“Can I Prey First?”: 20/20 Reports on Laura Ackerson Homicide October 11 2024

On Friday, October 11, 2024, 20/20 airs a chilling new episode titled “Can I Prey First?” that delves into the heartbreaking and gruesome story of Laura Ackerson, a 27-year-old mother from Kinston, North Carolina. The episode focuses on the mysterious disappearance of Laura, the frantic search by her loved ones, and the tragic discovery that shocked two states. JuJu Chang, co-anchor of Nightline, leads the report, uncovering the intricate details of an investigation that spanned from North Carolina to the muddy waters of a Texas creek.

The case captured national attention due to its horrifying nature and the disturbing evidence that emerged. As authorities pieced together the final moments of Laura’s life, they faced a tangled web of accusations, custody battles, and a trail of evidence leading to Grant Hayes and his wife, Amanda. The story of betrayal, violence, and legal battles provides a deep look into the struggles of a young mother who met a tragic fate.

The Disappearance and Initial Investigation

Laura Ackerson disappeared on July 13, 2011, after telling a colleague she planned to meet her ex-partner, Grant Hayes, to pick up their children. When Laura did not return or make contact, her absence was immediately suspicious to her friends and family, who knew her to be a devoted mother. As days passed without word from Laura, the worry deepened, and she was reported missing on July 18, 2011.

The initial search efforts concentrated on North Carolina, where Laura had last been seen. Law enforcement quickly discovered her car abandoned near an apartment complex in Raleigh, raising more questions about her whereabouts. As investigators delved into Laura’s life, they found a contentious custody dispute between her and Grant Hayes. The battle over their two young sons became a key element in the investigation, leading authorities to turn their attention to Grant and his new wife, Amanda Hayes.

Gruesome Discovery in Texas

The investigation took a grim turn when authorities in Texas found Laura’s dismembered remains on July 24, 2011, in Oyster Creek, about 60 miles from Houston. The remains were located after a tip led investigators to search the area, where they found body parts submerged in the water. An autopsy later revealed that Laura’s death was consistent with blunt force trauma or suffocation, though the exact cause was labeled as “undetermined homicidal violence.”

Police traced Grant and Amanda Hayes’ movements in the days following Laura’s disappearance. Surveillance footage and receipts showed the couple purchasing items such as a power saw and acid, which prosecutors later argued were used in an attempt to dismember and dissolve Laura’s body. The revelation of these purchases painted a chilling picture of premeditation and an effort to conceal the crime. The discovery of Laura’s remains in such a brutal manner shocked her community and intensified the focus on the Hayes couple as prime suspects.

The Arrests and Legal Battles

Grant Hayes and Amanda Hayes were arrested on July 25, 2011, after evidence strongly pointed to their involvement in Laura’s death. Both faced charges of first-degree murder. The prosecution argued that the couple’s actions were driven by a desire to eliminate Laura as a contender for custody over her two sons with Grant. The story became even more tangled as each suspect blamed the other, with Grant claiming that Amanda played a larger role, while Amanda’s defense portrayed Grant as a manipulative and controlling figure.

During Grant Hayes’ trial, which began in August 2013, prosecutors presented evidence of his purchases and testimonies from a fellow inmate who claimed that Grant had confessed to the murder. The court also reviewed surveillance footage that showed Grant and Amanda disposing of items that matched evidence found near Laura’s remains. On September 16, 2013, Grant Hayes was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole, ensuring he would remain incarcerated at the Caledonia Correctional Institution in North Carolina.

Amanda Hayes faced a separate trial in 2014, where her defense team attempted to shift blame onto Grant, describing him as a sociopath who coerced her into participating in the disposal of Laura’s body. Despite these claims, Amanda was found guilty of second-degree murder and sentenced to 13 to 16 years in prison. Later, she was retried on additional charges of tampering with evidence, leading to an extra 20-year sentence. She now serves her time at a Texas prison after being transferred from North Carolina.

The Aftermath and Legacy of a Tragic Case

The Laura Ackerson murder case left a lasting impact on both her family and the community. Laura’s two young sons, caught in the midst of a bitter custody battle, became orphans in a sense, with their father imprisoned for life and their mother lost to a senseless act of violence. The case also highlighted the tragic consequences of unresolved conflict and the destructive outcomes of domestic disputes taken to a fatal extreme.

Amanda Hayes’ release from North Carolina’s prison in 2024 and her subsequent transfer to a Texas facility reignited public interest in the case. The story of Laura Ackerson’s life and tragic end continues to resonate, serving as a sobering reminder of how personal conflicts can spiral into unimaginable violence. The airing of this 20/20 episode aims to shed light on the complexities and heartache surrounding the case, giving voice to those who have sought justice for Laura and a resolution for her children.

A Case That Haunts: The Importance of Justice and Memory

As 20/20 revisits the harrowing details of Laura Ackerson’s murder, viewers will hear firsthand accounts from those closest to the case, including law enforcement officers, friends, and family members. The episode aims to provide a comprehensive narrative, not only detailing the events leading up to Laura’s death but also exploring the emotional toll on those left behind.

The story of Laura Ackerson is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of violence within relationships and the far-reaching effects it can have on families and communities. Through this episode, 20/20 seeks to honor Laura’s memory while exposing the complex web of lies, betrayal, and violence that led to her untimely death. The broadcast will be available for streaming on Hulu, offering a deeper look into a case that continues to haunt those who followed it from the beginning.