Walk marks 10 years after Tara Grant's murder

STERLING HEIGHTS (AP) - An annual 5K walk in eastern Michigan is honoring a woman who was killed by her husband 10 years ago.

The 10th Tara Walk, in memory of murder victim Tara Grant, will be held Saturday in Sterling Heights. Organizers said the event raises awareness of violence in the home and kicks off Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.

"We have heard countless stories from individuals attending Tara's walk that her story is what gave them the strength to get out of their own abusive relationship," said Alicia Standerfer, Grant's sister.

Grant's husband, Stephen Grant, was found guilty of second-degree murder in her 2007 slaying. The case gained national attention due to the grisliness of the murder and the husband's public denials.

Stephen Grant, 47, is serving 50 to 80 years at the Bellamy Creek Correction Facility in Ionia.

Standerfer and her husband have adopted the Grants' two children. Standerfer said she and the children will participate in the walk because as a family they know Tara Grant's story could help others.

"Obviously the downside is somebody lost their life," said Karan Bates-Gasior, an organizer for event host and nonprofit Turning Point. "But the upside is a lot more people are now aware of domestic violence and that it's not just a black eye. That, you know, people are dying. Women are dying, and whole families are torn apart."

Turning Point, which was formed in 1980, provides shelter, support and prevention services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Officials expect the event to draw more than 600 participants. Proceeds from the walk will go toward the Tara Grant Liberation Fund, which helps domestic violence survivors leave abusive situations. Bates-Gasior expects the event to raise about $35,000.

Published: Wed, Sep 27, 2017