One of the most chilling cases ever was that with Amanda and Grant Hayes, a married couple who had conspired to murder Laura Ackerson in 2011 — it left the country stunned for just how terrible their story really became. In this blog, we take a look at important events that took place in relation to the case and possible reasons behind them as well as from the execution of legal processes post these incidents.
Table of Contents
The backstory of an on-again/off-again relationship
The relationship between Amanda and Grant Hayes was a tumultuous one from its inception. While married in 2010, April 29th to be specific, their marriage existed on a rocky pebbled road laden with dysfunction and financial instability. A massive source of contention in the pair’s lives: Grant was embroiled at this time in a bloody custody squabble over his two offspring with ex-girlfriend Laura Ackerson. Throughout the summer of 2011, this custody battle would backdrop a series of terrifying events.
The Murder of Laura Ackerson
Laura Ackerson went there for what she thought was a typical visit on the children in July 2011.HttpServletResponse:_Cmdr. But she was never seen alive outside that apartment again. Later, it was known that Grant and Amanda killed Laura in this trip. To cover up the killing, after which they dismembered her body with a saw and placed some parts of it in coolers for transport.
Afterward, the couple took off for Texas and Amanda’s sister. By a creek near their home, they removed Laura’s dismembered body believing the distance and water would obscure evidence of her ghastly murder. But their bid to build a veil of secrecy would soon break down and within months they were arrested on suspicion of murder, leading to one of the most sensational trials in UK criminal history.
Court Cases: Justice for Laura Ackerson (25/7)
After an extensive investigation both Grant and Amanda Hayes were charged of Laura’s murder. In their separate trials, the couple spun different tales, with both trying to blame each other.
Two years later, in September of 2013 Grant Hayes was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole. He was found by the court to be guilty of murder based on his intention- he wanted custody from Laura. He was sentenced to life without the chance of parole.
In early 2014 Amanda Hayes went to trial. She said she was compelled to help Grant conceal his crime, though a jury convicted her of second-degree murder. She was jailed for 16.5 years in February 2014. Her role in the dismemberment and throwing away of Laura’s body gave a more gruesome aspect to an already shocking case.
An Unravelling Marriage — More Legal Wrangling
After the murder conviction, Amanda Hayes attempted to distance herself from Grant. Three months after her conviction and just one day before Laura was found, Amanda filed for divorce stating that the “horrendous events” surrounding what had happened to Lauren were part of reason she wanted out. The couple came to an agreement with their property dispute, and Amanda filed for a name change back to her maiden name in hopes of erasing reminders from the dark phase.
Divorce or not, Amanda found trouble with the law even after their separation. She also faced new charges in Texas for tampering with evidence regarding the removal of Laura Ackerson’s body. With respect to her role in the body was being moved and dropped, she faced serious charges.
The Present: Imprisoned in Life
Amanda Hayes had been transferred from a North Carolina prison to Texas where she is serving 20 years for her part in tampering with evidence, as of August 2024. It was to be served at the same time as her previous prison starting a new sentence extending more years on incarceration.
Grant Hayes is still serving a life sentence at Central Prison in Raleigh with no possibility of parole. The case has put so much twist in the press because of its brutality and bizarre relationship between husband & wife, it eventually led to a cold blooded murder for an innocent woman being trapped into custody battle between them.
The Legacy of the Case
It is a grim testament to how what are often identity politics by other means can end in bloodshed, as Laura Ackerson’s killing attests. The dysfunction that literally fueled their violence was abundantly clear in the complexities of black and white testimony about GJ’s relationship with Ricky Hayes, head to shifting blame fully onto each other.
Although Amanda and Grant Hayes are both now serving lengthy prison sentences, the crime is remembered for its sheer savagery — as well as the emotional wreckage it left in Laura Ackerson’s family, her children and to a community reeling not from just one but two desperate homicides.
Conclusion
The story of the Hayes case is one that will forever go down in true crime history as a very sad, twisted chapter. It exposes how unaddressed internal struggles can manifest into the unthinkable; and a dim forecast of what happens when bitterness meets desperation. No justice can bring back Laura Ackerson, and the sorrow of loss remains fresh for those who knew her best.
Social Accounts
FAQs-
What did Amanda Hayes star in?
Amanda Hayes is known for her roles in the following productions:
Movies
- The Stepford Wives (2004) – Uncredited role
- Hustle (2004) – Additional crew
- Blast Lab (2009) – Script and continuity department
Television Shows
- WRAL Murder Trials (2003) – Featured as herself
- The Sopranos – Background role
- The Journeyman (2001) – Additional crew
Who is Amanda Perry Hayes husband?
Amanda Hayes was married to Grant Ruffin Hayes III from April 29, 2010, until their divorce in October 2014. They were both convicted for their involvement in the murder of Laura Ackerson in 2011.
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