Crime House True Crime Stories Episode: February 10: VALENTINE'S DAY
Release Date: February 10, 2025
Host: Vanessa Richardson

Introduction

In this emotionally charged episode of Crime House True Crime Stories, host Vanessa Richardson delves into two harrowing cases of Valentine's Day murders. These stories unravel the dark side of a holiday synonymous with love and romance, showcasing how love can tragically turn into obsession and violence.

Case 1: The Murder of Tara Lynn Grant (2007)

Background and Family Dynamics

Vanessa Richardson opens the episode by painting a picture of the Grant family, seemingly embodying the quintessential suburban life.

[00:03:38] Vanessa Richardson: "Steven Grant and his wife Tara seemed to have created a wonderful life for themselves."

Steven Grant, a 37-year-old part-time machine shop worker, and Tara Lynn Grant, a 34-year-old successful executive, were married for over a decade and had two young children. Despite appearing happy to neighbors in Washington Township, beneath the surface, tensions simmered. Tara was the primary breadwinner, often traveling for work, while Steven felt confined by his monotonous suburban life. To alleviate household pressures, they hired an 18-year-old German au pair, Verena, in 2006.

The Affair and The Crime

In January 2007, Steven's flirtatious relationship with Verena escalated into a serious affair, culminating on February 8 when Tara was away on a work trip to Puerto Rico. Upon Tara's return on February 9, a heated argument ensued—recorded as a physical altercation where Tara threatened to take the children away. This confrontation pushed Steven over the edge, leading him to murder Tara that very night.

[00:03:38] Vanessa Richardson: "Steven lashed out violently. He strangled Tara until she stopped moving."

Steven deceitfully reported Tara missing five days later, fabricating a story about a car service pickup that never occurred. Over the next day, he dismembered her body and attempted to bury the remains in Stoney Creek Park, a favored family hiking spot.

Investigation and Steven's Behavior

Initially, Steven appeared cooperative with the authorities, even offering to take a lie detector test. However, inconsistencies in his story and his suspicious behavior, such as his declining demeanor on media appearances, aroused the detectives' suspicions.

[00:13:37] Vanessa Richardson: "His sentence was 50 to 80 years. He's still serving that time today."

When a Ziploc bag containing human blood was discovered in Stoney Creek Park on February 28, 2007, it provided crucial evidence linking Steven to the crime. Concurrently, his suspicious transfer of Tara's remains to his father's shop further implicated him.

Arrest and Trial

Steven attempted to flee upon realizing the imminent police search but was eventually located in Wilderness State Park, leading to his arrest. Despite confessing, Steven pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder. The jury convicted him of second-degree murder, sentencing him to 50 to 80 years in prison. His children have since moved on, advocating for domestic violence awareness to prevent similar tragedies.

Case 2: The Murders of Patricia Mann and Jesse McBain (1971)

The Victims and Their Relationship

Transitioning to a historical case from 1971, Vanessa recounts the story of Patricia Mann, a 20-year-old nursing student at Watts Hospital, and her 19-year-old boyfriend, Jesse McBain, a sturdy football player from NC State. Their long-distance relationship endured various challenges, culminating in their attendance at a Valentine's Day dance at the hospital.

Disappearance and Initial Investigation

After the dance, Patricia and Jesse went to a nearby lover's lane in the under-construction Crowsdale neighborhood. They never returned, prompting their dorm supervisor to report Patricia missing three hours later—an unusual delay given her punctual nature.

[00:21:38] Vanessa Richardson: "Patricia and Jesse really loved each other, even though they'd had a few breakups as they transitioned from high school to college life."

Despite early theories suggesting a spontaneous disappearance, friends conducted their own search, discovering Jesse's abandoned car with personal items but no sign of struggle. The police investigation was hampered by jurisdictional overlaps among multiple agencies, leading to a chaotic and unfocused effort.

Discovery of the Bodies and Evidence

On February 25, land surveyor James Brannon Ray found human remains—a leg—near Crowsdale. Subsequently, both Patricia and Jesse's bodies were discovered, bound and strangled, indicating a brutal, prolonged attack. Notable evidence included a cigarette butt, a plastic cup, and rope used in the murders.

Despite the severity of the crime, the motive remained elusive. Initial suspects included local motorcycle gangs, individuals from the dance, and even a Florida serial killer, but none were conclusively linked to the murders.

Suspect Investigations and Cold Case

The investigation spotlighted James Brannon Ray in June 1971 due to incriminating items found in his trailer, including a police badge and rope similar to that used in the murders. Despite circumstantial evidence suggesting a connection, forensic limitations of the time hindered concrete linkage, and Ray was eventually cleared.

Further suspect, Dr. James Stephen Walter Wilson, exhibited behavior aligning with profiler Dr. James Brussel's profile for the killer—a single, intelligent man with a grudge. Yet, insufficient evidence prevented any charges.

Decades passed without resolution, until in 2011, Detective Tim Horn reopened the case. Advances in DNA technology presented new opportunities. By 2018, DNA analysis revealed minor traces but was insufficient for conclusive evidence against the primary suspect, Carl Robert Britt. A confession via a phone call to Jesse's mother in 1996 hinted at his involvement, but without physical evidence, the case remains unsolved.

[00:21:38] Vanessa Richardson: "Today, over 50 years later, Jesse and Patricia's murders still remain unsolved."

Conclusion

Vanessa Richardson poignantly reflects on the twisted narratives of love leading to unimaginable loss. Valentine's Day, emblematic of affection and companionship, serves as a grim backdrop for these two cases—each illustrating how love can devolve into jealousy and violence.

[00:21:59] Vanessa Richardson: "In Jesse and Patricia's case, they were two young adults with bright futures ahead of them. Their love was twisted by someone who couldn't stand the happiness they shared."

Both cases underscore the vulnerability of individuals within intimate relationships and the enduring quest for justice in the face of cold cases. The Grants' story ended with a life sentence, providing closure, whereas Patricia and Jesse's remains a haunting mystery, awaiting the advancements that might one day reveal the truth.

Final Thoughts

This episode of Crime House True Crime Stories masterfully intertwines two distinct yet thematically linked tragedies, offering listeners a comprehensive exploration of the darkest facets of human emotion and the relentless pursuit of justice. Vanessa Richardson's storytelling, enriched with detailed accounts and insightful reflections, ensures that both cases are remembered and humanized, emphasizing the profound impact of true crime on victims and their families.

Crime House True Crime Stories remains a beacon for true crime enthusiasts, providing in-depth analyses and compelling narratives that honor the memories of those affected by these heinous acts.