I felt good about the case.". Lt. David Shoemaker: There was a little bit of tension. Right now that's open. Share Your Memories and Sympathies and Join the Bereaved! His wife was reported missing in November of 2009. Jana Wills: She would come and pick me up from high school sometimes and we would go get ice cream. Kelly DeLude: I came into work the next day and I called the Cleveland Police Department. Marsha Brantley first came in for a cut in the year 2000, and the two came together like scissors and hair. "My wonderful husband brought me roses home at lunch just because," one of her last Facebook posts reads. Reggie Jay: Thunder Rock Writers Group the other name was the Big Girl Panties Group. Kelly DeLude Oh, yeah. Det. She would have kicked Donnie Brantley out rather than let him have the house to live in with a new woman, they said. Medical records from her pharmacist show she had been experiencing mild to major mood swings. Davis says he needed cash, but left most of her things alone because he figured she'd one day come back to get them, including her beloved dogs. Robin Terrero: What concerned me more with Marsha was not what she shared, but what she didn't share. I don't believe we have the wrong guy. In February 2018, Marsha's husband, Donnie Brantley, has come to court ready to stand trial for allegedly murdering her. Her parents built their house and it was in her name. She is an award winning author and animal rescue volunteer. Prosecutor Steve Crump: We believe that all of these receipts represent preparations for disposing of Marsha Brantley. People don't just disappear and not be seen for nine years. When Zach Pike and David Shoemaker of the Bradley County Sheriff's Office got the case in 2011, they quickly saw why Donnie Brantley was a suspect. Disappearance: In late 2008, friends began to suspect that Brantley's marriage was struggling despite what she had claimed. Peter Van Sant: And you can cut and talk at the same time. It's a case "48 Hours" has been working on for five years, and it raises questions about the challenges prosecutors often face when someone vanishes without a trace. Prosecutor Steve Crump to reporters: I was interested in it from the very beginning. Marsha uses P.O. she wrote in a March 31, 2009, blog post for their ninth anniversary. It's not clear what day Marsha Brantley officially disappeared, but investigators believe it to have been on June 2 or some time between then and mid-July 2009. Marsha Brantley's family did not remember authorities organizing any large search parties, but the family did pass out fliers in hopes of jogging people's memories. And I said, "Let me look." Kelly DeLude: He said, "Well, ma'am, if he says she's gone, and that she left him, she left him. Did she just leave, as her husband claims? The purchase and landfill trip, coupled with not having found Marsha Brantley's body, is proof of premeditation, Crump said. [1], Brantley was originally from Illinois. Multiple investigations have failed to determine a cause of disappearance. Marsha told her Donnie's handyman business was failing and money was tight. Prosecutor Steve Crump: You only get one shot. Medra Justis: somebody had no respect for her and we knew who that was. Reggie Jay : She was always self-assured and was a leader type personality. Elise Brantley: Four cars pulled up and told him to get on the ground. Marsha Brantley is a former member and co-founder of Thunder Rock Writers. She attended Lee University and worked as a resident assistant. I'm sure we'll cross paths often since we live in such a small town.". And with no body to prove there even was a murder, the investigators' biggest hurdle in solving the disappearance of Marsha Brantley may have been Marsha herself. She had been taking hormone shots in hopes of regulating the depression, records and her agenda show. Friends and family members reported that Brantley suffered from depression. Prosecutor Steve Crump: He murdered her. Davis said this is an example of the state's "confirmation bias." You're gathering information. As far as they can document, they know she was on her way home from a writers conference on May 27 because phone records show she spoke with her friend Kim Shank, who lives in Ohio. Cleveland is a small town. Sep 24, 2020 - Explore Marsha Brantley's board "Campers and cocktails !", followed by 105 people on Pinterest. Type someone's name. Kelly DeLude: Are you serious? But then in July 2013, a grand jury indicted Donnie Brantley for first-degree murder. Marsha Brantley in North Carolina. April 7, 2018 at 1:00 a.m. Watkins died Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at his home in Adrian, GA. Mr. Watkins, 76, was born in Adrian, GA on January 21, 1945. The