Re: Laura Jean Ackerson -- Deceased 7/13/11 -- Grant and Amanda Hayes Charged With Murder

by Freckles Tue Feb 18, 2014 4:37 pm

Good news' story to read:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2561724/Former-actress-claims-husband-forced-help-hide-body-parts-ex-mother-two-sons-faces-charges-degree-murder.html

by One Wonders Tue Feb 18, 2014 5:02 pm

That's it for today!
What is so hard about this case??? I want to know???

by Alessandra_Deux Tue Feb 18, 2014 7:04 pm

No Verdict After Second Day Of Deliberations In Amanda Hayes Murder Case

Updated: Tue 5:17 PM, Feb 18, 2014

Jurors finished their second day of deliberations in the case of a Raleigh woman who is accused of killing a Kinston mother.

No verdict has been reached.

The state says Amanda Hayes and her husband Grant killed Laura Ackerson in 2011 and then cut up the body with a power saw. The woman's body was found in a creek near the home of Amanda Hayes' sister in Richmond Texas.

Another Wake County jury convicted Grant Hayes last year and he is serving a life sentence.

Read morel:

http://www.witn.com/home/headlines/245870501.html

by Ann - Tx Tue Feb 18, 2014 7:49 pm

http://www.wral.com/verdict-watch-continues-wednesday-in-amanda-hayes-murder-trial/13406098/
WRAL - Raleigh, NC - 2/18/14

Verdict watch continues Wednesday in Amanda Hayes murder trial

by Ann - Tx Tue Feb 18, 2014 7:53 pm

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=9434788
WTVD - Raleigh, NC -- 2/18/14

Jury deliberations to resume Wednesday in Amanda Hayes trial
Updated at 06:28 PM today - 2/18/14

by Ann - Tx Tue Feb 18, 2014 8:18 pm

Jury asks to see replica of saw used in Laura Ackerson murder

Posted: Feb 18, 2014 6:08 PM CST
Updated: Feb 18, 2014 6:47 PM CST

by WNCN Staff - WNCN
Raleigh, NC

Snipped:

Just before lunch, the jury requested to see a replica of the saw used in the murder. The jury wanted to hear how loud the saw was when started, however the judge denied that request since the saw was never started during the actual trial.

Read more and view video:

http://www.wncn.com/story/24758156/jury-asks-to-see-replica-of-saw-used-in-murder

Laura Jean Ackerson -- Deceased 7/13/11 -- Grant and Amanda Hayes Charged With Murder - Page 13 24758156_BG2

Laura Jean Ackerson -- Deceased 7/13/11 -- Grant and Amanda Hayes Charged With Murder - Page 13 24758156_BG2

Laura Jean Ackerson -- Deceased 7/13/11 -- Grant and Amanda Hayes Charged With Murder - Page 13 24758156_BG1

by Freckles Tue Feb 18, 2014 9:03 pm

Ann - Tx wrote:
Jury asks to see replica of saw used in Laura Ackerson murder

Posted: Feb 18, 2014 6:08 PM CST
Updated: Feb 18, 2014 6:47 PM CST

by WNCN Staff - WNCN
Raleigh, NC

Snipped:

Just before lunch, the jury requested to see a replica of the saw used in the murder. The jury wanted to hear how loud the saw was when started, however the judge denied that request since the saw was never started during the actual trial.

Read more and view video:

http://www.wncn.com/story/24758156/jury-asks-to-see-replica-of-saw-used-in-murder

This jury seems to be well directed and to have some spot on questions.

by Nan11 Wed Feb 19, 2014 8:54 am

One Wonders wrote:That's it for today!
What is so hard about this case??? I want to know???

Almost time for another day of verdict watch!

I hope you don't mind sharing your bench with me, because I'm right there beside you.

We wait. Laura Jean Ackerson -- Deceased 7/13/11 -- Grant and Amanda Hayes Charged With Murder - Page 13 Waiting

Laura Jean Ackerson -- Deceased 7/13/11 -- Grant and Amanda Hayes Charged With Murder - Page 13 Waiting

by Nan11 Wed Feb 19, 2014 9:31 am

Stream is now active. (This is one of the better links because it stays active all day.)

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/livenow?id=9408820

by One Wonders Wed Feb 19, 2014 10:35 am

Nan11 wrote:
One Wonders wrote:That's it for today!
What is so hard about this case??? I want to know???
Almost time for another day of verdict watch!

I hope you don't mind sharing your bench with me, because I'm right there beside you.

We wait.

