NC - Laura Ackerson, 27, Kinston, 13 July 2011 #9

[MissSallyAnnie]

It looks like d(7) might have been the only thing they could have offered on the list. As bad as it was, I don't think there was much more the state could do. Plus, since they couldn't prove just how Laura was killed, they couldn't show it was especially cruel or heinous. The aftermath was, but they only found Amanda guilty of the murder and not necessarily of the dismemberment.

Also, can someone tell me when the judge said anything about the state not offering Aggravating. I watched the sentencing and didn't hear that. He said there no priors, so it was a level one punishment, but I didn't hear anything else about him not having anything.

It's about 13:00 minutes into this video, after the jury was excused, I believe, and it's a bit hard to hear. I had to listen a couple of times to catch it.
http://www.wral.com/news/video/13331969/

 

[aa9511]

I have heard that WRAL was reporting estimates of time defendant would likely serve and it was less than what I had thought. He was saying closer to serving 9 years. With credit for time served, that's only about 7 years. That is unreal. I'm trying to confirm they are right on this. It was supposedly on their 5:00 p.m. show. I couldn't locate it on their website.

I got 10 years when I estimated. So yes, 9 is about right, but that would be total. I think 7 is too low.

 

[aa9511]

It should be "aggravating" factors, Anon -- your ears are okay -- your doubt was well-taken!!

There are three levels of length of sentence in the zero felony points category. (Someone with one or more prior felony convictions would receive longer sentences in all categories. There are 5 or 6 or 7 felony point brackets.)

Mitigating - factors here can lessen the Presumptive sentence
Presumptive - starting point for sentencing
Aggravating - factors here can increase the Presumptive sentence

See, in NC General Statutes, 15A-1340.16 - I would put it all here, but it is quite long. Here is the first small part of it:

§ 15A-1340.16. Aggravated and mitigated sentences.
(a) Generally, Burden of Proof. - The court shall consider evidence of aggravating or mitigating factors present in the offense that make an aggravated or mitigated sentence appropriate, but the decision to depart from the presumptive range is in the discretion of the court. The State bears the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that an aggravating factor exists, and the offender bears the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that a mitigating factor exists.


from: http://www.ncleg.net/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_15A/GS_15A-1340.16.html

I am still......very perturbed.....that the prosecution DID NOT submit the aggravating factors. Sheesh! Were they expecting a not guilty??

 

[aa9511]

I still can't believe she's gonna be out in about 10 years. Crazy. But well, at least it wasn't not guilty. We would really be fuming then.

I understand that it might have been a "compromise" verdict. And that they think she played a lesser role than Grant, thus the M2.

But technically, I don't think it adds up. Because Grant lured her to the apartment, and someone forged a note ahead of time. That indicates pre-planning. Also, Grant was convicted on M1, meaning his jury though it was a pre-meditated murder - whether they thought it was pre-meditated much or just a few minutes or even seconds in advance, I don't know. But they said M1.

Soooo....we have evidence that at least Grant pre-planned the murder. He lured her to the apartment, and he was going to kill her.

So are we to suppose that he never told Amanda about this plan? Keeping in mind that he would not want the kids to see, he would have had to make sure the kids were in the other room watching a movie or something.

So Laura comes in, he kills her. Do they think then he told Amanda? Wait, before she was dead, wouldn't Amanda have heard something going on in the room between Laura and Grant? It was a tiny apartment, after all. If she DID NOT know about the plan, wouldn't she have gone berserk and immediately called 911? I guess that it was the Judge was saying, also. If Grant at that point threatened Amanda and made her do everything afterwards, wouldn't she have testified to that? She testified that she didn't find out about Laura until all the way in Texas. So if she didn't even suggest that he threatened her (Amanda) right then after he killed her, means he didn't threaten her. So she could have then called 911 at that point. Instead, just like Judge said, she then participated in the killing.

I get what the Judge is saying now. I thought the way he said it, it kind of diminished her role in everything. But I think he was trying to say from M2 point of view, which is what the jury convicted her on. So he had to go based on their ruling. So their ruling was that she didn't know about the plan beforehand. But Judge is saying (to defense), well no, I'm not going to give her mitigation b/c because she didn't know about the plan beforehand, she could have helped her after it (the initial killing) happened. I get it now. It doens't mean he doens't think she didn't know about the plan, it's that he has to go based on what the jury said, M2.

