The Shocking Grant & Amanda Hayes Murder Case: What Happened?

19 May, 2025

How could a custody dispute devolve into a horrific act of violence? The chilling case of Grant Hayes and Amanda Perry Hayes, a married couple convicted of the murder of Laura Jean Ackerson, stands as a stark testament to the depths of human depravity and the devastating consequences of a bitter legal battle.

The story unfolds with a grim discovery. On July 24, a dive team from the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office in Richmond, Texas, recovered scattered remains. These remains were later identified as those of Laura Ackerson, a 27-year-old woman from Kinston, North Carolina. Ackerson's life had been tragically cut short, and the investigation quickly pointed to Grant Ruffin Hayes and his wife, Amanda Perry Hayes, as the perpetrators of this heinous crime.

Category	Information
Full Name	Grant Ruffin Hayes
Also Known As	Grant Hayes
Current Status	Incarcerated
Location of Incarceration	North Carolina Prison
Conviction	First-degree murder
Sentence	Life in prison
Date of Arrest	July 2011
Co-Conspirator	Amanda Perry Hayes (wife)
Victim	Laura Jean Ackerson
Relationship to Victim	Father of victim's two oldest children; embroiled in custody dispute
Legal Representation at Time of Trial	Defense attorneys (unnamed in provided text)
Key Evidence Presented by Prosecution	Evidence suggesting abusive behavior
Claimed Innocence	Maintains innocence in interviews, including ABC News' 20/20.
Financial Situation Prior to Arrest	Defense claimed he spent Amanda's inheritance, maxed out her credit cards and sold her possessions.
Additional Details	Involved in custody dispute with Laura Ackerson over his two oldest children.
Full Name	Amanda Perry Hayes
Also Known As	Amanda Hayes
Current Status	Incarcerated
Conviction	Second-degree murder (initially), Tampering with evidence
Sentence	13 to 16 years + 20 years for tampering with evidence
Date of Arrest	July 2011
Co-Conspirator	Grant Ruffin Hayes (husband)
Victim	Laura Jean Ackerson
Relationship to Victim	Stepmother to victim's two oldest children; embroiled in custody dispute
Previous Marital History	Married three other men before Grant Hayes.
Children	Mother to Sha Garrison (ne Elmer) with Scott Elmer
Legal Admission	Admitted to disposing of the body.
Conflicting Statements	Initially claimed physical abuse by Grant Hayes (later recanted on the stand).
Financial Background	Inherited money from late husband, which was allegedly spent by Grant Hayes.
Involvement in Crime	Convicted of second degree murder, plus additional time for evidence tampering.
Reference: ABC News Report on Grant Hayes Case

Grant Hayes appeared before the Wake County Magistrate in Raleigh on Monday, July 25, 2011, a pivotal moment in the unfolding legal drama. He and Amanda Hayes, residents of Raleigh, were formally charged with the July 2011 murder of Laura Jean Ackerson, a resident of Kinston. The charges stemmed from the discovery of Ackerson's dismembered remains in Texas, a chilling indication of the brutality of the crime.

The investigation revealed that Ackerson was last seen heading to the Hayes' residence. Prosecutors argued that the couple had been embroiled in a protracted and acrimonious custody dispute with Ackerson over Grant Hayes' two oldest children. This dispute, they asserted, provided the motive for the murder.

According to authorities, Grant Hayes and Amanda Hayes murdered Ackerson in their Raleigh apartment. They then dismembered her body and transported the remains in coolers to Richmond, Texas, where Amanda Hayes had connections. This calculated and gruesome act underscored the couple's determination to conceal their crime and evade justice.

The legal proceedings against Grant and Amanda Hayes were complex and highly publicized. Grant Hayes pleaded not guilty and went to trial in August. Amanda Hayes was convicted of second-degree murder. Later, the Fort Bend County District Attorneys Office announced that Amanda Hayes had been sentenced to an additional 20 years for tampering with evidence, further compounding her legal woes.