Not at all Nan, I'm so happy to share and not be alone.

by Freckles Wed Feb 19, 2014 10:50 am

I keep thinking back to Amanda's short career as a actress...
I wonder if this is something the jury has stopped to consider as well...
How much of her presence on the stand was simply acting?
Acting to save herself and acting to save Grant...
I certainly do not believe she was afraid of Grant at any point....I did wonder if she would use the recent birth of her dau as an excuse for wiggin out....

by Nan11 Wed Feb 19, 2014 10:50 am

One Wonders wrote:
Nan11 wrote:
Almost time for another day of verdict watch!

I hope you don't mind sharing your bench with me, because I'm right there beside you.

We wait.
Not at all Nan, I'm so happy to share and not be alone.

I second that.

Laura Jean Ackerson -- Deceased 7/13/11 -- Grant and Amanda Hayes Charged With Murder - Page 13 Group-hug1-smiley

by Nan11 Wed Feb 19, 2014 12:17 pm

The feed is active again, and they have had their break.

It must be another question.

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/livenow?id=9408820

by Nan11 Wed Feb 19, 2014 12:21 pm

Oooh. They want a transcript of Sha's testimony.

by Nan11 Wed Feb 19, 2014 12:43 pm

Well, it's not that easy to get that transcript ready for the jury.

The court reporter who took Sha's testimony down will have to transcribe it tonight.

It is about 120 pages or two hours.

Then the judge will have her [or someone], read it back to the jury in the morning. They can't just have the transcript to flip through.

So, they have been returned to the jury room and will let the judge know their decision on this later.

by Nan11 Wed Feb 19, 2014 1:07 pm

Below is a summary that one of our posters did on the various husbands of Amanda Hayes. She has given me her permission to add it here.

With special thanks to One Wonders for taking the time to do this for us: Laura Jean Ackerson -- Deceased 7/13/11 -- Grant and Amanda Hayes Charged With Murder - Page 13 D0072d6ff641fe862d02d88c2f78eef8

Laura Jean Ackerson -- Deceased 7/13/11 -- Grant and Amanda Hayes Charged With Murder - Page 13 D0072d6ff641fe862d02d88c2f78eef8

#1 Husband: Scott Elmer.
She married him when she was 17. Mother had stipulations that she would finish school and not have babies, neither of which happened. Sha was born in 1989. They were married for about 2 years, divorced when Sha was about 10 months old. She said they were basically too young to know what marriage was supposed to be like. She says he was very jealous. She wanted to finish school but he wouldn't let her go. He even wouldn't let her go to the store alone. She said they divorced right after she turned 18. They even had a custody dispute as well.

#2 Husband: Ron Adamson.
He was in the same law office as her divorce attorney who was retiring due to a cancer diagnosis. She had to have something done over the weekend and the secretary set up an appointment with RA. He asked if she could give him a ride and that's how that romance started. They were married for about 8 months and he told her that he was just helping her, and he didn't want to do that anymore but they stayed together for about 4 years. She was finishing her schooling and took some basic classes at a junior college, and they separated right before she turned 22 cuz he had a baby with someone else. She moved back to Texas and stayed with Karen for a few months to get back up on her feet; then had a female roommate for 6 to 8 months. She was doing children's theater, going to school and working. And blah, blah, blah... She quit school (again) cuz she liked the children's theater.

#3 Husband: Nicky Smith.
She met him when she was 24. They dated for about a year and then got married. To put it simply, he was a water specialist in irrigation. He had many hats to wear as a business man. They bought a house in Austin, by the lake. Memorial Day 2000, they had gone to a friend’s house at the lake and "they" lowered the water level in order to repair the dam and he dived off into the lake and broke his neck; paralyzed from the neck down; was in the hospital for about 6 months before he passed away. Blah, blah, blah, she was such a dutiful wife to him. *His spinal cord was dying??? She was able to wheel and deal with his family after his death and they "resented her cuz she could go on with her life and they were stuck there." She had an attorney friend who was the only person who was supporting her, (not even her own family was supporting her, they didn't want her to go,) and encouraged her to go to NY and take an acting workshop over the summer. She didn't know if she wanted to go to NY or CA, so she and Sha flipped a coin to decide NY or CA. With all the ailments her mother has and she has "flown" to get her sister to take care of Mom at "her" house in Texas; and Sha was deposited in a Catholic school—and now she is going to go to CA. She had an estate sale, moved her Mom into a smaller house and put her house up for sale. And off to LA, CA she goes. Then, she hated it there.

https://youtu.be/q98xXFR2Q28

by Nan11 Wed Feb 19, 2014 1:09 pm

The jury has left for a one hour lunch break. They will return at 2:00 pm.

