Duke had been scheduled to stand trial Monday in Irwin County. But the state high court granted a delay requested by Duke's lawyers, who contend they were unconstitutionally denied funds for experts they need to testify on Duke's behalf.

Tara Grinstead was reported missing in October 2005 when she failed to show up to teach history at Irwin County High School, and her disappearance made national headlines. No arrests were made until February 2017, when two former friends were linked to Grinstead's death: Ryan Duke and Bo Dukes.