinking he should get an Emmy. He was having too much fun. This isn't panic -- this is mission accomplished.

"You heard from everyone who knew Tara Grant -- those kids were her life," Smith said. "Tara had a demanding job, but she made incredible sacrifices for her family. She flew home every weekend. She called her kids constantly. She had to sacrifice and provide because (Stephen Grant) certainly wasn't going to do it.

"Now, she's being attacked for succeeding in a man's world," Smith said. "If Tara Grant was a man, you'd never have heard these arguments: that being a loving mom and a hard worker somehow excuses her murder. She's working hard thousands of miles away, and what is the defendant doing? He's sleeping with the nanny."

Smith noted that Grant told authorities that during his final argument with Tara, he accused her of having an affair with a co-worker, and she slapped him. Then, he said, he thought "'I realized I was going to prison for hitting her. I've got to not make her tell.'"

Smith said that amounted to premeditation. "How does he make her not tell? We all know the answer to that question: He murders her. He makes up his mind: 'if I don't kill her, I'm going to prison.' So he did. That's a conscious choice."

Rabaut began his closing statement by asking, "who was Tara Grant? We know she was a wife; the mother of two beautiful children. She was a highly-successful member of the Washington Group. She was moving up quickly. She was on the leadership track. She was a very successful individual. The evidence is clear that she loved her children," Rabaut said. "She called them on a regular basis.

"Who is Stephen Grant? We know he was a husband. He, too, was a father. We've heard descriptions of him as a homemaker. He was involved heavily in the kids' day-to-day activities. He had a limited personal life. He wasn't out with friends. He was a very lonely person. We know this because (Tara Grant's sister, Alicia Standerfer) testified that sometimes Stephen Grant would call her when Tara was gone, because he was lonely.

"One thing Stephen Grant was: he was a good father. No one who testified in this case has ever suggested otherwise. This was a relationship where you had Tara, who was becoming more and more successful; and Stephen, who dealt with the day-to-day running of the household. He felt he was in a menial role. He was probably jealous because of her successful employment. He becomes frustrated and angry, and it all builds up over a period of time."

Stephen Grant said when his wife came home on Feb. 9, he called to her, but she didn't answer him because she was listening to music on her headphones.

"He believed he was being disrespected because Tara hadn't been home for a week, and he calls out to her but she's listening to her I-Pod," Rabaut said. "Then he asks about her travel, but Tara responds 'it's none of your business.' Then, Stephen Grant says, she starts spewing words of venom to him. She said, 'screw you. You'll never see your kids again.' He said, 'all I wanted to do was stop her from talking.'

"This is an individual who is acting out of anger; out of built-up frustration," Rabaut said. "He was not in control. Mr. Smith gets up here with a stopwatch to show you how long four minutes is. But is that what occurred here? We're not talking about looking at a stopwatch for four minutes. We're talking about four minutes of passion; of anger and frustration. There was a struggle."


SOURCE: http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071219/UPDATE/712190457/1412/METRO03

[killerqueen]

http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/myfox/

Link

Is this to their live feed? Will it start automatically?

[FreeFalling]

http://www.clickondetroit.com/grant/14888794/detail.html

UPDATED: 3:03 pm EST December 19, 2007

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. -- Jurors deliberating Wednesday in the murder trial of Stephen Grant has asked the judge a number of questions, indicating they might take longer than previously thought to reach a verdict.

Grant is accused of killing and dismembering his wife, Tara, back in Feb. 2007.

To see what instructions the jury received, click here.

The jury asked for:

A list of the degrees of murder
A list of the evidence
A list of the witnesses
Poster board
Six pens
A copy of the Grant's written confession
The testimony of Macomd County Medical Examiner Dr. Daniel Spitz
The autopsy report
The missing persons report
Pictures of the crime scene
A summary of Stephen Grant's phone records


The prosecution said that testimony and evidence produced at the trial proved that Tara's death was a premeditated act by Stephen.

At one point, the prosecuting attorney produced a stopwatch and let four minutes tick by. That's the amount of time that experts testified it took for Tara to die as she was choked by Stephen. The four-minute time frame proves, prosecutors are trying to convince the jury, that it was not a crime of passion but was premeditated.

On Tuesday morning, the jury heard voice mails Grant left for Tara on Feb. 11, after her death, saying, "Please at least call your kids. It's not right, Tara. It's not right. Please, please just call."

Another message said, "Tara, next time I call you, you better pick up your phone. Do not hit 'Ignore.' It is absolute BS you won't call me or the kids. It's BS. Call me or the kids. I know you're mad. You travel too much. It's not right. Just call me."

The prosecution, in closing arguments Wednesday, said the voice mails prove premeditation on Stephen's part.

They prove that Stephen was "ruthless" and had thought his actions out.

Also on Tuesday, the jury heard the audiotaped confession Grant gave to police in a northern Michigan Hospital, which he admitted to killing Tara and explained how he attempted to hide her body.

Jurors also watched several videotapes Tuesday from Local 4 newscasts showing Grant emotional while being interviewed.

[FreeFalling]

Is this to their live feed? Will it start automatically?


I'm not really sure, queen -- I just keep clicking "refresh" to look for updates... And I'm posting -em as I find 'em! :)

[killerqueen]

Does anyone know when jury deliberations end for the day?

[FreeFalling]

Does anyone know when jury deliberations end for the day?

It generally depends on if the jury feels they are "close" to reaching an agreed decision, or not. (Sometimes court schedules for other trials also factor in, as does whether or not sequestering is involved.)

[FreeFalling]

UPDATED: 5:36 pm EST December 19, 2007

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. -- Jurors deliberating Wednesday in the murder trial of Stephen Grant have gone home for the day without reaching a verdict.

Watch Live: Complete Coverage On Stephen Grant

Earlier in the day, they asked the judge a number of questions, indicating they might take longer than previously thought to reach a verdict.

Grant is accused of killing and dismembering his wife, Tara, back in Feb. 2007.

To see what instructions the jury received, click here. *SEE MY NEXT POST*

The jury asked for:

A list of the degrees of murder
A list of the evidence
A list of the witnesses
Poster board
Six pens
A copy of the Grant's written confession
The testimony of Macomd County Medical Examiner Dr. Daniel Spitz
The autopsy report
The missing persons report
Pictures of the crime scene
A summary of Stephen Grant's phone records


The prosecution said that testimony and evidence produced at the trial proved that Tara's death was a premeditated act by Stephen.

At one point, the prosecuting attorney produced a stopwatch and let four minutes tick by. That's the amount of time that experts testified it took for Tara to die as she was choked by Stephen. The four-minute time frame proves, prosecutors are trying to convince the jury, that it was not a crime of passion but was premeditated.

On Tuesday morning, the jury heard voice mails Grant left for Tara on Feb. 11, after her death, saying, "Please at least call your kids. It's not right, Tara. It's not right. Please, please just call."

Another message said, "Tara, next time I call you, you better pick up your phone. Do not hit 'Ignore.' It is absolute BS you won't call me or the kids. It's BS. Call me or the kids. I know you're mad. You travel too much. It's not right. Just call me."

The prosecution, in closing arguments Wednesday, said the voice mails prove premeditation on Stephen's part.

They prove that Stephen was "ruthless" and had thought his actions out.

Also on Tuesday, the jury heard the audiotaped confession Grant gave to police in a northern Michigan Hospital, which he admitted to killing Tara and explained how he attempted to hide her body.

Jurors also watched several videotapes Tuesday from Local 4 newscasts showing Grant emotional while being interviewed.


http://www.clickondetroit.com/grant/index.html

[FreeFalling]

These are the instructions Stephen Grant's jury heard on Wednesday.

First Degree Premeditated Murder-

1.) The defendant is charged with the crime of first-degree premeditated murder. To prove this charge, the prosecutor must prove each of the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
2.)First, that the defendant caused the death of Tara Grant, that is, that Tara Grant died as a result of homicide by strangulation. 3.) Second, that the defendant intended to kill Tara Grant. 4.) Third, that this intent to kill was premeditated, that is, thought out beforehand. 5.) Fourth, that the killing was deliberate, which means that the defendant considered the pros and cons of the killing and though about and chose his actions before he did it. There must have been real and substantial reflection for long enough to give a reasonable person a chance to think twice about the intent to kill. The law does not say how much time is needed. It is for you to decide if enough time passed under the circumstances of this case. The killing cannot be the result of a sudden impulse without thought or reflection. 6.) Fifth, that the killing was not justified, excused, or done under circumstances that reduce it to a lesser crime.

Second Degree Murder The defendant is charged with the crime _______. You may also consider the lesser charge of second-degree murder. To prove this charge, the prosecutor must prove each of the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt: 2. First, that the defendant caused the death of Tara Grant, that is that Tara Grant died as a result of homicide by strangulation. 3.) Second, that the defendant had one of these three states of mind: He intended to kill, or Grant intended to do great bodily harm to Tara Garant, or Knowingly created a very high risk of death or great bodily harm knowing that death or such harm would be the likely result of his actions. 4. Third, that the killing was not justified, excused, or done under circumstances that reduce it to a lesser crime.

Element Chart First-Degree Premeditated Murder

victim's death
death caused by defendant
death not justified or excused or mitigated to manslaughter
defendant actually intended to kill victim, and
defendant premeditated victim's death, and
defendant deliberated victim's death

Second- Degree Murder
victim's death
death caused by defendant
death not justified or excused or mitigated to manslaughter
defendant actually intended to kill victim, or defendant intended to do great bodily harm to victim, or defendant knowingly created a very high risk of death or great bodily harm knowing that death or such harm would be the likely result of his actions.

http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/14889783/detail.html

[FreeFalling]

Grant jury done for the day

Defense asks jurors to consider voluntary manslaughter

December 19, 2007

By AMBER HUNT FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

Both sides agree on a few things:

Stephen Grant is pathetic. And a liar. And a killer.