Ultimately, two separate juries found the married couple guilty of Ackerson's murder. Grant Hayes was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison, where he remains in North Carolina. Amanda Perry Hayes is currently serving a sentence of 13 to 16 years, plus the additional 20 years for tampering with evidence, for the 2011 murder of the mother of her husband's children.

The case garnered significant media attention, including a segment on ABC's "20/20," titled "Can I Prey First?," which spanned from 2011 to 2014. This program delved into the intricate details of the ordeal, offering a comprehensive exploration of the events leading up to Ackerson's murder and the subsequent legal battles.

Only Grant Hayes and his wife Amanda know the precise details of how Laura Ackerson died. Both admit to collaborating in the disposal of her body, but each accuses the other of being the actual killer. This conflicting narrative adds another layer of complexity to an already disturbing case.

Prosecutor Amanda Bolin revealed that Amanda Hayes admitted on the stand that she had never been physically abused by her husband. However, Bolin asserted that evidence suggested otherwise, implying a pattern of abusive behavior on Grant Hayes' part. This revelation raised questions about the dynamics of the couple's relationship and its potential role in the crime.

Before marrying Grant Hayes, Amanda Hayes had been married to three other men. One of them was Scott Elmer, with whom she had a child, Sha Garrison (ne Elmer), born on June 7, 1989. This background information provides further insight into Amanda Hayes' personal history and relationships.

The house where Grant Hayes and Amanda Hayes were arrested for the murder of Laura Ackerson in 2011 was located in Kinston, North Carolina. This location served as a focal point for the investigation and a reminder of the tragic events that unfolded there.

In a recent interview with ABC's 20/20, Grant Hayes claimed that he did not commit the murder. He asserted, "I'm not in prison for being a bad person. I'm in prison for killing a woman, and that didn't happen." In a new 20/20 interview, he maintains his innocence. His continued denial underscores the lack of closure for Ackerson's family and the ongoing debate surrounding the case.

Defense attorneys argued that by the time of Ackerson's murder, Grant Hayes had spent all of the money Amanda Hayes had inherited from her late husband, maxed out her credit cards, and sold thousands of dollars' worth of her possessions. This financial strain, they claimed, contributed to the couple's desperate situation and may have played a role in their actions.

Grant Hayes and Amanda Hayes, former St. John residents, remained in a Wake County, North Carolina jail awaiting trial for first-degree murder. The two had been in a prolonged and contentious custody dispute with Laura Ackerson, setting the stage for the tragic events that followed.

The case of Grant Ruffin Hayes and Amanda Perry Hayes serves as a chilling reminder of the devastating consequences of unresolved conflict and the depths to which individuals may sink when embroiled in bitter legal battles. Laura Jean Ackerson's murder stands as a tragic loss, and the legal proceedings against her killers have brought a measure of justice, though the full truth of what transpired remains shrouded in conflicting accounts and unanswered questions.

Grant Hayes remains incarcerated in North Carolina, serving his life sentence. The complexities of the case continue to fascinate and disturb, highlighting the dark side of human relationships and the enduring impact of violent crime.

The tragic narrative of Laura Ackerson's murder at the hands of Grant and Amanda Hayes is not merely a sensational crime story. It's a stark portrayal of how festering animosity, fueled by a custody battle, can culminate in unimaginable horror. The details of the crime the dismemberment, the transportation of the body across state lines are gruesome, but they serve as a chilling illustration of the lengths to which the perpetrators went to conceal their crime. The financial desperation detailed by the defense, coupled with the alleged abusive dynamic between Grant and Amanda, adds layers of complexity, painting a portrait of a relationship spiraling out of control.

The legal proceedings, marked by conflicting testimonies and separate juries, further underscore the difficulty in unraveling the truth. While both Grant and Amanda admit to participating in the disposal of Ackerson's body, they each accuse the other of being the actual murderer. This "blame game" leaves a lingering sense of uncertainty, a void where definitive answers should reside. Grant Hayes' continued claim of innocence, despite his conviction and life sentence, only intensifies the ambiguity. His words, "I'm not in prison for being a bad person. I'm in prison for killing a woman, and that didn't happen," are a chilling reminder of the subjective nature of truth and the enduring power of denial.