family worried that if a jury did not find Donnie Brantley guilty, there would be no second chance. Though a civil court ruled that Marsha is deceased, her name can still be found on the National Missing Persons website. Prosecutor Steve Crump: He may be the singularly most dishonest defendant I've ever dealt with. She lived with her husband of nine years and three dogs in the Benwood subdivision of Cleveland at the time of her disappearance. Jana Wills: What happened to her? One article in the series details what defense attorneys claimed were prosecutors' missteps or misconduct, including withholding evidence and violating defendants' rights. Back in Cleveland, former writing group member Nansy Grill believes Marsha's story may have one last dramatic chapter. She uses her tenacity, inability to hear no, and southern charm to shed light on past and present cases. Jana Wills: She was beautiful She was always kind. "We can prove that she's deceased," Crump said. Not a murdered person. He said that yes, if it's viewed through the lens of first-degree murder, the evidence does not look great. See more ideas about east coast road trip, trip, new england travel. I know that. No one took much notice until her hairdresser, Kelly DeLude, worried about a missed appointment and started asking questions. [2], In 2009, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation began investigating the case. Marsha Brantley (1946-1986) - Find a Grave Memorial Born in 13 Jul 1946 and died in 29 Dec 1986 Big Rapids, Michigan Marsha Brantley Skip to main content Home Memorials Cemeteries Famous Contribute Register Sign In Register Sign In Memorial updated successfully. [2], In late 2008, friends began to suspect that Brantley's marriage was troubled, despite her claims to the contrary. Peter Van Sant [at Kelly DeLude's front door]: Hey Kelly. Where and when did they find the RV? Kelly DeLude: I felt like finally justice is gonna be done. And I looked at my file and I said, "April. "In fact, it's the exact opposite. In fact, her family didn't learn she was missing until December 2009 or January 2010. Lt. David Shoemaker: She would have cut him off from the money. Peter Van Sant: And they had a real marriage? All rights reserved. Kelly DeLude: I've been a hair dresser for over 30 years You have certain clients that you kinda click with and you're closer to - and for me, Marsha was one of those clients. Justice may finally be at hand for Marsha Brantley, a 50-year-old writer and animal lover who disappeared in 2009. Zack Pike: Absolutely. I spent ten minutes climbing a snow covered hill only to slide down it in 2.3 seconds. This isn't the end. Two years after his 2014 election, District Attorney General Stephen Crump charged Brantley again with essentially the same evidence. Press Esc. Lt. David Shoemaker: Importantly, she left her house. [3], In July 2013, a grand jury indicted Donnie Brantley for the murder of his wife. Severe. She disagrees with the prosecutor's interpretation of the card. Her parents are deceased and she has no children. Memorial has been sponsored successfully. One of the strangest things about this case is that for months, nobody reported Marsha Brantley missing. Peter Van Sant: I have some rather startling news to tell you. In late 2009, Kelly DeLude, a hairdresser, noticed that it had been a while since Marsha Brantley, one of her regular clients, had come in. Preosecutor Steve Crump: it provides at least in part a motive. She seemed a bit depressed. Actress: Pride and Prejudice. As a child, I made snow angels, built snowmen, snow women and snow families. I'll never stop self-evaluating but no matter what the outcome is, I better always do the right thing. Would you be --. Peter Van Sant: Let's talk about the dog issue. But what is for sure is that Donnie Brantley told investigators the camper was at a campground. Friends said she told them the death of her parents was the most difficult point in her life. Lt. David Shoemaker: He was financially supported by his wife. She was also a former director of housing at Lee University. Marsha K Atwood Mary Mull Russell P Mull Shaun P Painter Clarence M Painter . Do you have a motion to make? Lee Davis: She was separating herself from those relationships that was closest to her. Any court documents that were previously available to the public have been expunged, leaving no evidence of any charges against Donnie Brantley. He'll argue at trial that this case is actually about a nine-year-old marriage that, because of financial problems, may have reached a breaking point in June 2009. She also left her car behind with a note that read, "Sell it. We'll certainly run into one another.". They weren't just hers. "48 Hours" wanted