Hank Winchester Blog 12/12/07

You could feel the tension in the courtroom. Many of us knew what was about to happen and we wondered how and if people would react. Today, for the first time graphic images were revealed. Photos of Tara's remains and the area where parts of her body were discovered.

Tara's sister, mother and friends sat just feet away from the projector displaying the difficult images.

The prosecution wanted the jury to see the manner in which Tara died, hoping that helps them decide whether Grant is guilty of first-degree murder. The men and women of the jury didn't react when the various photos were displayed...and neither did Stephen Grant.

We also heard from Grant's neighbor. You may know him as the man who loaned Stephen his truck....the truck Stephen allegedly used to escape to northern Michigan.

He says he never believed Grant was guilty until the discovery in the home. He also said he admired Stephen and Tara's relationship and said he was envious of them.

It still seemed hard for this man to believe that his friend...the coach of his daughter's soccer team could be capable of this crime.

He let Stephen take his truck and before he took off he said..."Stephen you're acting like a guilty man". Today, he said his biggest regret was not asking Stephen..."Are you guilty?" Before he could ask that question Stephen was already heading north in his friends truck. Details to follow...

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 aupair 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 suprised 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. Alicia Standerfer, Tara's sister also took the stand. She was very composed and described her sister as a loving and caring mother and sister. Tara's mother was also in court...providing support to her family. This is a woman who has lost her daughter and who is now preparing to hear the tragic, still stunning details in court. She wants to make sure justice is served and has traveled from southern Ohio to see how it all unfolds in court. Our thoughts are with the family as this difficult process continues. I will remain in court and along with our team will provide you with reports on the air on also right here at www.clickondetroit.com. Details to follow...

Hank Winchester Blog- 12/6/07

No cameras! The judge in the Grant case making a move today that surprised everyone. Attorneys representing both WDIV and WXYZ were before the judge this morning requesting the court allow the media to broadcast court proceedings before the end of each day.

Basically, we wanted to be able to air portions of the proceedings at noon, 4, 5 and 6pm...(and also online at clickondetroit). The judge only wanted video released at the end of each day. The judge not only denied that request, but then took things a step further. She changed her ruling from earlier in the month and has now decided not to allow ANY cameras in the courtroom to cover the upcoming trial. I understand the judge has a job to do and she wants to make sure justice is served.

That is what is most important. Everyone wants to see a fair trial. On the other hand, I believe the public has a right to see how this trial plays out in court. Many people feel connected to this very public story. Many helped search for Tara, prayed for her safe return and then sat stunned as the details were revealed...revealed by elected officials.

Bottomline, I know WDIV (and other media) are committed to serving the public. We want the public to know what is happening in this case. Now, it appears we will have to change the way we planned on covering this trial for you, but we will still provide you with fair, honest coverage...with or without it being recorded on tape. Details to follow...

Hank Winchester - 12/2/07

The judge has taken action to clear her morning schedule, so she could continue with jury selection. It's clear this case is the priority and everyone hopes a jury will be seated this week, but will it happen? So far, only half of the jurors have been questioned and the entire process is taking longer than expected. One thing I know for sure, everyone would like to see this wrapped up before the holiday. Considering how devastating 2007 has been for Tara Grant's family...it seems like most would like to begin 2008 moving forward, with this chapter closed. Dateline NBC will be the only camera in the courtroom and WDIV (NBC) is working closely with Dateline as the trial date approaches. Once again, it seems this case will be getting a lot of national exposure. My hope is that the national (and local media) will be able to help viewers with their story telling. Yes, I'm sure many go back in time and tell the story we've all heard. You have to do some of that. I get it, but the story behind the story is the one that needs to be shared. There are millions of Americans living in homes where abuse is being carried out daily. The jury may find Tara Grant was one of those women...one of those women, who for whatever reason didn't ask for help. As you know, there are several local organizations dedicated to helping women (and men) in need. They are there, you just have to ask for help...which I know can be the hardest part.

Hank Winchester 11/30/07

No more newspapers, TV or wireless internet. Officials at the Macomb County courthouse are removing almost all forms of media from the "jury room" to prevent potential jurors in the Grant case from seeing information about the jury selection process. The move was made after a potential juror revealed she say an update on the Grant case on the TV inside the jury waiting room. I can't even believe they had to remove these items. It seems obvious they never should have been allowed to log in, watch TV or read the paper. Jury selection continues right now. So far, about 115 potential jurors have been questioned. Almost all say they've heard of Grant and the case. Many say they believe Grant is guilty and the testimony will not change their opinions. It makes the jury selection process a very difficult one...one that will contiune next week.

Hank's Blog 11/29/07

Later today as jury selection contiued Stephen Grant's sister, Kelly appeared in court. She was quickly told she was not allowed in the courtroom during the jury selection process. Why? She could be called as a potential witness and she can't see any potential jurors.

I spoke with Kelly after she left court and you'll see the interview tonight at 6pm. She says she's glad to see the legal process moving forward. Kelly, like everyone connected with this case has dealt with a lot this year.

Her brother is locked up, she's in a custody battle and now she prepares to once again hear the gruesome details...details involving her brother and a horrific crime. Jury selection continues right now. They will resume the process Thursday morning. Details to follow...

Hank's Blog 11/28/2007

Court was back in session this morning (Wednesday) bright and early.