At this time, they do not think they will require a copy of Sha's testimony.

by Nan11 Wed Feb 19, 2014 2:14 pm

The jury members are back from lunch, and their deliberations continue.

by Ann - Tx Wed Feb 19, 2014 2:27 pm

Nan, thanks for the updates. I'm in and out today. I check this thread for updates when I get home or before I have to leave again.

I hope I am home if the jury has a verdict later today. Even though the reading will be archived, I'd like to see Amanda's reaction as it happens . . . hope she is found guilty.

by Nan11 Wed Feb 19, 2014 2:46 pm

Ann - Tx wrote:
Nan, thanks for the updates. I'm in and out today. I check this thread for updates when I get home or before I have to leave again.

I hope I am home if the jury has a verdict later today. Even though the reading will be archived, I'd like to see Amanda's reaction as it happens . . . hope she is found guilty.

You are welcome, Ann.

So far today, Amanda and her attys are looking pretty smug.

Gosh, I hope we have a verdict that just wipes that smug look right off her face forever.

by Nan11 Wed Feb 19, 2014 2:55 pm

The jury is going to take a 15 minute break.

by Nan11 Wed Feb 19, 2014 3:11 pm

They are back from their break, and will continue their deliberations.

by ishi Wed Feb 19, 2014 3:46 pm

There is a verdict!

by Nan11 Wed Feb 19, 2014 3:47 pm

V E R D I C T

They have a verdict!!!!!

Anyone going to chat?

by Nan11 Wed Feb 19, 2014 3:48 pm

Oh, oh, they want a private escort out.

Oh, dear.

by Ann - Tx Wed Feb 19, 2014 3:53 pm

Guilty of Murder in the 2nd degree!

by Ann - Tx Wed Feb 19, 2014 4:00 pm

Rest in peace, Laura Jean Ackerson! Amanda Hayes does NOT walk free today.

by Ann - Tx Wed Feb 19, 2014 4:09 pm

Right on Judge Stephens..... he said Amanda Hayes could have saved the life of Laura Ackerson.

by Ann - Tx Wed Feb 19, 2014 4:58 pm

Amanda Hayes found guilty of 2nd-degree murder in death of Laura Ackerson

Posted: Feb 19, 2014 5:00 AM CST
Updated: Feb 19, 2014 3:22 PM CST

by WNCN Staff
WNCN - Raleigh, NC

RALEIGH, N.C. -
Amanda Hayes has been found guilty of second-degree murder in the 2011 death of a Kinston mother.

Amanda Hayes, 41, will spend the next 13 to 16 years in prison for the July 2011 murder of Laura Ackerson. Ackerson was the ex-girlfriend of Amanda Hayes' husband, Grant Hayes, who was found guilty of first-degree murder last year for his role in Ackerson's death.

Read more:

http://www.wncn.com/story/24761202/jury-to-continue-deliberations-in-amanda-hayes-murder-trial

by Ann - Tx Wed Feb 19, 2014 5:05 pm

Hayes convicted of second-degree murder in Laura Ackerson's slaying

Posted 3:19 p.m. today - 2/19/14
Updated 6 minutes ago

WRAL - Raleigh, NC

Laura Jean Ackerson -- Deceased 7/13/11 -- Grant and Amanda Hayes Charged With Murder - Page 13 13331972-1392846626-640x360

Laura Jean Ackerson -- Deceased 7/13/11 -- Grant and Amanda Hayes Charged With Murder - Page 13 13331972-1392846626-640x360

Amanda Hayes

Laura Jean Ackerson -- Deceased 7/13/11 -- Grant and Amanda Hayes Charged With Murder - Page 13 192254-Laura_Jean_Ackerson-300x225

Laura Jean Ackerson

Raleigh, N.C. — A Wake County jury found Amanda Hayes guilty of second-degree murder Wednesday in the death of her husband's ex-girlfriend, Laura Ackerson, whose dismembered remains were found in a Texas creek nearly three years ago.