But, said his defense lawyer, he’s no cold-blooded murderer. So the defense made a bold request Wednesday: that Grant be found guilty of voluntary manslaughter instead of first- or second-degree murder.

“This is a killing often described as in the heat of passion,” lawyer Stephen Rabaut said. “This individual had no pre-thought plan to kill Tara Grant. Who plans strangulation?”

On Day 7 of the murder trial against Grant — who has admitted strangling his wife on Feb. 9 — both the defense and prosecution wrapped up their closing arguments and sent the case to the jury.

Voluntary manslaughter carries a maximum 15-year prison sentence.
The prosecution’s goal? A first-degree murder conviction, which carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison with no chance of parole.

Jurors also could find Grant guilty of second-degree murder, which could land him in prison for up to life, but would give him the opportunity for parole. At the start of the trial, he pleaded guilty to dismembering his wife, for which he stands to receive up to 10 years in prison.

At 5 p.m., jurors stopped deliberating for the day after they’d asked to review certain evidence. Macomb County Circuit Judge Diane Druzinski said deliberation would resume at 8:30 a.m. today.

The evidence jurors asked for included autopsy photographs of injuries to Tara Grant’s head and back; Stephen Grant’s three-page written confession; medical examiner Daniel Spitz’s autopsy report; phone records showing calls between Grant and his wife, and Grant’s initial missing person’s report that he filed with police Feb. 14 — five days after the killing.

The jury also asked for a list of the evidence that had been presented and a list of the witnesses who had testified. Those lists don’t exist.

The six-man, six-woman panel began deliberating just before noon, after Prosecutor Eric Smith and defense lawyer Rabaut each delivered hour-long closing arguments.

Smith called Rabaut’s voluntary manslaughter request ridiculous.

“Are you kidding me?” he said in his rebuttal closing argument. “That’s saying she provoked her own death.”

In arguing for first-degree murder, Smith pulled out a stopwatch to illustrate how much time it would have taken for Grant to choke his wife to death, even after she passed out from a lack of oxygen.

After 15 seconds, Smith said: “Tara Grant is now unconscious.”

The stopwatch counted off another 3 minutes, 45 seconds, during which Smith said nothing. When the stopwatch reached 4 minutes, or the amount of time two forensic pathologists said it takes for someone to be choked to death, Smith clicked the stopwatch off.

“Tara Grant is now dead,” he said. “Stephen Grant had a choice between life or death. He chose death.”

First-degree murder charges usually are linked to cases in which someone is
accused of mapping out, or planning, the slaying. In Grant’s case, Smith said he believes Grant had mentally prepared for the killing months in advance.
But, he said, first-degree murder also applies to cases in which the killer had enough time to reasonably reflect on what he or she is doing.

“He had that entire time to think, ‘She’s alive, she’s alive, she’s alive,” Smith said. “But he squeezed.”

Rabaut said Grant was too panicked to think clearly. He and his wife had fought, and the fight turned violent. Tara Grant, he said, swore at her husband the night of the slaying, telling her husband their relationship was over and he’d never see their kids again.

Stephen Grant was a lonely stay-at-home dad whose wife was gone most weekdays in Puerto Rico for her job, Rabaut said. Grant grew jealous of his wife and her success.

“It all builds up over time,” Rabaut said, and Grant “lost it.”

Quoting from Grant’s statement to police — which jurors heard in full during the trial — Rabaut said his wife called him names, prompting Grant to grab her throat to keep her from saying more.

Once Grant did that, he couldn’t stop himself, Rabaut said.

Smith said Grant had nearly four minutes to try.

“The defense says he was lonely,” Smith said. “Well, that’s too damn bad. That doesn’t give you an excuse to kill your wife, for God’s sake.”

http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071219/NEWS04/71219020

:basic44: I LOVE how Eric Smith calls it what it is!!!!

Now then, I HOPE that Jury has a Murder One decision in the morning!!

... Free

[LucyVanPelt]

Ok, so my husband recently was a juror on a trial. It was a one day thing, the basic idea – the defendant was not following the directions given by a police officer during booking or something like that, there was a video of the entire thing, and it would seem that the officer used excessive force. Which the jury was told was a different trial (civil), that it is against the law to not follow the directions of a police officer and they were to determine if the defendant broke the law. When it went to jury, there were two bleeding hearts that didn’t want to follow the law because the officer responded badly. 10 jurors eventually convinced the other 2.

My husband thinks, or wants to give me a glimmer of hope, that there is at least one juror that so believes that SG’s crime is 1st degree, he/she is playing the bluff game and saying “I will hang this jury, I will vote nothing less then 1st degree.” I want to believe, I really want to believe, and given that there isn’t a verdict yet, makes me believe that this jury is working really hard and not taking their job lightly.

I am concerned that we on the outside without benefit of actual audio/visual have no real concept of the testimony. Lets face it we are getting the information that sells newspapers or advertising dollars. Alicia was on the stand for I believe 30 minutes, and we know she defended her sisters parenting, there was back and forth regarding the controlling person in the marriage and discussion of a sister fight. But 30 minutes is a long time and until yesterday I was unaware that she told on the stand that SG was so lonely that he even called her on the phone. Don’t know when he called or how often, but during closing Rabault said that the jury learned that he even called Alicia to fill his time. Will we the public ever be allowed to see the court transcript of the trial?

I was scared months ago, because people generally don’t understand abusive relationships. No one understands that the person doing the abuse, does it in a way that they tear down their victims confidence, one little bit at a time, by controlling with words, actions or physically, then overwhelming their victim with stories of contrition, how they will never ever do it again, giving them gifts or love and making everything better. And still again in a few days they are pulling the rug out from under their victims feet. They never start the relationship out this way, they just very slowly play their cat and mouse game, over and over apologizing for their behavior, but tearing down the confidence of their significant other, in most cases causing the victim to feel they deserve this because they are bad. They can do this to the weakest person in the world AND they can do it to the strongest, thus making people on the outside think she is so strong/in control/ on top of the world, how would she ever let this guy have this control. And people on the outside just don’t get it, if you have never been a victim of abuse it is hard to understand why the victim doesn’t just walk away, get out, leave before you have children, etc. The really amazing thing to me: Victims even don’t understand it, it isn’t unusual for a victim to look at another victim and think ‘she/he must have done something to warrant that…’.

People, I am scared, but I believe that even though I didn’t get immediate gratification yesterday, this jury is going to do the right thing and show me that I can believe in people again. I have to believe.

[FreeFalling]

In case anyone is here looking for updates... Here is a link to a live stream :)

http://www.clickondetroit.com/video/14889569/index.html

[killerqueen]

I'm starting to think that the live link is just going to run till the jury leaves again for the night, then we'll get an update of the days events. It's getting awfully close to the wire if they're gonna make a decision tonight.

[FreeFalling]

There was a flurry of activity maybe 20 minutes, or so, ago. Everyone in the room RAN out...

Since there's no live TV coverage up here in my neck of the woods, I'm half relying on posts on CTV... Someone said there "A deputy is instructing the media IN CASE a verdict comes in..." so my hopes were up - but they're balanced out now with your post. Still, I'd be okay with not moving from my computer until later tonight if they announce the jury is close!

[concerto]

Prayers for Tara's children, Tara's family and a life without parole verdict tomorrow!!!

[killerqueen]

Day three and the jury is just now asking for SG's 3 hour audio confession? Sounds like someone in that room doesn't think it was premeditated. Please spare us another OJ or Phil Spector jury.

Justice for Tara - soon!

[killerqueen]

Grant jurors review more evidence, break for lunch
December 21, 2007

By AMBER HUNT

FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

Day 3 of jury deliberations in the Stephen Grant murder trial began with yet another request for more evidence.


This time, it's the more than three-hour audiotaped confession Grant gave to police March 4, two days after investigators found his wife's torso in the couple's Washington Township garage.

Jurors have asked to examine several items entered into evidence during the seven-day trial, including Macomb County Medical Examiner Daniel Spitz's autopsy report; Grant's three-page written confession; pictures of Tara Grant's head and back to show injuries she sustained during the strangulation, and pictures of scratches to Stephen Grant's nose and hand and bruising to one of his thighs.

Advertisement


The jury began listening again to the statement at about 9:50 a.m. They were instructed by Circuit Judge Diane Druzinski to close the transcripts of the statement when they'd heard as much as they needed. When everyone has closed their transcripts, the statement will be stopped.

The first juror to close his transcript -- a middle-aged man in a plaid shirt -- did so about 40 minutes into the statement, after Grant told police that the family's au pair, Verena Dierkes, slept in his bed the day after the slaying.

That statement countered Dierkes' testimony early in the trial. She said she'd slept in the Grants' bed the night before Tara Grant was killed.

The second transcript was closed by an Asian man as Grant began describing dismembering his wife.

Grant already pleaded guilty to mutilating a corpse for cutting up his wife. The prosecution wants him to be convicted of first-degree murder in the strangulation.

After listening again to just more than an hour of Grant's statement, 11 jurors had closed their transcripts. One woman, however, asked the judge to back the tape up to the point where Grant described the night of the slaying specifically.

That played again for about 20 minutes, ending the replaying of the statement after 90 minutes in -- or about halfway through.

Court watchers said that shows the jurors are focused on what happened in the Grant home before and during the slaying.

The jurors broke for lunch about 11:30 a.m. They're set to continue deliberating at 1:30 p.m.

Grant's defense lawyers asked the jury to come back with a voluntary manslaughter conviction. That carries a maximum 15-year prison sentence, whereas first-degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence without possibility of parole.