The involvement of the media, particularly ABC's "20/20," brought the case to national attention, highlighting the public's fascination with true crime and the insatiable desire to understand the motivations behind such acts. The program's title, "Can I Prey First?," is particularly unsettling, suggesting a calculated and predatory nature to the crime. It implies that Ackerson was not merely a victim, but a target, carefully chosen and meticulously eliminated. The program's multi-year coverage allowed for a deep dive into the lives of the individuals involved, their relationships, and the events leading up to the murder, providing viewers with a comprehensive, albeit disturbing, understanding of the case.

Beyond the sensationalism, the case of Grant and Amanda Hayes raises important questions about the family court system and the potential for custody disputes to escalate into dangerous situations. The acrimony between Ackerson and the Hayeses, fueled by disagreements over child-rearing and access, created a toxic environment in which reason and empathy were replaced by resentment and hostility. While custody battles are often fraught with emotion, the Ackerson case serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the need for mediation, counseling, and other interventions to prevent such disputes from spiraling out of control.

Furthermore, the case underscores the importance of holding perpetrators of violent crimes accountable for their actions. The separate convictions of Grant and Amanda Hayes, while offering a semblance of justice for Ackerson's family, do not erase the pain and suffering caused by their actions. The long prison sentences imposed upon the couple serve as a deterrent to others who may be contemplating similar acts of violence. However, true justice requires not only punishment, but also rehabilitation and reconciliation. Whether Grant and Amanda Hayes are capable of such transformation remains to be seen.

In conclusion, the story of Grant and Amanda Hayes and the murder of Laura Ackerson is a complex and disturbing narrative that explores the depths of human depravity, the dangers of unresolved conflict, and the enduring impact of violent crime. It serves as a cautionary tale about the need for empathy, understanding, and intervention in situations where anger and resentment threaten to consume individuals and families. While the legal proceedings have brought a measure of closure, the full truth of what transpired remains elusive, leaving a lingering sense of unease and a profound appreciation for the fragility of human life.

The case also begs the question of premeditation. Did Grant and Amanda Hayes plan Ackerson's murder in advance, or was it a crime of passion that spiraled out of control? The dismemberment and transportation of the body suggest a degree of planning and forethought, but the conflicting testimonies and the alleged financial and emotional pressures make it difficult to definitively determine the couple's intentions. The prosecution argued that the custody dispute provided a clear motive for the murder, while the defense countered that the couple's actions were driven by desperation and poor judgment.

The roles of the attorneys involved in the case are also worth considering. The defense attorneys argued that Grant Hayes was financially dependent on Amanda and that she exerted a significant influence over him. They presented evidence suggesting that Amanda was the dominant partner in the relationship and that she may have manipulated Grant into participating in the crime. The prosecution, on the other hand, portrayed Grant as the mastermind behind the murder, arguing that he had a history of abusive behavior and that he was motivated by a desire to control his children.

The impact of the murder on Ackerson's children is perhaps the most tragic aspect of the case. They were deprived of their mother's love and guidance, and they will forever be haunted by the knowledge of how she died. The children were also caught in the middle of the custody dispute, and they were forced to navigate the complex and often adversarial world of family court. The long-term emotional and psychological effects of these experiences are likely to be significant.

The case of Grant and Amanda Hayes serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking help for mental health issues. The couple's actions suggest that they were struggling with a range of emotional and psychological problems, including anger management issues, relationship problems, and financial stress. If they had sought professional help, the tragedy of Laura Ackerson's murder might have been avoided.

The story also highlights the need for greater awareness of domestic violence. The prosecution argued that Grant Hayes had a history of abusive behavior, and that this abuse may have played a role in the murder. Domestic violence is a serious problem that affects millions of people each year, and it is important to recognize the signs of abuse and to seek help if you or someone you know is being abused.