Read more:

http://www.wral.com/amanda-hayes-found-guilty-of-second-degree-murder-in-laura-ackerson-s-july-2011-death/13409772/

by Ann - Tx Wed Feb 19, 2014 5:18 pm

Video: Amanda Hayes verdict and sentencing

http://www.wral.com/news/video/13331969/
WRAL - Raleigh, NC -- 2/19/14

Amanda Hayes is found guilty Feb. 19, 2014, of second-degree murder and sentenced to 13 to 16 years in prison after a four-week first-degree murder trial for the July 13, 2011, death of Laura Ackerson.
Today - 4:04 p.m.

by Freckles Wed Feb 19, 2014 6:04 pm

Wow! The jury brought it in!
This means, for the next 13-16 yrs Amanda will NOT be raising her own baby daughter. I sincerely hope Grant and Gentel are placed together for adoption with a loving family. And the same with the little girl. These three babies need some sanity, some stability, and putting them with the murderers family just isn't right IMO.

by Freckles Wed Feb 19, 2014 6:33 pm

Just listened to the vid a poster shared...
Minimum term for her to serve is 157 months....

I was wondering if she was going to be eligible for early parole and this judge pleases me with his sentencing. He even said in court he felt Laura could be alive today had it not been for the actions of Amanda....

http://www.wral.com/news/video/13331969/

by Alessandra_Deux Wed Feb 19, 2014 9:00 pm

Reaction to guilty verdict in Amanda Hayes trial

The News & Observer

Published February 19, 2014

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67u6eer6XiQ#action=share

by Alessandra_Deux Wed Feb 19, 2014 9:06 pm

Amanda Hayes found guilty of 2nd-degree murder in death of Laura Ackerson

Posted: Feb 19, 2014 5:00 AM CST Updated: Feb 19, 2014 3:22 PM CST

by WNCN Staff

Article/Video:

http://www.wbtv.com/story/24761202/jury-to-continue-deliberations-in-amanda-hayes-murder-trial

by One Wonders Wed Feb 19, 2014 9:27 pm

Alessandra_Deux wrote:

Reaction to guilty verdict in Amanda Hayes trial

The News & Observer

Published February 19, 2014

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67u6eer6XiQ#action=share

Oh My Gosh, Laura's poor Dad. I'm so glad he's not done seeking justice for his Daughter. I plan to stand behind him 100 % when he's ready to go to round 3 and beyond. I hope he fights for custody of the boys. I don't know what will become of that innocent little baby Lily, if Sha believes her mother had every thing to do with Laura's death then maybe she will try to get custody of her. At this point I have to believe Sha is a good person just to ease my mind for baby Lily. GH's mother has no business raising anymore children. She did nothing but clean up after G all his life and enable him to be exactly what he is, a cold blooded killer who doesn't deserve to have me wipe my feet on him and the same goes for his cold blooded killer of a wife.

Sorry...I'm just so unnerved about the verdict. I know I should be thankful that she didn't walk but 13 to 16 years and time knocked off for good behavior to reduce that to about 7 years is just not enough for a cold blooded murder of 2 innocent little boys Mother who were nothing but pawns in a game of *We are going to lose in court so lets kill the boy's Mother in COLD BLOOD*.

I'm waiting for the jury to go on-line and look at AH's testimony again and watch how she really is and really listen to her words because they are so revealing. They will be so sorry they didn't vote for 1st degree if they do.

by Ann - Tx Wed Feb 19, 2014 9:50 pm

Interesting and informative video within Linked article:

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=9435959
WTVD - Raleigh, NC -- 2/19/14

Amanda Hayes found guilty of second-degree murder in death of Laura Ackerson

Updated at 06:25 PM today - 2/19/14

Snipped:

Speaking for herself, Amanda apologized to the courtroom.