[motown38]

2nd degree murder was the right verdict. As much as people will disagree, it is the right verdict. I have been practicing criminal law for 15 years and this was absolutely the correct verdict based on what was presented. Knowing Judge Diane personally, she is very tough on crime. The prosecutor will surely recommend life in prison. Unfortunately in Michigan there are sentencing guidelines. The guidelines do not call for life in this case. However, there is case law that shows in some cases guidelines can be exceeded.

There are no winners in this case. I feel for Tara's family and hope they can put this behind them and remember Tara in happier times. I also pray for Stephen Grant's family as well. I hope they can put this horrific crime behind them.

Let's all thank God that the justice system works. Thank you Macomb County. (My home)

[wingsgirl24]

http://www.freep.com:80/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071221/NEWS04/71221051/0/NEWS04&theme=TARAGRANT2007

Go Freep...

[killerqueen]

I am speechless at the verdict. This jury sounds like it was filled with ignorant people who couldn't even tell the difference between planned and unplanned. No wonder they didn't want to talk, they probably don't want anyone to know it was them who fumbled the ball. I hope the judge can stipulate thay he has to serve his sentence for mutiliation before his sentence for murder, or some ruling thay they can't run concurrently. In the meantime, Chris U. seems to be the only one in that family saddened by Tara's death.

And in case anyone HADN'T noticed, the CTV boards are shut down again. Business as usual over there. I like it here, I have a cool avatar and so does most everyone else.

All of this is JMO, IMO, etc.....

[Cat]

kq, I was also surprised (that's mild) at the verdict. I don't think any jury can get it right anymore. All the trials I kept up with this year had weird verdicts.

PS: CTV is open for me. I just checked.

[Justme38]

I am speechless at the verdict. This jury sounds like it was filled with ignorant people who couldn't even tell the difference between planned and unplanned. No wonder they didn't want to talk, they probably don't want anyone to know it was them who fumbled the ball. I hope the judge can stipulate thay he has to serve his sentence for mutiliation before his sentence for murder, or some ruling thay they can't run concurrently. In the meantime, Chris U. seems to be the only one in that family saddened by Tara's death.

And in case anyone HADN'T noticed, the CTV boards are shut down again. Business as usual over there. I like it here, I have a cool avatar and so does most everyone else.

All of this is JMO, IMO, etc.....

They asked for the tape of him confessing, and still only found him guilty of 2nd degree? I just don't understand it.:z0tdntknw:

[killerqueen]

<snipped>

PS: CTV is open for me. I just checked.

You were able to post on the Grant thread over there?

[Pauli]

You can read the threads over at CTV, but many of them were locked at about 3:30.. the Grant case is one that was locked.

[Pauli]

Stephen Grant guilty of second-degree murder

December 21, 2007
By AMBER HUNT
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
UPDATED AT 4:58 P.M.
Stephen Grant is guilty of second-degree murder -- meaning he could be sentenced to anything from jail time to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole -- a Macomb County jury decided this afternoon.

Grant walked into the courtroom before the jurors were brought in with a pale face. Just before the verdict was read, he looked over his shoulder at his sister, Kelly Utykanski, and appeared to fight back tears.

Sentencing will be Feb. 21. Judge Diane Druzinski ordered DNA testing as well, as is common in convictions.

Prosecutor Eric Smith lowered his head briefly. He and his co-counsel had wanted a first-degree murder conviction, which would have carried a mandatory sentence of life in prison with no possibility of parole.

Mary Destrampe, Tara Grant's mother, reached out and touched her other daughter's arm after the verdict was read. Alicia Standerfer, who had testified in her sister's murder trial, had also hoped for a first-degree murder conviction.

The courtroom was packed not only with family members and media, but also with key witnesses who'd testified on behalf of the prosecution.

Among them: Macomb County Medical Examiner Daniel Spitz, Detective Mark Grammatico and Sgt. Larry King. The latter two are of the county Sheriff's Office.

In a post verdict press conference, Grant's attorney Steve Rabaut said: “There are no winners here. We hope the Grant family can move on”

He agreed with the jury's decision and said it was a very fair trial.

Prosecutor Eric Smith said his office still plans to ask Druzinski to sentence Grant to life in prison -- the same sentence he would serve if he'd been convicted of first-degree murder.

However, Grant would be eligible for parole. That said, people convicted of crimes are scored and given guidelines based on the conviction, the defendant's previous convictions and other factors.

Smith, who said he didn't yet know what those guidelines might be, said he expects Druzinski to take into account the horrific nature of the crime and lengthen the sentence. "I still think it's first-degree murder, but we're going to keep him off the streets as long as possible," Smith said.

UPDATED AT 2:55 P.M.
The jurors in the Stephen Grant case will give their verdict momentarily. Family members for both sides are arriving to the court house. The jury has been deliberating for 3 days.

The prosecution is hoping the jury will render a guilty verdict in the first degree. The defense is hoping the jury will give a lesser verdict, second-degree or manslaughter, which would make Grant, 37, eligible for parole.
----------------------------

After listening to about half of Stephen Grant's statement to police, jurors are back in the Macomb County Circuit courthouse debating the Washington Township man's fate.

Day 3 of jury deliberations has also included an arrest of someone from the media, who allegedly was attempting to talk to jurors during lunch, a court official said.

The day began with yet another request from jurors for more evidence.
This time, it was the more than three-hour audiotaped confession Grant gave to police March 4, two days after investigators found his wife's torso in the couple's Washington Township garage.

Jurors have asked to examine several items entered into evidence during the seven-day trial, including Macomb County Medical Examiner Daniel Spitz's autopsy report; Grant's three-page written confession; pictures of Tara Grant's head and back to show injuries she sustained during the strangulation, and pictures of scratches to Stephen Grant's nose and hand and bruising to one of his thighs.

The jury began listening again to the statement at about 9:50 a.m. They were instructed by Circuit Judge Diane Druzinski to close the transcripts of the statement when they'd heard as much as they needed. When everyone has closed their transcripts, the statement will be stopped.

The first juror to close his transcript -- a middle-aged man in a plaid shirt -- did so about 40 minutes into the statement, after Grant told police that the family's au pair, Verena Dierkes, slept in his bed the day after the slaying.

That statement countered Dierkes' testimony early in the trial. She said she'd slept in the Grants' bed the night before Tara Grant was killed.

The second transcript was closed by an Asian man as Grant began describing dismembering his wife.

Grant already pleaded guilty to mutilating a corpse for cutting up his wife. The prosecution wants him to be convicted of first-degree murder in the strangulation.

After listening again to just more than an hour of Grant's statement, 11 jurors had closed their transcripts. One woman, however, asked the judge to back the tape up to the point where Grant described the night of the slaying specifically.

That played again for about 20 minutes, ending the replaying of the statement after 90 minutes in -- or about halfway through.

Court watchers said that shows the jurors are focused on what happened in the Grant home before and during the slaying.

The jurors broke for lunch about 11:30 a.m. They're set to continue deliberating at 1:30 p.m.

Grant's defense lawyers asked the jury to come back with a voluntary manslaughter conviction. That carries a maximum 15-year prison sentence, whereas first-degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence without possibility of parole.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071221/NEWS04/71221029&theme=TARAGRANT2007

[wingsgirl24]

I am STILL in shock over the verdict.:(:duh::nocomment: I've cried way too much today. Alicia did an awesome press conference and Eric Smith rocks...the guy did everything he could. I'll be back when I can post something a bit nicer because nothing I have tonight is nice...just one more thing though...KU STILL can not say anything nice about Alicia...or offer sympathy...it again came from Chris...B!tch that she is I wish she'd lose her voice!!

[angeltoo]

Stephen Grant will most likely start the rest of his life where Tara Grant began hers -- in the Upper Peninsula, according to state corrections officials.

When Grant is sentenced Feb. 21 for killing his wife, he'll go to a state prison reception center for evaluation in Jackson, then he likely will be sent to an Upper Peninsula prison.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071221/NEWS04/71221069&theme=TARAGRANT2007

[wingsgirl24]

Cliclondetroit was supposed to have a message from Alicia to sg last night. Did anyone local happen to catch it? It wasn't on the website. :( The last time I spoke to her she said she wsa not ready to speak to him yet...I am really wondering what she said to him on her message!! PLEASE HELP LOCAL Detroiters!!

[justasnoop]

Cliclondetroit was supposed to have a message from Alicia to sg last night. Did anyone local happen to catch it? It wasn't on the website. :( The last time I spoke to her she said she wsa not ready to speak to him yet...I am really wondering what she said to him on her message!! PLEASE HELP LOCAL Detroiters!!

Jeesh, wingsgirl! I had to register over here to answer your question. Why aren't you guys over at CTV? Yeah, they picked a bad time to close all the threads for the holidays, right in the middle of the Hackel NC! But Scotty has opened a thread on the Holiday Forum.

I should post the answer to your question over there, but I don't feel mean towards you today. I do feel mean. But not towards you.

Channel 4 ran the second part of the interview with Alicia at 11 o'clock. In this part, she was asked what she would say to Stephen Grant. I can't remember exactly what she said, but it was along the lines of his days of manipulating her family were over. He had snowballed her mother for 13 years with all his lies, but that was done.

She also spoke about domestic violence and said that Tara had been emotionally abused by Stephen for years. She said that she wished she had talked to her sister about the abuse. And I think she also said that a person is hesitant to meddle in another's marriage. But she wishes she had and that's something she'll regret for the rest of her life.

Channel 4 promised to post the entire interview on its website, but it only has the report from six o'clock.

[motown38]

I am STILL in shock over the verdict.:(:duh::nocomment: I've cried way too much today. Alicia did an awesome press conference and Eric Smith rocks...the guy did everything he could. I'll be back when I can post something a bit nicer because nothing I have tonight is nice...just one more thing though...KU STILL can not say anything nice about Alicia...or offer sympathy...it again came from Chris...B!tch that she is I wish she'd lose her voice!!