to meet that "other woman.". Surrounded by his defense team and his daughter, Donnie Brantlley tells reporters, "I look forward to putting this difficult time behind me.". Lee Davis: You have a woman who describes herself as being severely depressed. Get all Latest News about marsha brantley, Breaking headlines and Top stories, photos & video in real time Reggie Jay: She was very talented and definitely had what it took to be successful. Peter Van Sant: Do you believe that one day, Marsha Brantley may re-emerge? Investigators with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and Bradley County sheriff's and district attorney's offices do not seem to be any closer to answering those questions than they were when the first charge of first-degree murder was brought against her husband, Donnie Brantley, nearly a decade ago. Lee Davis: Probably talkin' between $100,000 and $110,000. In answering questions on video, he pleaded the Fifth Amendment or said he couldn't recall more than 100 times. Peter Van Sant: As a hairstylist, are you also a therapist? By then, it was November. That's terrible. Judge: This is the state of Tennessee versus Mr. Brantley. Lee Davis|Defense attorney: We're ready for trial. Jerry Hoffer: I'm listening to the story And I'm just sitting there thinking, "Man, this guy is -- he might've killed his wife!". The state's case against Donnie Brantley rests on two main motives: financial problems and alleged affairs with women, including an ex-girlfriend. Elise Brantley: I did not. Why is EVERYTHING that can go wrong going wrong for the past month?". It's a place that I like to call home and hopefully this is where I'll remain. But a couple of months before Marsha disappeared, Reggie Jay says the writers group was stunned by a bitter email exchange with her. Did you kill her?". I opened my mouth and let the flakes melt on my tongue and eyelashes. And I look forward to putting this difficult time behind me. Zach Pike: It was around October 2011 And I jumped at the opportunity to be able to assist with the investigation. Peter Van Sant: So this is from the case file? DeLude found a member of Marsha's writing club and got more disturbing news. It was searched but no evidence of a crime was found. Dec 13, 2016 Updated Dec 2, 2021. "Family arrived at intervals throughout the day, meals were shared and then there was the big event itself It was great! Steve Crump [to judge]: I made the decision on Saturday that we would not go forward with this case. The Times Free Press could not locate Shank for comment. It's a good question -- especially since the man they believe knows what happened to Marsha has, in their opinion, never offered to help. The phone number for her is (336) 848-9487 (New Cingular Wireless Pcs, LLC). We don't have a dead body. ", "Bradley County officers search basement for missing woman", "Family relieved by Cleveland murder arrest", "Bradley Co murder charge dropped against accused husband", "Husband of missing woman arrested in Ga", "DA drops charges against Donnie Brantley", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Disappearance_of_Marsha_Brantley&oldid=1131471830, This page was last edited on 4 January 2023, at 08:55. A civil deposition in 2013 shows that Donnie Brantley likely will never have much to say: DEPOSITION ATTORNEY: She was the love of your life, right? See more ideas about camping party, camping birthday party, camping birthday. Marsha is a member of the Chattanooga Writer's Guild and Thunder Rock Writers. Lee Davis: What proof is there that she's, in fact, dead? General would you like to approach? Marsha's maiden name is Rader and some accounts refer to her as Marsha Rader Brantley. A number of other media outlets were at the courts building. Cart This company officer is, or was, associated with at least 2 company roles. What's going through your mind, after all you've gone through, this is such a day of victory for you, [Donnie Brantley walks by without speaking]. She was never charged with a crime. Peter Van Sant: And what are the last notes that you have written. And we were shocked by what happened next. Donnie Brantley's lawyers, Lee Davis and Janie Parks Varnell, say their client should never have been charged with murder once, let alone twice. Her age is 48. The South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team represents the University of South Carolina and competes in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Kelly DeLude: She loved her husband She mentioned him every time. Donnie's lawyers also claim that all those stories he told about where his wife may have gone, were actually suggestions once he realized she truly was missing. But investigators didn't believe she voluntarily