Murder suspect Ryan Duke has a new lawyer representing him.
Ashleigh Merchant has confirmed she is now representing Duke and says, “We decided to take the case because we believe in Ryan’s innocence. Ryan has wanted his story told and we want to help him tell it.”
Duke is accused of killing Irwin County teacher and beauty queen Tara Grinstead.
His former attorney filed 23 motions in the case only two weeks ago, and some of them asked the court to dismiss the indictment against Duke altogether.