The verdict was the correct one. The judge will probably exceed 2nd degree guidelines and give him a stiff sentence. Stephen Grant will doubtfully ever be free again. In the long run it won't matter if it was first or 2nd degree. The jury was not convinced of pre-meditation.

I pray for both families and hope they can put this horrific crime behind them. I also wish certain people could keep their ridiculous comments about Kelly to themselves. She does not deserve to be persecuted....her brother does.

[justasnoop]

Okay, counselor Motown. I'll argue with you. My experience is only civil; I have never represented anyone in a criminal case.

I do think there was premeditation. But the prosecution didn't prove it. Smith didn't educate his jury. He let them go into that jury room without a crystal clear understanding of what premeditation means. And as a result, he failed to meet his burden of proof. So, I guess you're right. The verdict was correct.

Smith failed to overcome the single word "plan." The defense kept hammering that word. Stephen Grant didn't have a plan. Smith should have been arguing just as forcefully that premeditation is not planning. You don't need a plan. And he should have argued that REPEATEDLY. He had to counter the lack of a plan that had been repeatedly pointed out by the defense. He didn't. Instead, he got cute and talked about to-do lists with "kill wife" at the end of the list.

It was obvious that the jury did not understand premeditation. Smith told us that in his post-verdict news conference. He explained premeditation during his post-verdict interview of the jurors. To which half said to the others "See! I told you."

I do think there were other things at play with that particular jury that brought about the second degree murder conviction, but the crucial point was that they didn't understand (or maybe didn't want to understand) the meaning of premeditation.

Now I do agree with you that it's not going to make that much of a difference whether Stephen Grant was convicted of first degree or second degree murder. Either way, Stephen Grant is going to prison for a long, long time. He will probably be there for the rest of his life. He's not going to be eligible for parole until he's an old man. And just because he's eligible, does not mean he's going to get it, especially in a case as sensational as this one.

And his years in prison are not going to be easy. He's already been in trouble at the Macomb County jail. And when he gets to prison, he's going to be meeting master manipulators. The little manipulation skills he's honed during his pampered, pathetic life are going to be painfully lacking in his next home.

And I agree with you on another point. I too wish that people would quit attacking Kelly. She too has been a victim of Stephen Grant. She's his sister though. She's always wanted him punished. She doesn't deserve the venom. Stephen Grant does.

[wingsgirl24]

Didn't know there was another thread started so I figured there was no reason to be over at CTV. Thanks for answering my question about what Alicia had to say to sg. I do not follow any other trials on CTV so I have no reason to continue posting over there. I only followed this one because Tara was related...I hope this board can stay open through the custody battle...if not, those of you who want to stay in contact, please feel free to email me at wingsgirl24@hotmail.com which is also my msn and myspace.

Wind

[FreeFalling]

[QUOTE=motown38;28287]The verdict was the correct one. The judge will probably exceed 2nd degree guidelines and give him a stiff sentence. Stephen Grant will doubtfully ever be free again. In the long run it won't matter if it was first or 2nd degree. The jury was not convinced of pre-meditation.
<<Snipped>>
QUOTE]

Motown, I respect your opinion. I do not agree with it. Stephen Grant is Guilty of 1st Degree Murder. The jury reached the wrong decision. I further assert ** firmly ** that the decision those people on this jury made DOES matter a GREAT deal.

I was not present in that courtroom at all, let alone throughout the entire trial, nor was I present in jury deliberations. Therefore, purporting to know any reasons as to WHY the jury returned only a 2nd Degree verdict, rather than 1st Degree, is something that I am not at all comfortable doing at this time.

Frankly, the adage that comes to my mind is: You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make it drink.

For the same reasons, I am equally uncomfortable with any Monday-Morning -Quarterbacking of the Prosecutions' strategy, delivery, and/or effectiveness with the legal procedures in this trial.

However, based on ALL of the information and evidence that has been made available to me (as well as the rest of the world) as well as ALL I have availed myself to *** INCLUDING, (but not even close to limited to) the autopsy reports from ME Spitz, AND, thus, MY ability reach an understanding of WHAT injuries were inflicted on Tara and WHEN the inflictions ocurred, by re-reading and re-reading the portions of the ME's testimony via internet media reports **** I am very, very comfortable with my opinion that this jury reached The Wrong decision.

(To date, I remain of strong belief that the jury was refused of their mutiple requests of their RIGHT to review the transcript of testimony made by the Medical Examiner for the Prosecution...)

C'mon! How can anyone in their right mind NOT "get" that the 3 1/2 to 4 minutes it is KNOWN to have taken SG take to strangle Tara to Death (Lord only knows how long he kept his Death Grip on her throat beyond that time frame) was, in fact, a MINIMUM of 3 1/2 to 4 minutes that SG had to Reflect on what he was doing, and to Reflect on what the total sum of the consequences would be as a result of his actions, and to decide to either STOP doing what he was doing, or continue strangling in order to reach his DESIRED objective(s) ...

Just because we have to accept 2nd Degree and live with it does not make it Right.

Nothing less than Murder One is the reasonable and right verdict for Stephen Grant, to the very best of my knowledge, information and belief.

It MATTERS that he is been found Guilty of ONLY 2nd Degree murder.

It MATTERS that so many in our society are comfortable with the notion that cold-blooded, pre-meditated murdering of "an intimate" can be just, oh, so easily excused away and minimized with BS catch phrases such as, "losing it", "snapped", and "passion"...

It MATTERS that the manipulations of the murderers and their lawyers who represent them are so easily entertained and accepted.

It MATTERS that this jury was apparently of the belief, to some degree, that Tara had provoked her own death in some way.

It MATTERS that yet another message has been sent by yet another jury that Domestic Violence of a woman which results in MURDER is some how, on some level the fault of the victim.

This verdict is shameful and outrageous.

"Outrageous: adj. Grossly offensive to decency or morality."

[wingsgirl24]

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071224/METRO/712240360

So...9 of the 12 jurors FELT Eric Smith proved 1st degree murder...OMG those jurors totally disgust me!!

[killerqueen]

Merry Christmas to all of my fellow posters.

I read an article before I left town for Christmas that talked about the kid's court ordered visitation with KU over the Christmas holiday. It stated that KU used to babysit the children, and I couldn't help but wonder when and why Tara decided to hire au pairs instead of having SluG's sister care for her children any longer. I guess I also couldn't understand why, with a stay at home spouse, she had to employ first her sister-in-law, then a series of au pairs (remember two of them quit because they found SG "creepy"), to care for her children while their own father was home every single day.

I was moved, not only by Alicia's tearful comments after the trial ended, but by Chris U's comments about Tara as well. He seemed sincerely heartbroken over what happened to Tara at her husband's hands. He's the only one of the Grant family who has shown sorrow over the loss of Tara. God bless him.

My prayers are with the children as they spend Christmas in the home of someone they feel betrayed them in every possible sense, and I pray that this custody issue is resolved soon. They have suffered enough - the judge needs to make a decision that respects their wishes and ends their living in limbo.

Prayers for the Destrampes, the children and all of Tara's extended family.

PS Wings, now we know why the prosecuter answered "pick a new jury" when they asked him if there's anything he would have done differently. I guess laying in wait naked, unmercifully pummeling someone until you had them down on the ground before you choked the very life out of them wasn't enough for them. Those three jurors bring to mind a quote from Forrest Gump: "Stupid is as stupid does." God bless you and yours, Wings.

[FreeFalling]

With sentencing scheduled for February 21st, my money is on Stephen Grant making the proclamation, within the next few weeks, that he has "Found the Lord." That is, afterall, the next chapter in the control freak's textbook that he has fit to a "T" thus far. All of "them" try to pull off that con act when "they" get caught red-handed and there's no way out of their web of deceit, don't "they"?! :22wink:

Side bet is that the supporting sister, Kelly, will proudly make the announcement, on behalf of her brother, that he has come to see the light and is seeking his salvation in Jesus... or something darn tootin' close to that. Wanna bet?! :D

[FreeFalling]

:mad: Sounds to ME like another control freak made up his OWN set of rules and bullied 9 other jurors into doing things HIS way...... OMG!

PUBLISHED: Thursday, December 27, 2007
Grant juror takes offense to prosecutor's remarks

Foreman also says he got 'hate call'

By Jameson Cook, Macomb Daily Staff Writer


The foreman of the Stephen Grant jury said he was "a little offended" by Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith's comments following last week's second-degree murder verdict.

Gary Hafner told The Macomb Daily on Monday that he didn't like Smith inferring the jury failed to understand the definition of "premeditation."

"I was a little offended by the prosecutor's statements," Hafner said. "He made it sound like we didn't know what premeditation meant."

Smith said at his press conference following the verdict that he believed some of the jurors did not seem to understand the definition, which Smith has said could be a matter of seconds as well as an organized, thought-out plan.

"When I told them what premeditation was, half of them said (to other jurors), 'See, I told you so,'" Smith said during the press conference, although he later said he found it "hard to believe" jurors didn't comprehend it.

Hafner said he also didn't like Smith's demeanor when he talked to them afterward.

"He didn't even thank us, he came in there and the first thing he said was, 'What didn't I prove?'" Hafner said. "I could tell it was eating away at him."

Hafner added: "I'm sorry if our definition of premeditation didn't fit yours (Smith's). Actually, I'm not sorry about it. He (Smith) was supposed to make the crime fit the charge, not the other way around."

Smith declined to comment specifically on Hafner's comments. He said in a written statement: "This verdict brings to a close one of the darkest chapters in Macomb County history. Stephen's Grant's 15 minutes of fame are up and now it is time for him to fade into the obscurity he so richly deserves.