"I would just like to apologize with my whole heart, being and soul, first to Laura. I apologize to her, to her family, to her children, to my family, to Grant's family, to everyone who had to work this case, to everyone who had to sit through this trial, to everyone who is in the media who has had to watch and at least touched their lives," said Hayes. "I am so, so sorry that this touched my life in any shape, form or fashion or anyone I love to care about or anyone and I am truly, truly sorry with every ounce of my soul."

~~~~~~~

What a pathetic apology. All about Amanda. She did not take responsibility for her actions and show remorse for the brutal and horrific murder of Laura Jean Ackerson.

In the video, the reporter said Amanda will be in her 50's when released from prison. I wonder if Amanda could get paroled a lot sooner . . . . good behavior, etc.

At the end of the video, the reporter stated Laura's dad might seek custody of the two boys (his two grandchildren).

by Freckles Thu Feb 20, 2014 12:27 am

Freckles wrote:Just listened to the vid a poster shared...
Minimum term for her to serve is 157 months....

I was wondering if she was going to be eligible for early parole and this judge pleases me with his sentencing. He even said in court he felt Laura could be alive today had it not been for the actions of Amanda....

http://www.wral.com/news/video/13331969/

At the end of the vid, the judge is talking about the sentencing.
IIRC, he stated she is to serve between 157 and 192 ? months BEFORE parole to be considered.
Do correct me if I am in error.

by Nan11 Thu Feb 20, 2014 7:33 pm

ABC | Jury foreman, victim's brother weigh in on Amanda Hayes verdict

Ed Crump | Updated at 06:55 PM today

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- One day after a jury found Amanda Hayes guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Laura Ackerson, ABC11 got exclusive insight and reaction to the verdict.
...
"I thought she was guilty of first degree murder," said jury foreman Tim Mock.

Read more: http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=9439669

by Ann - Tx Thu Feb 20, 2014 7:59 pm

Nan11 wrote:
ABC | Jury foreman, victim's brother weigh in on Amanda Hayes verdict

Ed Crump | Updated at 06:55 PM today

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- One day after a jury found Amanda Hayes guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Laura Ackerson, ABC11 got exclusive insight and reaction to the verdict.
...
"I thought she was guilty of first degree murder," said jury foreman Tim Mock.

Read more: http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=9439669

Nan, thanks for the update but the Link you provided does not work. I have no idea why. It looks like the one I will provide. Strange. Hope this one works:

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=9439669
WTVD - Raleigh, NC -- 2/20/14

Jury foreman, victim's brother weigh in on Amanda Hayes verdict

by Ann - Tx Thu Feb 20, 2014 8:06 pm

Prosecutor says Houston police crucial part of N.C. dismemberment conviction

By Carol Christian | February 20, 2014 | Updated: February 20, 2014 5:03pm

The Houston Chronicle - Houston, TX

Without the help of Texas investigators, North Carolina prosecutors say they might never have cracked the case of a woman whose dismembered body was dumped in Oyster Creek near Richmond.

Amanda Hayes, 41, was found guilty of second-degree murder Feb. 19 in the death of Laura Jean Ackerson in July 2011 and was sentenced to 13 to 16 years in prison. The four-week trial began Jan. 21 in Wake County Superior Court in Raleigh, N.C.

Boz Zellinger, a prosecutor in the case, said he was impressed by the work of Fort Bend County officials, the Richmond Fire Department and the Houston Police Department dive team.

Read more:

http://www.chron.com/neighborhood/fortbend/crime-courts/article/Prosecutor-says-Houston-police-crucial-part-of-5252938.php

by Ann - Tx Thu Feb 20, 2014 8:13 pm

This is an older article dated 2/7/14 by The Houston Chronicle - Houston, TX:

Fort Bend photos, experts take center stage in N.C. dismemberment trial

By Carol Christian | February 7, 2014 | Updated: February 7, 2014 5:07pm

Houston Chronicle - Houston, TX

Photos that are now evidence in a North Carolina murder trial came from a Fort Bend County surveillance camera intended to stop illegal dumping.

Read more and view photos:

http://www.chron.com/neighborhood/fortbend/crime-courts/article/Fort-Bend-photos-experts-take-center-stage-in-5214237.php#photo-5842931

by Nan11 Thu Feb 20, 2014 8:49 pm

Ann - Tx wrote:Nan, thanks for the update but the Link you provided does not work. I have no idea why. It looks like the one I will provide. Strange. Hope this one works:

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=9439669
WTVD - Raleigh, NC -- 2/20/14

Jury foreman, victim's brother weigh in on Amanda Hayes verdict

Thanks, Ann. I went under edit to correct it.

Sorry about that.

by Alessandra_Deux Wed Mar 19, 2014 8:02 pm

Wake detention officers lose jobs after inappropriate inmate relationships

Posted 6:01 p.m. today
Updated 33 minutes ago