The case of Grant and Amanda Hayes is a complex and multi-faceted story that raises a number of important questions about human nature, the family court system, and the criminal justice system. It is a story that will continue to be debated and analyzed for years to come. The enduring legacy of the case is a reminder of the importance of empathy, understanding, and the pursuit of justice.

Even the seemingly minor details, like Amanda Hayes previous marriages and her admission (later recanted) of abuse, paint a more complete, though unsettling, picture. Her background suggests a pattern of unstable relationships, and the initial claim of abuse, regardless of its veracity, introduces the possibility of a volatile and dysfunctional dynamic within the Hayes marriage. These details, while not directly related to the murder itself, contribute to a broader understanding of the individuals involved and the circumstances that may have led to the tragic outcome.

The geographical element of the case is also significant. The murder occurred in Raleigh, North Carolina, but the body was disposed of in Richmond, Texas. This suggests a deliberate attempt to distance the crime from the perpetrators, perhaps because Amanda Hayes had prior connections to the Richmond area. The act of transporting the body across state lines further underscores the premeditation and calculated nature of the crime.

The ongoing legal battles and the appeals process add another layer of complexity to the case. Grant Hayes' continued claim of innocence, despite his conviction and life sentence, suggests that he has not accepted responsibility for his actions. This lack of remorse is particularly troubling, as it indicates a failure to understand the gravity of his crime and the pain he has inflicted on Ackerson's family. The appeals process also prolongs the suffering of the victim's family, as they are forced to relive the trauma of the murder with each new legal challenge.

The role of the media in shaping public perception of the case cannot be overlooked. The extensive coverage by ABC's "20/20" and other news outlets brought the case to national attention and influenced public opinion about the guilt or innocence of the defendants. The media's portrayal of Grant and Amanda Hayes as cold-blooded killers likely contributed to their conviction, but it also raised questions about the fairness of the legal process. The media has a responsibility to report the facts accurately and objectively, but it is also important to be mindful of the potential for media coverage to influence the outcome of a trial.

The case of Grant and Amanda Hayes is a stark reminder of the fragility of human life and the devastating consequences of violence. Laura Ackerson's murder was a senseless and tragic act that has had a profound impact on her family, her friends, and her community. The legal proceedings against her killers have brought a measure of justice, but they cannot erase the pain and suffering caused by her death. The enduring legacy of the case is a call for greater empathy, understanding, and a commitment to preventing violence in all its forms.

Adding another dimension to the case is the inherent difficulty in proving intent. While the prosecution presented a compelling case based on circumstantial evidence and the couples actions after the murder, directly proving what Grant and Amanda Hayes were thinking and planning in the moments leading up to Ackersons death remained a challenge. The conflicting testimonies further clouded the issue, leaving the jury to weigh the evidence and make their own judgments about the couples motivations.

The details surrounding the disposal of Ackerson's body are particularly disturbing. The dismemberment, the coolers, and the transportation of the remains across state lines all point to a calculated effort to conceal the crime and avoid detection. These actions suggest a degree of planning and forethought that goes beyond a spontaneous act of violence. They also raise questions about the couples mental state and their ability to rationalize their actions.

The financial aspects of the case, as highlighted by the defense, add another layer of complexity. The claim that Grant Hayes had spent all of Amanda Hayes' inheritance and maxed out her credit cards suggests that the couple was under significant financial pressure. This pressure may have contributed to their desperation and their willingness to take extreme measures to resolve their problems. However, it is important to note that financial difficulties do not excuse violence, and they do not diminish the couple's responsibility for their actions.

Ultimately, the case of Grant and Amanda Hayes is a tragic story with no easy answers. It is a reminder of the darkness that can exist within human relationships and the devastating consequences of unchecked anger and resentment. While the legal proceedings have brought a measure of closure, the full truth of what transpired will likely never be known. The enduring legacy of the case is a call for greater vigilance, empathy, and a commitment to preventing violence and protecting the vulnerable.

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