"We will now be asking the court, on behalf of Tara, to sentence this convicted murderer to spend the rest of his life behind bars.

"Our mission continues. We move on, as always, to prosecuting and convicting the likes of David Wright (charged with first-degree murder in the June death of Marilou Johnson), Michael George (charged with first-degree murder in the 1990 death of his wife, Barbara George) and hundreds of other criminal defendants awaiting their day in court."

Grant, 37, was convicted Friday of second-degree murder following a 7-day circuit court trial in which he faced a charge of first-degree, premeditated murder for the Feb. 9 strangulation of his wife, Tara, 34, in their Washington Township bedroom. The jury also was able to consider second-degree and manslaughter. Grant is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 21 by Judge Diane Druzinski in Macomb County Circuit Court.

Smith contended that Grant premeditated the slaying, either during the two weeks before the slaying in which Grant initiated an affair with the family's au pair or in the four minutes he strangled Tara and had time to reflect on his actions.

According to jury instructions, premeditation is defined as "thought out beforehand." The prosecutor also must prove deliberation, meaning, "There must have been real and substantial reflection for long enough to give a reasonable person a chance to think twice about the intent to kill," according to instructions.

Hafner, 39, also revealed Monday he received a "hate call" earlier that day from an unknown male following the conviction. He said his wife answered the telephone at their home.

"He told my wife I was a nincompoop, a loser," Hafner said. "She hung up the phone.

"I was just doing my civic duty. I don't need any harassment."

The male voice sounded "older," and the telephone call came from the 702 area code, he said.

Hafner, whose name has been provided in media reports and is listed in the telephone book, said he talked to Warren police, who told him it was not worthy of a report. One call does not equate to harassment, police told him.

A tool salesman, Hafner said although he wasn't bothered by anyone during the trial, many of his co-workers talked to him about the case even though they were aware of his position. Some of them "couldn't believe" that Grant would be found guilty of anything but first-degree murder and "didn't know why" he was going on trial, he said.

"I told them, 'That's probably why you wouldn't have gotten selected for the jury,'" he said.

Hafner confirmed a media report that he was one of only three jurors who opposed a first-degree murder conviction at the start of jury deliberations.

After 15 hours of sometimes emotional interaction, the trio swayed the nine to second-degree.

"I spent 90 percent of the deliberations trying to wrap my brain around first-degree murder," he said. "But I couldn't do it, based on the way he (Grant) said certain things (in his confession). He said he 'just lost it' and that 'too much time went by' (for Tara to be dead). That tells me he wasn't thinking about the concept of time."

He said discussions among jurors drove several jurors to tears, and he had "sleepless nights." But the discussions never became heated or personal, and jurors parted ways on friendly terms.

"I broke down during the second day of deliberations and told them if we don't come to something, someone else would get the decision, and he could get manslaughter," he said. "I told them we could be headed toward a hung jury."

He said Grant's haphazard actions after the incident did not point to premeditation.

"This was not a Scott Peterson premeditation," he said, referring to the California man who was convicted of first-degree murder in 2004 for the 2002 Christmas Eve death of his wife, Laci.

Hafner, who has a daughter, said he wishes he could apologize and offer condolences to Tara Grant's family.

"I wanted more than anything for Tara's family to come back with first-degree," he said. "But I couldn't live with myself if I chose to put him away for life."
Grant, however, should be in prison a long time, he said.

"If the judge gives him life, I'm all for it," he said. "He took a human life. There's not excuse for that unless you're defending yourself or there's a young child involved" who needs to be protected.

Hafner said when he was part of the jury pool he wanted to be chosen for the panel. But after the trial, he wished he had been one of the four of 16 to be dismissed. He said making the decision is a heavy burden, and he didn't want to accept it.
But in the jury room, selection of a foreman came down him and a woman.

"I hate to say this, but we picked up a deck of cards and drew for it," he said.

http://www.macombdaily.com/stories/122707/loc_n2001.shtml

[motown38]

With sentencing scheduled for February 21st, my money is on Stephen Grant making the proclamation, within the next few weeks, that he has "Found the Lord." That is, afterall, the next chapter in the control freak's textbook that he has fit to a "T" thus far. All of "them" try to pull off that con act when "they" get caught red-handed and there's no way out of their web of deceit, don't "they"?! :22wink:

Side bet is that the supporting sister, Kelly, will proudly make the announcement, on behalf of her brother, that he has come to see the light and is seeking his salvation in Jesus... or something darn tootin' close to that. Wanna bet?! :D

Free, you really need to leave Kelly alone. Her brother is the murderer, not her.

[wingsgirl24]

Free, you really need to leave Kelly alone. Her brother is the murderer, not her.

kelly has made her own bed with her stupid statements and lack of compassion. Free is entitled to her opinions as are the rest of us. Who died and made you God, motown? KU deserves what is being said sbout her...SHE NEEDS TO THINK OF THE KIDS and not herself. SHE, along with the other members of SG's family need to face the facts...if they don't like what's being said, implied etc...speak to the CAUSE of the talk...SG himself. If they don't like the visitation schedule, again, speak to the murderer, STEPHEN CHRISTOPHER GRANT.

[wingsgirl24]

Merry Christmas to all of my fellow posters.

I read an article before I left town for Christmas that talked about the kid's court ordered visitation with KU over the Christmas holiday. It stated that KU used to babysit the children, and I couldn't help but wonder when and why Tara decided to hire au pairs instead of having SluG's sister care for her children any longer. I guess I also couldn't understand why, with a stay at home spouse, she had to employ first her sister-in-law, then a series of au pairs (remember two of them quit because they found SG "creepy"), to care for her children while their own father was home every single day.

I was moved, not only by Alicia's tearful comments after the trial ended, but by Chris U's comments about Tara as well. He seemed sincerely heartbroken over what happened to Tara at her husband's hands. He's the only one of the Grant family who has shown sorrow over the loss of Tara. God bless him.

My prayers are with the children as they spend Christmas in the home of someone they feel betrayed them in every possible sense, and I pray that this custody issue is resolved soon. They have suffered enough - the judge needs to make a decision that respects their wishes and ends their living in limbo.

Prayers for the Destrampes, the children and all of Tara's extended family.

PS Wings, now we know why the prosecuter answered "pick a new jury" when they asked him if there's anything he would have done differently. I guess laying in wait naked, unmercifully pummeling someone until you had them down on the ground before you choked the very life out of them wasn't enough for them. Those three jurors bring to mind a quote from Forrest Gump: "Stupid is as stupid does." God bless you and yours, Wings.

Could someone please tell me when SG was "the perfect mother" and "the loving, doting father" KU said she babysat all the time AND they had nannies...AND TARA CARED FOR THE CHILDREN WHEN SHE WAS HOME...so...when did SG have the kids?

[Pauli]

Please remember the TOS here, we don't permit personal insults, rudeness, or name calling. That all needs to be left behind at CTV and other boards.


Thanks,
Admin

[killerqueen]

Free, you really need to leave Kelly alone. Her brother is the murderer, not her.

Righto, BUT - if KU doesn't want to be a target, why are his words coming out of her lips whenever there's a mike in her face? It's pretty offensive, all that sympathy for SG oozing out of her mouth whenever she speaks of him, yet nothing about Tara. Has she forgotten the assault and battery, the brutal murder and the horrific dismemberment he committed against his wife?

Her, and her brother's before her, love of the limelight brought all of this attention on themselves. She needs to step away from the cameras and appoint someone a little less biased as the family spokesman. Having her husband speak would benefit the family's reputation greatly.

[wingsgirl24]

Righto, BUT - if KU doesn't want to be a target, why are his words coming out of her lips whenever there's a mike in her face? It's pretty offensive, all that sympathy for SG oozing out of her mouth whenever she speaks of him, yet nothing about Tara. Has she forgotten the assault and battery, the brutal murder and the horrific dismemberment he committed against his wife?

Her, and her brother's before her, love of the limelight brought all of this attention on themselves. She needs to step away from the cameras and appoint someone a little less biased as the family spokesman. Having her husband speak would benefit the family's reputation greatly.

You've got that right!!

[wingsgirl24]

http://www.macombdaily.com:80/stories/122907/loc_n4001.shtml

Info on the custody hearing...cameras banned from the courtroom...SOMEONE violated the previous order preventing them from talking to the media...hmmm...

[concerto]

Praying for the children to remain with Alicia!!!

[angeltoo]

My prayers will be for L and I, Alicia and her family tonight.
That the court will rule that they are where they need to be,
the place they now call home. That they aren't uprooted yet again,
not to an unfamiliar place, but a place that holds too many reminders
and right now, too many painful memories. They need to replant their
roots....now. No more delays and postponements, They deserve the right
to begin their new life, where they are cared for, loved and made a
priority. Not six months or a year from now, but right now. God Bless.

[killerqueen]

Judge in Grant custody case closes courtroom to media

George Hunter / The Detroit News

MOUNT CLEMENS -- A Macomb County Circuit Court family judge this morning banned the media and public from attending hearings regarding determination of convicted killer Stephen Grant's parental rights.

"Someone violated this court's order that no pleadings or communications would be given to the press," Judge John Foster said. "Then I see quotes in the newspaper and on TV from some pseudo psychologist in Ohio and I find that unacceptable."

A hearing is set for Thursday to determine whether or not to terminate Grant's parental rights. Before the hearing, Foster ordered Grant's sister Kelly Utykanski and Tara Grant's sister Alicia Standerfer to come to a resolution about visitation. Currently the two Grant children are living with Standerfer in Ohio.

"I have never heard of a judge banning the public from a determination hearing," said Sterling Heights attorney Charlie Langton, who witnessed the trial from the start. "I believe the public does have a right to know when a father's rights are terminated, even if that father is Stephen Grant."