Anyway, back to the jury. Soooo, Amanda did NOT help Laura or call 911 after she saw what happened (in the apartment), that is a pretty obvious sign that it was PRE-PLANNED.

I do not agree with M2 sentence. It should have been M1.

But anyway, I guess her baby-voice, "looks," and good defense team helped her out there. Plus probably that she's a woman helped her a little. Also throwing her husband under the bus even though she is just as guilty.

 

[MissSallyAnnie]

Definately souding like a heavy breather phone call. I'm kinda digging it.

:floorlaugh:

 

[Ann-Tx]

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 and bolded by AnnTX:

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).

 

[aa9511]

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 and bolded by AnnTX:

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).

bbm

Oh, I hope so. I think it's wrong that they get to be with Grant's parents b/c we see what kind of a pedestal they still hold Grant up on. They have probably convinced themselves that Amanda manipulated him, just like Amanda is saying Grant manipulated her and if it wasn't for Grant, she would have never been in this position, blah, blah, blah. Grant's parent's are probably thinking the same thing - if it weren't for Amanda, Grant would have never been in this position, blah, blah.
So the kids' are going to get a childhood of brainwashing them into thinking their father is innocent and it was all just an unfortunate mistake carried out by Evil Witch Amanda. (I don't know what they would tell Lily- probably, we're sorry you have such an evil mother).
Also, it would absolutely devastate Grant to know that his kids are taken out of the hands of his parents. By being with his parents, he still has control. Obviiously, they're his parents, they are going to love him no matter what. And those are his kids. It's just all so wrong.

 

[borndem]

Ya know, I've been thinkin'...

If AH really thought she might get a NG for all & walk out of the courtroom today, where would she go and who would get here there? Did she have a pal in the courtroom ready to do that? Who? She'll certainly get some "admirers" after she is in prison -- she might even have some now. Dunno. But does she have any friends? Sha is across the country & prolly glad of it; Karen is, too. She's still attractive -- if you can get by her over-arched wicked-looking eyebrows & those devil eyes -- but she's broke, right? Not many guyz would go for that for more that a few days...

 

[gajonka]

Nice to see North Carolina secure another impressive result.

They do it RIGHT down there. Wise. The closing structure where the DEF gets first bite, followed by the state is genius.
Even better is how Judge Stephens gets the final word, as he both receives, reviews and issues the verdict; personally. Then the standard close.

It really is something special.

I'm trying to find out where his sentence of thirteen years fell - was it closer to the MINI or mAXI sentence>>?

Please help if ya can. Thanks for sharing.

Your admirer,
The Gajonka

 

[MissSallyAnnie]

bbm

Oh, I hope so. I think it's wrong that they get to be with Grant's parents b/c we see what kind of a pedestal they still hold Grant up on. They have probably convinced themselves that Amanda manipulated him, just like Amanda is saying Grant manipulated her and if it wasn't for Grant, she would have never been in this position, blah, blah, blah. Grant's parent's are probably thinking the same thing - if it weren't for Amanda, Grant would have never been in this position, blah, blah.
So the kids' are going to get a childhood of brainwashing them into thinking their father is innocent and it was all just an unfortunate mistake carried out by Evil Witch Amanda. (I don't know what they would tell Lily- probably, we're sorry you have such an evil mother).
Also, it would absolutely devastate Grant to know that his kids are taken out of the hands of his parents. By being with his parents, he still has control. Obviiously, they're his parents, they are going to love him no matter what. And those are his kids. It's just all so wrong.

This entire mess is a travesty, for all of those involved. I hope/wish that Patsy Hayes would quit communicating with Amanda, and stop sending her pictures of the kids. Let her see what it feels like to be isolated from them. Hopefully, after this trial she will do just that.

In time, as Lily grows older, they can gradually tell her what happened, hopefully before Amanda is released. If they do it with the help of professionals who know how to handle these matters, Lily can then make a decision if she wants to see Amanda or not. Well, that's how I would handle it if this nightmare landed in my lap.

Grant, unfortunately, is their son and they obviously still adore him. :crazy: I wonder if they would actually take those small children to prison to visit him. Just typing that gave me such a horrible image. I'm imagining pictures of Grant and those kids in prison pictures, with palm trees in the background, can you imagine? As if they haven't suffered enough. That is not the image you want to give two young boys, he's not a role model. He should be a warning to them.