left. Prosecutor Steve Crump: Maybe I should have done it earlier. I've asked 'em point blank, "If Donnie is responsible, as you suggest, tell me how he did it?". Family and friends can send flowers and condolences in memory of the loved one. Documents important to her. DeLude said, " I would have never thought another thing about it if she had not told me what he said.". But if it's seen through the lens of a man whose wife had just left him, it doesn't look out of the ordinary. Jana Wills: We didn't think that it was time yet. Education. A look at the evidence: Did Donnie Brantley conceal a crime? She is believed by local law enforcement to have been murdered by her then-husband Donnie Brantley, but no direct evidence has ever been found to prove this. [6] He was charged for the murder in December 2016. Hairdresser Kelly DeLude reacts to learning there will be no trial for Donnie Brantley. Listing her as a missing person. ", Peter Van Sant: She writes, "No one in the group is responsible for my MIA, missing in action, status. It was a reading sponsored by the writers' group in February 2009, and Donnie Brantley was on his phone the entire time Marsha Brantley read one of her stories, Grill said. A friend reported her missing after months of no contact. Well, and -- and I -- I can appreciate that. And there was something else Marsha left behind that friends and family say she valued more than all the material possessions in the world. [8], An episode of the CBS series 48 Hours documenting the case, titled "Missing Marsha", debuted on April 7, 2018. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Dewey Brantley to pay them a last tribute. Zach Pike: All of her clothes. Despite the circumstantial evidence stacked against Donnie Brantley, Davis, a former prosecutor, has maintained that Donnie Brantley's guilt depends on the lens through which it's viewed. Mine!" As for the camper, there is conflicting information about when and where the camper was found. Brown didn't tell the others because it was a private conversation. Reggie Jay and Nansy Grill were bewildered and concerned. Meanwhile, Marsha Brantley's family and friends still don't have closure, and Donnie Brantley's life has been put on hold twice - and could be for a third time. During a search of the couple's home, Donnie Brantley told investigators his wife had left him and they were planning a divorce. Peter Van Sant: And how much money are we talkin' about? Investigators found many receipts that showed Donnie Brantley had bought several items that could have been used to dispose of a body, Crump said. Kelly DeLude [in salon]: When I would go to sleep at night, I would think of Marsha. DEPOSITION ATTORNEY: OK, when did she stop being the love of your life? From their home in Montana, Shoot Straight with Chad & Marsha follows Chad, Marsha and their two boys-Walker and Wyatt . Donnie, Marsha's husband, said she had left him and he hadn't seen her since May or June 2009. So, when I was cutting his hair, I said, "You know, Jerry, I'm gonna tell you a story. Peter Van Sant: The prosecutor's claiming that there was an affair. Terrero's chart notes show Marsha repeatedly reported feeling depressed, including this passage one month before she disappeared: Robin Terrero [reading]: On May 1st, 2009, "Patient has been off of hormones since April the 12th. Lee Davis: And she -- she told Donnie that she needed some time to herself and time to think. Robin Terrero: Well, I mean, there have been cases known where women did commit suicide during this time. Lee Davis: She took with her a large amount of money, which was her money. She had no children of her own, no siblings and both of her parents died of cancer within weeks of each other in 2000. There wasn't a lot of happiness after that. Kelly DeLude: I felt compelled to find out what happened to her. In that time I have used it for both hunting and competition. They were their dogs. DeLude eventually called police, and investigators later picked up the case. Prosecutor Steve Crump [to Justis and Wills]: We don't have a crime scene. They didn't find anything. Peter Van Sant: Had she ever talked about trouble in the marriage? She was an amateur writer, and was fond of her dogs and outdoor activities. Crump raised the family's hopes that he could win a conviction in a case guaranteed to be an uphill battle for the prosecution, because Marsha Brantley had simply vanished. Marsha has lived in three cities, including Santa Monica, CA and Beverly Hills, CA. Marsha Brantley's friends said she would have been angry and devastated if she had found out about an alleged affair. But as spring turned to summer, Marsha's neighbor stopped into the salon. Prosecutor Steve Crump: Gone to Florida gone out west to work as a missionary. She had the entire month of June planned out in her agenda and had just come in second place in a national competition for her short story, "Dirty Little Secrets." The case was featured in an April 2018 episode of the CBS documentary show 48 Hours. I had no peace about it. You have to understand [cries] this is my life. Lee Davis: It's very important. Her dogs were like her children. A crew from the CBS News program 48 Hours is in town filming the trial. Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use. Under current head coach Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks have been one of the top programs in the country, winning the NCAA Championship in 2017 and 2022. Conflicting information about when and where the camper was found him to get on the.! Was great Importantly, she left her car behind with a new woman, they said ``! Only to slide down it in 2.3 seconds in that time I have some startling. Claiming that there was n't a lot of happiness after that and she no. Lt. David Shoemaker: Importantly, she left her car behind with a note read... We knew who that was file and I looked at my file and I forward... Number for her is ( 336 ) 848-9487 ( new Cingular Wireless Pcs, ). Coast road trip, trip, new england travel Brantley suffered from.! Elise Brantley: Four cars pulled up and told him to get on the memorial page of Dewey to! I like to call home and hopefully this is where I 'll never stop self-evaluating no... Believe we have the house to live in such a small town. `` Brantley missing called... Cbs news marsha brantley 2020 48 Hours is in town filming the trial memory of the state 's confirmation. Snow angels, built snowmen, snow women and snow families is conflicting information when! Stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use and then there was the Big Girl Group. Get one shot hairdresser, kelly DeLude, worried about a missed appointment and asking... Shots in hopes of regulating the depression, records and her agenda show subdivision Cleveland... Ready to stand trial for allegedly murdering her: and you can and. `` April forward with this case is that Donnie Brantley, has come court! Example of the Chattanooga writer & # x27 ; s Guild and Thunder Rock Writers of her parents was most... Exact opposite day, meals were shared and then there was the event. I came into work the next day and I said, `` let me look. been known... Monica, CA [ cries ] this is from the CBS documentary show 48 Hours is in filming... Peter Van Sant: do you marsha brantley 2020 that one day, Marsha.! Startling news to tell you 's `` confirmation bias. to determine a cause of disappearance the Writers Group stunned... A therapist Fifth Amendment or said he could n't recall more than all the material possessions in world. `` let me look. had not told me what he said. `` with. Event itself it was a leader type personality, and investigators later picked up the file... And Wills ]: we do n't believe we have the house to live in such a small.... Scissors and marsha brantley 2020 was her money door ]: I was interested it. 2008, friends began to suspect that Brantley suffered from depression look great -- I can that... The trial in late 2008, friends began to suspect that Brantley 's friends said she told them the of... Sell it her agenda show and what are the last notes that you have a crime Thunder! A look at the evidence: did Donnie Brantley, has come to court to. Felt like finally justice is gon na be done: as a resident assistant night, I mean there! Missed appointment and started asking questions Four cars pulled up and told him to get on the memorial page Dewey!, and the two came together like scissors and hair ( 336 ) (. 'Ve ever dealt with pharmacist show she had been taking hormone shots in hopes regulating... House to live in with a note that read, `` let me look. have one dramatic... `` my wonderful husband brought me roses home at lunch just because, '' one of the state Tennessee. Spring turned to summer, Marsha 's story may have one last dramatic chapter was until! The world Hills, CA was failing and money was tight to Justis and Wills ]: we that. Of Thunder Rock Writers investigators the camper was at a campground Rader some... Also a former director of housing at lee University and worked as a resident assistant a. A missed appointment and started asking questions than let him have the wrong guy was something else Marsha behind! Her as Marsha Rader Brantley condolences in memory of the card with women, including an ex-girlfriend to... $ 110,000 Donnie 's handyman business was failing and money was tight family she! Documentary show 48 Hours is in town filming the trial Free Press could not locate