[killerqueen]

Pseudo-psychologist? Was that person actually a psychologist treating the children (in which case the judge is being extremely disrespectful towards the professionals who are trying to help the children rebuild their lives) or was it one of those National enquirer professionals ("I've never met the party in question, but this is what I think the problem is?") This judge seems far from impartial and maybe needs to be removed from the case altogether.

As usual, IMO, JMO, etc.

[TeeOne]

Good, I made it to the new board.........

[LucyVanPelt]

I missed this during the holiday rush and feel that it bears posting, how did this happen? Knowing the statements from the jury forman and then reading this really makes me sad. How did they let him walk???????

http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071222/OPINION03/712220348

Saturday, December 22, 2007
Laura Berman:
Grant's story served him well

Stephen Grant -- who lied with facility to police, his children's nanny, his wife and to the public who watched him on TV news -- had a certain credibility with the jury that convicted him of second-degree murder.

They believed that he didn't plan the murder of his wife, Tara Grant, at least not that Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith could prove.

In retrospect, Stephen Grant's long and detailed confession, which the jury requested during deliberations, probably served him well. In it, he confessed to killing his wife, and thinking about it later.

Lies, pride, disbelief
He confessed to a mixture of lying and supreme selfishness that clarifies his character, or lack of it, without copping to malice aforethought.

He lied to the German nanny the night of the murder, plotting seduction even while his wife's body was growing cold. He lied to his mother about where he was going and why. He lied to the police and the media repeatedly, exulting in his own good fortune when the police were unable to find Tara's remains.

"I kept thinking, 'Wow, I got away with it. I can't believe it,' " he confessed, with a mixture of pride and disbelief.

He confessed to post-meditation, to hours of hard thinking about how to dispose of the body, how to dismember the body, how to manipulate the people in his life, from the nanny to the media.

He was smart enough -- or innocent enough, as the jury believed -- to confess to all that gory aftermath, playing Quentin Tarantino to his own gruesome pulp fiction story.

Grant, who watches TV and admits to knowing a thing or two about murder verdicts, didn't actually get away with murder. But he never once, in his long confession, suggested that Tara Grant was killed in anything but precipitated rage -- a reaction to her striking him and leaving him with a scratch on his nose.

As such, his second-degree murder conviction is a stunning rebuke to the prosecutors who argued that strangling Tara Grant -- and covering her face while he did it -- met the legal requirements for a first-degree murder conviction.

Weapons and motive
I can't help but think of Nancy Seaman, the Farmington Hills schoolteacher, who couldn't convince an Oakland County jury that she hadn't planned the killing of her husband, Bob Seaman. Her story was so compelling that the trial judge reduced the jury verdict of first-degree murder to second degree, a decision that was overturned by an appeals court. Now she is imprisoned for life, without chance of parole.

Stephen Grant didn't contend his wife beat him. But she made him feel bad, refused to account for every minute of her time, and -- he claimed -- struck him, leaving that scratch on his nose.

Both cases test gender stereotypes and differences. Grant can hope for freedom. Seaman cannot. But one crucial difference in outcomes may have been the way the weapons established motive. Tiny Nancy Seaman bought the hatchet that killed poor Bob. Stephen Grant, taller and stronger than Tara, just used his bare hands.

You can reach Laura Berman at (248) 647-7221 or lberman@detnews.com.

[LucyVanPelt]

Am I the only that thinks that this dip, still thinks he is in control? Relinquishing his custody rights, as if he and only he decided that this was the right thing to do.

[FreeFalling]

Pseudo-psychologist? Was that person actually a psychologist treating the children (in which case the judge is being extremely disrespectful towards the professionals who are trying to help the children rebuild their lives) or was it one of those National enquirer professionals ("I've never met the party in question, but this is what I think the problem is?") This judge seems far from impartial and maybe needs to be removed from the case altogether.

As usual, IMO, JMO, etc.

More information from the freep... http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080102/NEWS04/80102021/1054/SPORTS06&theme=TARAGRANT2007

"...In court, Foster said someone had violated the gag order by releasing to the media a Dec. 19 motion filed by the Standerfers asking Foster for an emergency hearing to change a previous ruling allowing the Utykanskis three unsupervised days of visitation.

However, the Free Press and other media obtained the motion from the county clerk’s office, not from a party to the case.

Because of the alleged violation of the gag order, Foster ruled that the adoption portion of the proceedings will be closed to the public.

Foster wants the two sides to try to come to a custody arrangement Thursday morning. Meanwhile, Stephen Grant’s parental rights technically have not been terminated."

Well, of course the motion could've been obtained by the media, or anyone who'd request it from the County Clerk's office for that matter, because it IS a public record. Surely a Judge would know that... so why jump off into the deep end with an accusation that "somebody violated a gag order"??? That seems a little reckless to me...

It also troubles me A LOT that Foster is, reportedly, ordering "the two sides to try to come to a custody arrangement" tomorrow morning - with the parental rights STILL not terminated by the Court... That has the feel, to me, of a threat of sorts that's being wielded over Stephen Convict Grant's OTHER, surviving, victims in Tara Destrampe's family. :71526:

Next logical LEGAL step, IMO, SHOULD be for the COURT to do The Right Thing... TERMINATE parental rights... ASAP!! What's the hold up here?????

[FreeFalling]

Pseudo-psychologist? Was that person actually a psychologist treating the children (in which case the judge is being extremely disrespectful towards the professionals who are trying to help the children rebuild their lives) or was it one of those National enquirer professionals ("I've never met the party in question, but this is what I think the problem is?") This judge seems far from impartial and maybe needs to be removed from the case altogether.

As usual, IMO, JMO, etc.

:z0tdntknw: I dunno.... But MAYBE this Judge "finds it unacceptable" to have others questioning his opinions, and further doesn't want to have to defend his decisions to anyone... Especially if his decision has already been pre-determined, and he's also already decided that there is nothing, that anybody, no matter HOW qualified and experienced they are, is going to present in HIS courtroom that will sway his made-up-mind in the least.

These are very extraordinary and bizarre steps being taken by this judge... Makes me wonder what it REALLY is that HE is afraid of the public knowing about...

[FreeFalling]

Am I the only that thinks that this dip, still thinks he is in control? Relinquishing his custody rights, as if he and only he decided that this was the right thing to do.

:0012: Nah.... You're not the only one who's thinking that Stephen Convict Grant is still flattering himself with the mistaken belief that he's got control over everyone else's life. From a media report, it sounds like maybe he went into the courtroom today with grandiose delusions of retaining some kind of parental "rights." It took HOURS for him to "give up" the fight?!! OY!

<Snippet>
"...Grant, 37, who was convicted Dec. 21 of second-degree murder for killing his wife, voluntarily gave up his parental rights Wednesday afternoon.

The move came hours after Grant had appeared before Macomb County Circuit Judge John Foster for the start of a potentially lengthy process..."

Source http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080102/NEWS04/80102021/1054/SPORTS06&theme=TARAGRANT2007

:1222423: With continued PRAYERS for the Destrampe Family

[wingsgirl24]

I will not even start to comment on Judge Foster...All I want to know is WHY is he so anti Ohio? Nothing from Ohio seems good enough for him...including Alicia. What a MORON!

[concerto]

This judge makes me ill.

Praying for the children, praying they get to live with Alicia and family.

[angeltoo]

So he relenquished his parental rights...does that mean they are now terminated??
This judge is a doofus.....two parties CANT come to an agreement.......thats why
their in court!!!!!!!!!! Each side thinks they are whats best for the children and want the judge to
agree with them.:duh:

[FreeFalling]

Macomb County Public Access option provides general query capabilities to the public

http://maxweb01.macombcountymi.gov/pa/

Search by name... I see that one of SG's relatives has a public file that is interesting reading

[angeltoo]

who do you mean Free? Dont know the names of many of
his relatives. The ones I know, returned no search.

[FreeFalling]

Is it the CUSTODY or VISITATION the judge reportedly ordered the two sides to have worked out for this morning?? Visitation stuff makes more sense... Can only guess if it's the detroit news or the freep that is most accurately reporting this time...

Where, oh where is the coverage from The Macomb Daily?!!

Meanwhile, from the Detroit News this morning...

Wife killer surrenders legal standing at closed hearing; judge could rule today on kids' custody.

George Hunter and Edward L. Cardenas / The Detroit News
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080103/METRO/801030382/1409/METRO

<SNIPPET>
"...During today's custody hearing, Foster likely will decide on one of three options, Frame said.

"He can award custody to Alicia; award it to Kelly; or make them wards of the state," Frame said.

A hearing originally was scheduled this morning to determine whether to terminate Stephen Grant's parental rights. But Frame said the hearing was held Wednesday because Grant decided Wednesday afternoon that he wanted to voluntarily give up his rights..."

<SNIPPET> Re: The ban of media and public for these proceedings:

"...Before issuing the ban, Foster said he was upset because an attorney involved with the case provided the media with a letter written by an Ohio social worker who has worked with the Grant children. Foster did not say which attorney violated the court's gag order, which was issued in July.

"Someone violated this court's order that no pleadings or communications would be given to the press," Foster said. "Then I see quotes in the newspaper and on TV from some pseudo-psychologist in Ohio. I find that unacceptable, and I realize the person who did it cannot be trusted."

The leaked letter was written by Brian Bethel, outpatient services director at Scioto Paint Valley Mental Health Center in Ohio, which is providing counseling to the Grant children..."

[FreeFalling]

Pseudo-psychologist? Was that person actually a psychologist treating the children (in which case the judge is being extremely disrespectful towards the professionals who are trying to help the children rebuild their lives) or was it one of those National enquirer professionals ("I've never met the party in question, but this is what I think the problem is?") This judge seems far from impartial and maybe needs to be removed from the case altogether.

