Observations of a Misfit

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February 23, 2007

Deconstructing the Tara Lynn Grant Case

A potential “Spouse Murrrder Theater” has occurred in Washington Township, Michigan. Tara Lynn Grant, a 34-year old working mother of two, disappeared on February 9, allegedly after getting into a “dark sedan” at the end of her driveway after an argument with her husband, Stephen. Tara worked for a company with headquarters in Idaho in a position that took her to Puerto Rico five days a week.

When analyzing the “facts” about this case, let’s keep in mind that all the information we have came from either Stephen Grant (the prime suspect) or the media; neither of which is a reliable source. We have no evidence when Tara left her house, if there was a “dark sedan,” or phone records showing calls made from her home or cell phone at the time of her reported departure.

We also have no evidence that Tara had the type of cold-blooded personality to let her family suffer, let her husband take the rap, plan her own disappearance, set aside the money, create a new identity, and conspire with someone to assist in such a complex maneuver.

Considering all the possibilities, including that Tara has willingly disappeared to escape from her life or punish her husband (a la Jennifer Wilbanks), that her husband killed her for yet unrevealed motives, or that she was murdered by a stranger (disgruntled employee, serial killer, satanic cult member), let’s deconstruct this case.

Stephen Grant claims she made a call to someone just before she left. Grant claims she has “gone black” on him before, given him the “deep freeze”, which is why he didn’t report her missing for five days.

According to Tara’s mother, Grant told her Tara was “missing”. Did he say that word, or did she interpret it as “missing”, or did the press insert that word? We know from previous spousal murder cases that using the word “missing” is a red flag.

Did Stephen really think Tara was merely miffed at him? Did she find Grant’s emails to his ex-girlfriend, excerpts of which have been published and demonstrate that Stephen doesn’t take his marriage vows very seriously? Grant has made accusations that Tara was unfaithful to him, yet carries on this salacious correspondence with a former lover. Is Grant playing by a different set of rules, the hallmark of a narcissistic personality?

Did Grant actually own a gun? If he had the means and opportunity, what was his motive? Emancipation? Money? We have little to go by at this stage. Grant lawyered up rather quickly, but we can’t fault him for that. Yet, he seems callous in interviews and more interested in how he appears to the public (and the press) than in finding his wife. This behavior, and Grant’s over explaining irrelevant details reminds us too well of Scott Peterson.

He is being advised not to talk. Not a bad idea. His lawyer insists that the police conduct their questioning in writing through a fax machine. Today, Grant voluntarily surrendered his computers, which may indicate he is bowing to public opinion. Being under this kind of scrutiny would be humiliating, and the buzzards in the media are no doubt hoping for another sensational murder trial.

However, without a corpus delecti, Grant skates. If he did it, that is. Stay tuned.

February 14, 2007

Snowbound in Pleasantville

Last night we had a major blizzard that left us snowbound. I had to figure out how to manage the four foot drift that had settled in the middle of my driveway. With my new shovel that has only been used once this winter, I began to dig my way out.

The "before" picture here gives you an idea of how much snow was in the driveway and all the way up the steps.

No, I'm not a happy camper. This wicked wind was blowing north from the frozen lake and I had to keep switching gloves when my hands grew numb. Luckily, my ugly winter coat kept me warm and dry.

Looking at this as a material handling project, I surveyed the depth and weight of the iceburg.

Halfway done and I was running out of steam. I took a little smoke break and thawed out in the house. It was difficult going back out there, but in for a penny, in for a pound, eh? Besides, I still couldn't get my car past that major hump of snow.

Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

Ahhh. Success. I had to soak in a hot bath to regain the feeling in my poor old bones. Maybe that wasn't such a good idea, because now I am in pain in places I haven't heard from in years.

Stay warm, everyone!