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Published: 2011-09-29 17:31:00
Updated: 2011-09-29 18:42:05

Posted: September 29, 2011

Raleigh man accused of murder fires attorney

Grant Hayes

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Grant Hayes
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Raleigh, N.C. — A Raleigh man accused of killing and dismembering his ex-girlfriend has fired his attorney.

During a hearing Thursday in Wake County Superior Court, Jim Freeman filed a handwritten motion and letter from Grant Ruffin Hayes asking a judge to relieve Freeman as counsel.

Freeman cited "good cause" for the dismissal but said he could not elaborate why.

Hayes, who will be appointed a new public defender, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Laura Jean Ackerson.

Ackerson, 27, was last seen July 13 in Raleigh, where she was dropping off the two children she shares with Hayes.

She was reported missing five days later, and her remains were found July 24 in a creek in Richmond, Texas, about 60 miles south of Houston.

Hayes' wife, Amanda Perry Hayes, 39, is also charged with first-degree murder.

Raleigh police haven't commented on a motive, but Ackerson's relatives say she and Hayes were involved in a child custody battle.

Copyright 2011 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

11 Comments


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Latest Comments
"Then break out your checkbook! I'm all taxed out! weedy6969007"

You know what Will Rogers said, "If we didn't have the income, we wouldn't have the tax." fayncmike

Your point is?
WRALSPORTSFANSUXS
September 30, 2011 1:51 p.m.
If you are paying for an attorney then you can choose, but if the State has to give you one, why do you get to "fire" the one you get? All the attorneys have to pass the same Bar Exam & I understand not everyone does the same job, so to speak, but if you expect to be given an attorney, you shouldn't be able to fire them unless you decide to represent yourself.
what_in_the____
September 30, 2011 10:18 a.m.
"Then break out your checkbook! I'm all taxed out! weedy6969007"

You know what Will Rogers said, "If we didn't have the income, we wouldn't have the tax."
Click to view my profile fayncmike
September 30, 2011 9:54 a.m.
How much consideration did Grant and Amanda give Laura? I say give them the same.
Click to view my profile shortcake53
September 30, 2011 9:51 a.m.
I don,t think public defenders are paid very well so a lot of them aren't up to par. They need to pay them more. fayncmike

Then break out your checkbook! I'm all taxed out!
WRALSPORTSFANSUXS
September 30, 2011 9:42 a.m.
View Comments VIEW ALL 11 COMMENTS

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