And so true about Grant still being in control with his parents raising his children. :tantrum:

:twocents:

 

[MissSallyAnnie]

Ya know, I've been thinkin'...

If AH really thought she might get a NG for all & walk out of the courtroom today, where would she go and who would get here there? Did she have a pal in the courtroom ready to do that? Who? She'll certainly get some "admirers" after she is in prison -- she might even have some now. Dunno. But does she have any friends? Sha is across the country & prolly glad of it; Karen is, too. She's still attractive -- if you can get by her over-arched wicked-looking eyebrows & those devil eyes -- but she's broke, right? Not many guyz would go for that for more that a few days...

BBM

:floorlaugh:

I would imagine if she walked, she planned to do a media tour, maybe sell some pictures and her life story! Or, maybe she would leave the courthouse, with her face covered in shame, escorted away by RG & JG - she can live with them while she ponders her future!

I sincerely hope the media dies down, and she is completely forgotten by the time she gets out. I really hope Dateline and all those programs do not do a story on her, to give her the spotlight the way they did with Arias. I hate cases with a media frenzy, facts just get so twisted.

I hope she is in a prison that won't let her dye her hair or wear makeup! I hope she goes completely grey in prison and will not have access to tweezers. I hope her eyebrows fall out, and she will have to pencil them in with a little prison pencil.

But that's just me. :twocents:

 

[MissSallyAnnie]

Nice to see North Carolina secure another impressive result.

They do it RIGHT down there. Wise. The closing structure where the DEF gets first bite, followed by the state is genius.
Even better is how Judge Stephens gets the final word, as he both receives, reviews and issues the verdict; personally. Then the standard close.

It really is something special.

I'm trying to find out where his sentence of thirteen years fell - was it closer to the MINI or mAXI sentence>>?

Please help if ya can. Thanks for sharing.

Your admirer,
The Gajonka

I agree about the NC courts, they are the best trials to watch. I believe the judge gave her the maximum sentence under the law. The minimum was 157 months, the maximum I think 198 months. She gets credit for time served, so that may be where some are calculating 13 years.

I hope she serves the maximum, as she is a lucky lady not to be in prison for life.

 

[gajonka]

This entire mess is a travesty, for all of those involved. I hope/wish that Patsy Hayes would quit communicating with Amanda, and stop sending her pictures of the kids. Let her see what it feels like to be isolated from them. Hopefully, after this trial she will do just that.

In time, as Lily grows older, they can gradually tell her what happened, hopefully before Amanda is released. If they do it with the help of professionals who know how to handle these matters, Lily can then make a decision if she wants to see Amanda or not. Well, that's how I would handle it if this nightmare landed in my lap.

Grant, unfortunately, is their son and they obviously still adore him. :crazy: I wonder if they would actually take those small children to prison to visit him. Just typing that gave me such a horrible image. I'm imagining pictures of Grant and those kids in prison pictures, with palm trees in the background, can you imagine? As if they haven't suffered enough. That is not the image you want to give two young boys, he's not a role model. He should be a warning to them.

And so true about Grant still being in control with his parents raising his children. :tantrum:

:twocents:

So true--
Oh, man, you should NOT listen to the phone interview with Grant on you tube that was conducted last month. The guy is a lunatic. It was painful to watch, to have to listen to him speak. He is completely out of his f*&#)_g mind.
"Well, when I reached for Laura and noticed she was dead, my son Grant, 3 at the time, stood only a few feet away. So That's why I did not call 911. Ya see, I'ma husband, ya see, Ima father.... I got to MONEKEY JOE's... ALOT... so I did not want my son dragged into a murder investigation.. she be white woman,,, and me a black man."

Okay Grant. The Kid is 3! Wake up!

"Ya see, what most people don't knows about me is that Im a faddah, and a husband," He issues that statement about 30 times.

It's bad- I am still writing my letter asking he be permitted to be electrocuted.

 

[borndem]

He maxxed her, gajonka!

Check this chart in the B2 row...

http://www.nccourts.org/Courts/CRS/Councils/spac/Documents/felonychart_12_01_09min_max_sentences.pdf

 

[MissSallyAnnie]

So true--
Oh, man, you should NOT listen to the phone interview with Grant on you tube that was conducted last month. The guy is a lunatic. It was painful to watch, to have to listen to him speak. He is completely out of his f*&#)_g mind.
"Well, when I reached for Laura and noticed she was dead, my son Grant, 3 at the time, stood only a few feet away. So That's why I did not call 911. Ya see, I'ma husband, ya see, Ima father.... I got to MONEKEY JOE's... ALOT... so I did not want my son dragged into a murder investigation.. she be white woman,,, and me a black man."