As usual, IMO, JMO, etc.

Apparently, it's Brian Bethel, outpatient services director at Scioto Paint Valley Mental Health Center in Ohio, which is providing counseling to the Grant children that this judge is PUBLICLY SLANDERING with the reported label of "some pseudo-psychologist in Ohio." :francis: WOW! Very unprofessional conduct by a Judge, IMO...

[concerto]

When will we find out where the children will live?

[killerqueen]

Macomb County Public Access option provides general query capabilities to the public

http://maxweb01.macombcountymi.gov/pa/

Search by name... I see that one of SG's relatives has a public file that is interesting reading

Can you please give us a clue - like first and last initials? Enquiring minds are desperate to know!!! :z0tdntknw:

[FreeFalling]

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080103/NEWS04/80103025/0/SPORTS08

Families attempt to reach custody agreement for Grant children

"Members of the families of Tara and Stephen Grant are meeting today in a Macomb County Circuit Court judge’s chambers with their lawyers in an attempt to mediate a solution to the custody battle over the couple’s two children....."

".......Judge Foster hopes the two sides can work out an arrangement with the help of David Ellis, a friend of the court referee, acting as mediator before the judge must decide who will have permanent custody and how much visitation the other side will get...."

AND ANOTHER UPDATE HERE:
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080103/UPDATE/801030456/1361

Mediation continues in Grant custody case
George Hunter / The Detroit News

"MOUNT CLEMENS -- Sisters-in-law Alicia Standerfer and Kelly Utykanski have been in mediation all morning to determine who will get custody of the children of convicted murderer Stephen Grant and his late wife, Tara.

The two women, their husbands and their attorneys began talking in Macomb County Circuit Court Judge John foster's chambers about 8:30 a.m. today.

Friend of the court referee David Elias is acting as mediator in the case....."

"........Assistant Macomb County Prosecutor John Ange said if the two sides can't came to an agreement, a state agency -- the Michigan Children's Institute -- will recommend who should get custody. Ange represents the state's Department of Human Services in the case........"

[wingsgirl24]

Can you please give us a clue - like first and last initials? Enquiring minds are desperate to know!!! :z0tdntknw:

Chris Utykanski...

[wingsgirl24]

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080103/NEWS04/80103025/0/SPORTS08

Families attempt to reach custody agreement for Grant children

"Members of the families of Tara and Stephen Grant are meeting today in a Macomb County Circuit Court judge’s chambers with their lawyers in an attempt to mediate a solution to the custody battle over the couple’s two children....."

".......Judge Foster hopes the two sides can work out an arrangement with the help of David Ellis, a friend of the court referee, acting as mediator before the judge must decide who will have permanent custody and how much visitation the other side will get...."

AND ANOTHER UPDATE HERE:
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080103/UPDATE/801030456/1361

Mediation continues in Grant custody case
George Hunter / The Detroit News

"MOUNT CLEMENS -- Sisters-in-law Alicia Standerfer and Kelly Utykanski have been in mediation all morning to determine who will get custody of the children of convicted murderer Stephen Grant and his late wife, Tara.

The two women, their husbands and their attorneys began talking in Macomb County Circuit Court Judge John foster's chambers about 8:30 a.m. today.

Friend of the court referee David Elias is acting as mediator in the case....."

"........Assistant Macomb County Prosecutor John Ange said if the two sides can't came to an agreement, a state agency -- the Michigan Children's Institute -- will recommend who should get custody. Ange represents the state's Department of Human Services in the case........"

Local Detroit news is reporting that a settlement has been reached...so...Alicia must have custody and Kelly some sort of visitation because Alicia would not have agreed to anything but having custody... YEAH!!

[wingsgirl24]

http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/14964344/detail.html

here's the link...Alicia has custody but does NOT appear happy with the agreement...can't wait to hear the details!

[Turftoe]

http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/14964344/detail.html

here's the link...Alicia has custody but does NOT appear happy with the agreement...can't wait to hear the details!



IMO, looks like the truth finally came out. If KU is happy with the decision, Alicia must not of wanted to share the kids in the first place. Also probably the reason KU took it so far. Who can blame her for that? Alicia won't let the kids have the dog, and now she doesn't want them to have half of their family either. What is wrong with her?!:mad:

[wingsgirl24]

IMO, looks like the truth finally came out. If KU is happy with the decision, Alicia must not of wanted to share the kids in the first place. Also probably the reason KU took it so far. Who can blame her for that? Alicia won't let the kids have the dog, and now she doesn't want them to have half of their family either. What is wrong with her?!:mad:

are you worried that ku might harm the dog? is that why you don't want any part of the children's life remaining with her? do you think the animal protection advocates should be notified?

[concerto]

I am so happy that the children will live with Alicia and family.

IMO, KU's interest in the children will wane. As will her support for her slime-oid brother. She doesn't come across as someone that has a lot of stick-to-itiveness.

[wingsgirl24]

IMO, looks like the truth finally came out. If KU is happy with the decision, Alicia must not of wanted to share the kids in the first place. Also probably the reason KU took it so far. Who can blame her for that? Alicia won't let the kids have the dog, and now she doesn't want them to have half of their family either. What is wrong with her?!:mad:

Also, if Alicia WAS happy with the visitation she would NOT be looking out for the best interests of the children considering PROFESSIONALS recommended that visitation be stopped...hmmm...ever think of that?

[Turftoe]

Also, if Alicia WAS happy with the visitation she would NOT be looking out for the best interests of the children considering PROFESSIONALS recommended that visitation be stopped...hmmm...ever think of that?


Anyone could find a so-called "Professional" to write a negative thing. Especially when lawyers are involved. Hello! Wake up already. When I was involved in a car accident my lawyer wanted me to see "his doctor", a so-called "Professional". Why? So he could write something that sided with his case. You can't trust lawyers.

I feel very sorry for Alicia and her loss of her sister. I'm sure Tara was a wonderful person. I just wish her personal feelings towards the Grant family doesn't screw up those kids. She needs to really think about that. I can see her hate in her television interviews. This isn't going to help anybody. She should stop blaming the whole Grant family. Please pass this on to her.

[concerto]

Anyone could find a so-called "Professional" to write a negative thing. Especially when lawyers are involved. Hello! Wake up already. When I was involved in a car accident my lawyer wanted me to see "his doctor", a so-called "Professional". Why? So he could write something that sided with his case. You can't trust lawyers.

I feel very sorry for Alicia and her loss of her sister. I'm sure Tara was a wonderful person. I just wish her personal feelings towards the Grant family doesn't screw up those kids. She needs to really think about that. I can see her hate in her television interviews. This isn't going to help anybody. She should stop blaming the whole Grant family. Please pass this on to her.

If those kids are screwed up there's one person and one person only to blame...their murderous daddy!!!

[wingsgirl24]

Anyone could find a so-called "Professional" to write a negative thing. Especially when lawyers are involved. Hello! Wake up already. When I was involved in a car accident my lawyer wanted me to see "his doctor", a so-called "Professional". Why? So he could write something that sided with his case. You can't trust lawyers.

I feel very sorry for Alicia and her loss of her sister. I'm sure Tara was a wonderful person. I just wish her personal feelings towards the Grant family doesn't screw up those kids. She needs to really think about that. I can see her hate in her television interviews. This isn't going to help anybody. She should stop blaming the whole Grant family. Please pass this on to her.

Are you forgetting that the children had a court appointed attorney and a guardian at litem to look out for their best interests? IF they felt the evaluations were incorrect the court should have launched an investigation with an appointed psychologist...and home studies were done by the department of human services. I've seen NO hate from Alicia...just sheer pain and exhaustion because her sister WAS MURDERED! She has NOT blamed his whole family...she has blamed sg and that is well deserved blame. I wouldn't pass your messages on to Alicia if you were the last person on earth. She doesn't need to deal with crap from someone like you...puhhhhlease...go play with your dog or something. :nonono:

[FreeFalling]

Are you forgetting that the children had a court appointed attorney and a guardian at litem to look out for their best interests? IF they felt the evaluations were incorrect the court should have launched an investigation with an appointed psychologist...and home studies were done by the department of human services. I've seen NO hate from Alicia...just sheer pain and exhaustion because her sister WAS MURDERED! She has NOT blamed his whole family...she has blamed sg and that is well deserved blame. I wouldn't pass your messages on to Alicia if you were the last person on earth. She doesn't need to deal with crap from someone like you...puhhhhlease...go play with your dog or something. :nonono:

:zm10: I second that motion, Wingsgirl and Concerto!! Well put!

:0012: Bub-bye now, toe

[FreeFalling]

"I'm glad it's finally over," an emotionally worn-out Standerfer said outside the Macomb County Circuit Court courtroom in downtown Mount Clemens. "I'm happy (the children) can lead happy and productive lives."

When asked about the child-placement case' emotional toll compared to the criminal trial, she said, "(It's) more difficult than the criminal trial, more difficult than anyone of you could know. Why is that? Because there are two little lives that depend on this."

"......Adoption proceedings in Michigan are confidential, although after a case is over the adopting parents can go public, according to attorneys. Foster kept the court closed to the public when the two sides reached the deal following negotiations steered by David Elias, a Friend of the Court referee. Grant's father attended the mediation.

County spokesman Phil Frame said that the court's order will be placed in the file in 21 days.

Stephen Grant on Wednesday voluntarily surrendered his parental rights without a trial, although he has 21 days to withdraw it...."

"... Attorney Charlie Langton, who has followed the case, said the fact that Standerfer's attorney Michael Smith and others parties did not use the word "adoption" indicates that they may have reached an unusual deal that doesn't involve a formal adoption.