Six detention officers have lost their jobs with Wake County's jail this month as the result of an investigation into inappropriate relationships with inmates – including Amanda Hayes, a Raleigh woman convicted last month for her role in a grisly high-profile murder case in 2011.

Sheriff Donnie Harrison, who runs the Wake County Detention Center, said Wednesday that Lt. Linda Hicks resigned March 3 after an internal investigation concluded she violated his office's fraternization policy, which prohibits jail employees from having any kind of relationship with inmates outside the scope of their professional jobs.

~Snipped~

Harrison would not talk about the nature of Hicks' relationship with Hayes, only saying that the sheriff's office began looking at it after receiving a report that a detention officer was showing her favoritism.

Several sources, however, say telephone recordings exist of conversations of a romantic and sexual nature between the two women.

Read more:

http://www.wral.com/wake-detention-officers-lose-jobs-after-inappropriate-inmate-relationships/13494204/

by Freckles Thu Mar 20, 2014 11:55 am

This is disgusting.
Seems some people have no standards and will sink to the worst levels.

Similar to the posting by AD above.

http://www.wcti12.com/news/amanda-hayes-at-center-of-jail-scandal/25067776

" ...He says the investigation that officer's relationship with Amanda Hayes led to the firings a few days later of five other detention officers for similar behavior with other inmates. ..."

by One Wonders Thu Apr 17, 2014 9:42 pm

Whoaaaa!!! Look what I found today:

Texas grand jury indicts Amanda Hayes on body-dumping charge
http://www.wral.com/texas-grand-jury-indicts-amanda-hayes-on-body-dumping-charge/13573065/

Looks like Miss See No Evil, Hear No Evil and Speak No Evil is in more trouble with Texas this time...All I have to say is WHOOPPPIIII!

I wonder if she'll ever be charge with dumping the boxes of toxic stuff she dumped? Hummmmm?

by Freckles Sun Apr 20, 2014 8:37 am

One Wonders wrote:Whoaaaa!!! Look what I found today:

Texas grand jury indicts Amanda Hayes on body-dumping charge
http://www.wral.com/texas-grand-jury-indicts-amanda-hayes-on-body-dumping-charge/13573065/

Looks like Miss See No Evil, Hear No Evil and Speak No Evil is in more trouble with Texas this time...All I have to say is WHOOPPPIIII!

I wonder if she'll ever be charge with dumping the boxes of toxic stuff she dumped? Hummmmm?

You got here first!
Isn't this just the cat's meow? Very Happy

by One Wonders Sun Apr 20, 2014 3:50 pm

Freckles wrote:
One Wonders wrote:Whoaaaa!!! Look what I found today:

Texas grand jury indicts Amanda Hayes on body-dumping charge
http://www.wral.com/texas-grand-jury-indicts-amanda-hayes-on-body-dumping-charge/13573065/

Looks like Miss See No Evil, Hear No Evil and Speak No Evil is in more trouble with Texas this time...All I have to say is WHOOPPPIIII!

I wonder if she'll ever be charge with dumping the boxes of toxic stuff she dumped? Hummmmm?
You got here first!
Isn't this just the cat's meow?

Indeed it is Freckles!

by CuriousPortlander Tue Oct 21, 2014 12:26 am

Amanda, Grant Hayes divorce
Posted October 13

Raleigh, N.C. — Grant Ruffin Hayes and his wife, Amanda Perry Hayes, convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend, Laura Jean Ackerson in 2011, were granted a divorce Monday in a Wake County courtroom.

Amanda Hayes married Grant Hayes in April 2010. She filed for divorce in August.

Read more: http://www.wral.com/amanda-grant-hayes-divorce/14074480/

by CuriousPortlander Wed Apr 29, 2015 2:50 am

Court denies Grant Hayes' bid for new trial
Posted March 3 (2015)

Raleigh, N.C. — Grant Hayes, who is serving life in prison for the grisly 2011 death of his ex-girlfriend, Laura Jean Ackerson, has been denied a request for an appeal.

Hayes claimed that jurors in his 2013 trial should not have heard testimony about a psychological report that offered a possible motive for the crime.

Read more: http://www.wral.com/court-denies-grant-hayes-bid-for-new-trial/14486871/

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Appeals court upholds Grant Hayes murder conviction
By Anne Blythe 03/04/2015 7:03 AM Updated 03/04/2015 4:50 PM

RALEIGH

The N.C. Court of Appeals on Tuesday rejected an appeal for a new trial by Grant Hayes, the former musician accused of killing the mother of his two sons.

Hayes contended a jury’s verdict in 2013, finding him guilty of murdering Laura Jean Ackerson in 2011, was based on numerous errors at trial.

He complained that violent song lyrics found in his apartment were inflammatory and prejudiced a jury against him. He also contended a psychologist’s report describing his state of mind, illegal drug use and potential mental illness also should not have been allowed into testimony.

A three-judge appeals court panel disagreed.

“We hold that defendant received a fair trial, free from prejudicial error,” Judge Rick Elmore said in the ruling. Judges Mark Davis and John M. Tyson concurred.

Read more: http://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/crime/article12427796.html

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