Okay Grant. The Kid is 3! Wake up!

"Ya see, what most people don't knows about me is that Im a faddah, and a husband," He issues that statement about 30 times.

It's bad- I am still writing my letter asking he be permitted to be electrocuted.

:floorlaugh: I believe I've seen the interview, he actually did two. He's a piece of work, that's for sure. In one he said "Laura got herself killed". He still hates her, has no remorse, thinks that his attorneys "didn't have his best interests at heart", and will get a new trial. Good luck with that!

 

[gajonka]

:floorlaugh: I believe I've seen the interview, he actually did two. He's a piece of work, that's for sure. In one he said "Laura got herself killed". He still hates her, has no remorse, thinks that his attorneys "didn't have his best interests at heart", and will get a new trial. Good luck with that!

TY mISSsALLIEaNNIE! (SMILE)

I TOO, similar to the jury, have//had a little crush on Shea (Sha correctly). She was a doll. I actually sent her a facebook request to be friends although I doubt she ok'd it - my profile pic on FB is the same as on WS! hahaha.

but I enjoyed her testimony, too. Even went back to see her tour during the Grant trial - wanted to see the contempt she had for Grant. She seemed to bash him more in this trial, oddly enough.

WE HAVE TO LAUGH: Okay, it may not be "right" but who else got a kick out of the photo from, the hotel with the kids, and Amanda smiling next to a set of white teeth! How about Boz referencing uit during close? So funny. Boz is truly an all-star attorney, racking up two big wins in less than 12 months. He also had a good one with "Amanda is out dropping acid..."

BREAKER-BREAKER: What'
s the deal with Amanda's attorney, conveying on behalf of Amanda, how Grant has most likely killed "women" before, as he travelled on his own across the country. We know abt how Grant shot a man ( has any LE dept. even attempted to find out who this clown killed? I wonder if the info Amanda served up is true - and if it is - we may not hear the end of Amanda Hayes, for she could write a letter possibly describing other terminated persons.

Just a though.. what do you guys think>>>???! Sort of like, why would they mention it so specifically if it were not derived from a concrete basis... anyway, I've written too much. Your turn (smile).[/B
Your admirer - always....

]
The Gajonka

 

[gajonka]

:floorlaugh: I believe I've seen the interview, he actually did two. He's a piece of work, that's for sure. In one he said "Laura got herself killed". He still hates her, has no remorse, thinks that his attorneys "didn't have his best interests at heart", and will get a new trial. Good luck with that!

So true - you are so right. He doesn't give a ****...

Fu*& him - always smiling , walking into the court room = bouncing with joy as he [daily] receives his attorney with big smiles and hand shaking and hugs.

Electrocution!!!!! Ahhhh!!!!

(sorry, he makes me so mad, especially during those interviews - I saw the one with the girl with the orange shirt - I even think her name was Amanda, prob the sole bais why he took the interview.)

Ugh, I don't even want to think about it! True, you describe him perfectly - you are very smart,,, I like you.

Respectfully yours,

The .G

 

[gajonka]

If there's a statute of limitations on any charges Texas can file against her, I wonder how they'll accomplish this? I would very much like to see her charged and convicted of those offenses here and serve the time for them, whether here or added onto her sentence in NC, hope Tx is thinking how to manage it.

Good perspective Gee Vee !!!

We may get our electrocution yet!

Bwaahahahahahaha!!!


Zzzzzap!!

 

[gajonka]

If there's a statute of limitations on any charges Texas can file against her, I wonder how they'll accomplish this? I would very much like to see her charged and convicted of those offenses here and serve the time for them, whether here or added onto her sentence in NC, hope Tx is thinking how to manage it.

Good perspective Gee Vee !!!

We may get our electrocution yet!

Bwaahahahahahaha!!!


Zzzzzap!!

 

[simlyme]

A friend of Laura posted a song on a facebook site that was just so fitting for our beautiful Laura. Its an older song by Christopher Cross and not so coincidentally (to me) came out the year Laura was born.
I went to youtube and found it with the lyrics and fitting pictures just for Laura.
Laura, Im so sorry that justice was not served. I'll try not to cry & listen to this song to remind me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_moN-WvcFE