Visitation is not allowed in adoption law, according to legal experts. Possibly, Langton speculated, the children have been placed in the temporary custody of another party or the state, with agreed on visitation by one of the parties.

However, Karen Gullberg Cook, an Oakland County adoption attorney, said that would mean the outcome should be public.

Cook and Langton both called the case "bizarre."

"I have never seen anything like this, this is bizarre," Cook said.

Cook, who has been practicing for many years, said she has never seen judge order mediation in an adoption case...."




SOURCE http://www.macombdaily.com/stories/010308/loc_n2090.shtml

[wingsgirl24]

"I'm glad it's finally over," an emotionally worn-out Standerfer said outside the Macomb County Circuit Court courtroom in downtown Mount Clemens. "I'm happy (the children) can lead happy and productive lives."

When asked about the child-placement case' emotional toll compared to the criminal trial, she said, "(It's) more difficult than the criminal trial, more difficult than anyone of you could know. Why is that? Because there are two little lives that depend on this."

"......Adoption proceedings in Michigan are confidential, although after a case is over the adopting parents can go public, according to attorneys. Foster kept the court closed to the public when the two sides reached the deal following negotiations steered by David Elias, a Friend of the Court referee. Grant's father attended the mediation.

County spokesman Phil Frame said that the court's order will be placed in the file in 21 days.

Stephen Grant on Wednesday voluntarily surrendered his parental rights without a trial, although he has 21 days to withdraw it...."

"... Attorney Charlie Langton, who has followed the case, said the fact that Standerfer's attorney Michael Smith and others parties did not use the word "adoption" indicates that they may have reached an unusual deal that doesn't involve a formal adoption.

Visitation is not allowed in adoption law, according to legal experts. Possibly, Langton speculated, the children have been placed in the temporary custody of another party or the state, with agreed on visitation by one of the parties.

However, Karen Gullberg Cook, an Oakland County adoption attorney, said that would mean the outcome should be public.

Cook and Langton both called the case "bizarre."

"I have never seen anything like this, this is bizarre," Cook said.

Cook, who has been practicing for many years, said she has never seen judge order mediation in an adoption case...."




SOURCE http://www.macombdaily.com/stories/010308/loc_n2090.shtml

Can't Alicia file in Ohio to adopt the children????? The judge needs to be removed from this case...he refuses to listen to professional opinons, doesn't order anything that he would accept as a professional recommendation...these kids deserve some stability!!!

[killerqueen]

Are you forgetting that the children had a court appointed attorney and a guardian at litem to look out for their best interests? IF they felt the evaluations were incorrect the court should have launched an investigation with an appointed psychologist...and home studies were done by the department of human services.
<snipped>
she has blamed sg and that is well deserved blame. I wouldn't pass your messages on to Alicia if you were the last person on earth. She doesn't need to deal with crap from someone like you...puhhhhlease...go play with your dog or something. :nonono:

Just got home from work, and couldn't believe it was finally over. Alicia seemed very reserved in the newscast and spoke of the children, but then she has been all along. KU seemed a little cat and the canary-satisfied and kept talking about "we this, we that, we we we", and I couldn't help but wonder if the "we" is the extended family or she and SG. I'm just hoping that KU was given no control over the children's trusts or assets. Tara worked for those assets and her life insurance would certainly become part of any trust; no one who sympathizes with or supports SG in any way should have any right to dictate what is done with those or any other funds.

[FreeFalling]

Just got home from work, and couldn't believe it was finally over. Alicia seemed very reserved in the newscast and spoke of the children, but then she has been all along. KU seemed a little cat and the canary-satisfied and kept talking about "we this, we that, we we we", and I couldn't help but wonder if the "we" is the extended family or she and SG. I'm just hoping that KU was given no control over the children's trusts or assets. Tara worked for those assets and her life insurance would certainly become part of any trust; no one who sympathizes with or supports SG in any way should have any right to dictate what is done with those or any other funds.

Curiously, from SO many unusual and remarkably bizarre decisions being made all along the way with this case, it seems like it's the COURTS in Mt Clemens that sympathize with and support the murderers in that County!! :71526:

Hand picked defense lawyers... TWO of them. NOT immediately terminating the parental rights of a convicted murderer... and now everything about THIS....The list of things that make you go "What the??" is only growing longer by the motions.....

And sentencing is just around the corner.... Will MORE "special deals" will be made on February 21st, too???

IMO JMO MOO

[wingsgirl24]

turftoe,
after walking your dog, please write a letter to sicko grant. Please tell him how unfair it was that he killed his children's mom...so unfair that he made them lose their dog...their dog who never barked while their mom was being murdered in their home...where was the dog that night? I've wondered that many times...maybe you could ask him. Make sure to ask him why Alicia looks so sad and at times even angry, because apparently you don't understand. Maybe ole sicko can explain it to you. Maybe he can tell you why the children don't have their dog...it's the same reason they don't have their mom...because he is a cold blooded MURDERER:duh:. HE IS THE REASON THEY DON'T HAVE THE STUPID DOG...NOT ALICIA. Please get your facts straight before badmouthing my cousin. Thanks.

[wingsgirl24]

I feel that posting here is no longer a good idea. I do not care to argue moot points...This is in God's hands and for me to continue this is pointless. If you'd like to keep in contact, please feel free to email me at wingsgirl24@hotmail.com This is also my msn screen name and my myspace name. There are many of you who I feel a bond with because we've been sounding boards for each other for such a long time. I appreciate the kindness that's been shown toward me and my extended family. Thank you for your continued prayers and support. The children need the prayers as much as ever. Enjoy 2008.

[Pauli]

Just a reminder to anyone posting on these boards, our focus is on the missing, victim's and victims families. We are here to offer them support, information and any help that we can. We will not tolerate attacking, insulting or being rude to any of the victim's family members.

Thanks,
Admin

[FreeFalling]

:mad: First he was smirking and laughing during the trial... Now this report, that Stephen Convict Grant THANKED his sister when the verdict was announced!!!

Just a reminder - The Murderer and his sister will be allowed to blow kisses at each other and resume discussing what Steve wants on/near THIS Tuesday again... Unless he's failed to improve his behavior that caused visitations to be revoked in the first place a month ago.

SOURCE: http://www.wwj.com/pages/1373375.php?
Posted: Friday, 21 December 2007 5:07PM

Grant Found Guilty of 2nd Degree Murder


Mt. Clemens (WWJ) -- Jurors found Stephen Grant guilty of second degree murder Friday in the February death of his wife, Tara. The verdict was read at 3:05 p.m.

Grant looked intently at the jury as the verdict was read, but displayed no outward emotion.

His sister and Tara Grant's sister also showed little emotion when the decision came down Friday afternoon.

WWJ's Ron Dewey reports Grant will be sentenced February 21st. He faces a sentence of up to life in prison, but will have the possibility of parole.

Grant turned to his sister Kelly and his lawyer and said "thank you," according to Dewey who was in the courtroom for the entire trial.

Prosecutors were seeking a first-degree murder conviction, which carries a mandatory sentence of life without the possibility of parole.

"We believe today the right result was achieved,'' defense attorney Gail Pamukov said. "There's no winners here today.''

The jury of six men and six women deliberated over three days. The verdict came after jurors listened to a part of Grant's confession Friday morning.

"It was one of the most difficult and emotional cases that one can imagine,'' defense lawyer Stephen Rabaut said afterward in thanking the jury for their effort.

County Prosecutor Eric Smith, who tried the case and was seeking a first-degree murder conviction, said he will ask the judge to exceed the sentencing guidelines and send Grant to prison for the rest of his life.

"I think there is premeditation all over this case,'' Smith said.

"I really thought up until the jury said 'guilty of second-degree murder' that it was going to be first-degree murder,'' he said.

Surrounded by family members who were red-eyed from crying, Tara Grant's sister, Alicia Standerfer, said following the verdict: "We thank God the nightmare is now complete with that conviction of Tara's murderer. The cold blooded murder of Tara Grant, my sister, has altered my family forever. Even though with the second degree murder, justice was still served.''

She characterized her sister as a wonderful mother and a loving wife who did everything in her power to provide for her family.

"There is no doubt my sister's life was taken due to domestic violence,'' Standerfer said, adding that her sister also suffered from emotional and mental abuse.

Later, she broke down in tears while discussing the jury's verdict.

"If it had come back with first degree we would never have to think about it again,'' Standerfer said. "Am I happy with the verdict? No, but those 12 people did the best they could.''

Kelly Utykanski, Stephen Grant's sister, said her family members are satisfied with the verdict. "We felt manslaughter would have been a slap on the wrist,'' she said, adding that she never discussed the case with her brother.

"I'm sure he is just relieved this is over with and we can start the healing process for all parties involved,'' Utykanski said, who believed her brother committed a crime of passion. "I just couldn't see him sitting around all day thinking about killing somebody.''

The 37-year-old Grant was charged in the February 9 death and reported her missing five days later.

Grant pleaded guilty earlier this month to mutilating the corpse of 34-year-old Tara Grant. That charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Read the full transcript of Grant's taped confession to police at this link.
http://www.wwj.com/pages/354158.php?

[killerqueen]

I'm sure ole Stevie will be thanking his sister for the rest of his life - thanking her for money that she puts in his commisary account, thanking her for bringing pictures of the children whose mother he killed, thanking her for passing along messages to those same children about how much he loves and misses them. She'll have his back for the rest of his life or for the rest of hers, whichever comes first. I guess that's why I have a problem with KU getting visitation - I feel that at some point she's going to intercede with them on her brothers behalf, trying to get them to feel pity for poor dad, or maybe even convincing them to see or speak to him. It almost seems as if she is putting her murdering brother ahead of any concerns she may have for these poor, vulnerable children. At least, that's the way it appears to me. They can't send him to the UP fast enough, IMO.

IMO, JMO, etc.