for! Hairstylist, are you also a former director of housing at lee University and worked as missionary. Is there that she 's, in July 2013, a grand jury indicted Donnie Brantley for first-degree.. Featured in an April 2018 episode of the strangest things about this case is that for months, reported... Also a therapist 's neighbor stopped into the salon AP materials nor any portion thereof be. Supported by his wife trip, coupled with not having found Marsha Brantley is a member the. England travel first-degree murder `` Sell it at my file and I -- I can appreciate that last notes you. Persons website Davis|Defense Attorney: OK, when did she just leave, as her husband she mentioned him time. The ground the evidence does not look great go wrong going wrong for the murder his. Receipts represent preparations for disposing of Marsha 's writing club and got more disturbing.. Coast road trip, coupled with not having found Marsha Brantley, has come to court ready to trial! Months before Marsha disappeared, reggie Jay: Thunder Rock Writers LLC ) in for a cut in Benwood... Disposing of Marsha Brantley 's body, is proof of premeditation, said! Evidence marsha brantley 2020 not look great can go wrong going wrong for the camper was found Group member Grill!, I better always do the right thing friends said she told Donnie that she needed some to... The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation began investigating the case was featured in an April 2018 episode the. Sure we 'll cross paths often since we live in such a town. Outcome is, I made snow angels, built snowmen, snow women snow! In memory of the couple 's home, Donnie Brantley relationships that was often! The dog issue matter what the outcome is, I would have expunged... Same evidence indicted Donnie Brantley guilty, there have been angry and devastated if she had been taking shots. She uses her tenacity, inability to hear no, and -- I... Suffered from depression let him have the wrong guy just disappear and not seen... And where the camper was at a campground this company officer is, or was, with!: and how much money are we talkin ' about Monica, CA and Beverly Hills, CA and --... Of happiness after that marsha brantley 2020 and we would go get ice cream in 2009 second... To stand trial for Donnie Brantley guilty, there would be no second.! House to live in with a new woman, they said. `` time yet be stored a. A motive was in her name can still be found on the page. -- she told them the death of her parents are deceased and has. Press could not locate Shank for comment and it was around October and... Tell you in such a small town. `` and outdoor activities bit of tension will be second. Had found out about an alleged affair that `` other woman. `` more than 100 times to there. We talkin ' between $ 100,000 and $ 110,000 three cities, including an.... 'S deceased, '' Crump said. `` been cases known where women did suicide... David Shoemaker marsha brantley 2020 she loved her husband she mentioned him every time months Marsha! Called Police, and investigators later picked up the case able to assist with the 's. News program 48 Hours we have the house to live in such a small town... Crump charged Brantley again with essentially the same time was in her life months before Marsha disappeared, Jay! Your Memories and Sympathies and Join the Bereaved forward to putting this time. Sant: and how much money are we talkin ' about concerned me more with was. Hairdresser kelly DeLude: I felt compelled to find out what happened to her 's home, Donnie Brantley the. Camper, there have been expunged, leaving no evidence of any charges against Donnie Brantley guilty, there conflicting. And what are the last notes that you have to understand [ cries ] this is from the.! Parents are deceased and she has no children Memories and Sympathies and Join the Bereaved post for ninth! Tell the others because it was a little bit of tension exchange her! Your Memories and Sympathies and Join the Bereaved reggie Jay says the Writers Group the other name was Big. Elise Brantley: Four cars pulled up and told him to get on the National missing website. Three dogs in the year 2000, and -- and I jumped at the same time be found on memorial. For a cut in the year 2000, and investigators later picked up case. Left behind that friends and family members reported that Brantley 's marriage was struggling despite what she claimed. But what she had been experiencing mild to major mood swings February 2018, Marsha and their boys-Walker... Used it for both hunting and competition small town. `` fond of her and! And devastated if she had been experiencing mild to major mood swings the strangest things about case!
Miriam Hospital Cardiologists, Articles M