Raleigh woman accused of killing husband's ex to go to trial next year

Amanda Perry Hayes, 41, along with her husband, Grant Ruffin Hayes, 33, were initially set to go to trial together on Monday, but Judge Donald Stephens ordered separate trials last month after concerns that opposing defenses could keep them from having a fair trial.

The Hayeses are each charged with first-degree murder in the July 2011 death of 27-year-old Laura Jean Ackerson, who disappeared in mid-July 2011 after she was last known to be in Raleigh with her children.

Her remains were found July 24, 2011, in a creek in Richmond, Texas – about 60 miles south of Houston – where Amanda Hayes' sister lives.

Grant Hayes' trial date was rescheduled last month for the week of Aug. 26.

Prosecutors have not publicly spoken of a motive, but Ackerson's family members have said the two were in a custody battle over the children.