In a story that has captured the attention of many, the tragic disappearance of Laura Gene Aerson, a devoted mother from Kinston, North Carolina, spiraled into a horrifying narrative of murder, dismemberment, and deceit.

Laura, a meticulous planner and dedicated parent, vanished after what was supposed to be a routine visit with her children.

The events that unfolded in the days following her disappearance would reveal a dark plot that shocked both the community and law enforcement.

Laura Gene Aerson, 27, was known for her unwavering commitment to her two young sons.

She balanced her responsibilities as a mother and a businesswoman, running a small enterprise with her friend, Yabanis.

Laura’s life revolved around her children; she meticulously documented their growth, scheduled every moment of their day, and ensured their safety and well-being were always prioritized.

After relocating from the US Virgin Islands to North Carolina for better access to medical care for one of her sons, Laura maintained a structured routine, focusing on providing a stable home environment.

 

However, her relationship with her ex-husband, Grant Ruffen Hayes, had deteriorated into a contentious custody battle.

Despite the court’s efforts to establish a clear visitation schedule and guidelines for communication, tensions remained high.

Each exchange of the children became fraught with arguments and legal disputes, setting the stage for the events that would lead to Laura’s disappearance.

 

On July 13, 2012, Laura prepared for what was meant to be a normal evening with her children under the court-ordered visitation schedule.

However, this time, the plan deviated from the usual neutral drop-off point. Instead, Laura was to meet Grant at his apartment.

Every detail of this visit was carefully arranged, reflecting her characteristic attention to detail.

She ensured she had her sons’ medications, clothing, and necessary documents before leaving home, planning to check in with her friend after the visit.

Laura’s last known communication occurred at 4:19 PM, when she sent a message promising to check in later.

After that, all contact ceased. Concerned for her safety, her friend Yabanis attempted to reach her multiple times that evening, but to no avail.

By midday the following day, Yabanis filed a missing person report, initiating a search that would uncover a chilling series of events.

 

As investigators began piecing together the timeline of Laura’s last known movements, they discovered no signs of forced entry into her home or unusual banking activity.

Her phone was silent, and tracking data showed no activity. Detectives interviewed Yabanis and others close to Laura, gathering information about her recent interactions and relationships.

 

The investigation quickly focused on Grant, as Laura’s last plans involved him and their children.

Initial interviews with Grant revealed inconsistencies in his account of the evening Laura disappeared.

He claimed Laura arrived around 6:30 PM to pick up the children and returned them by 9:30 PM.

However, he could not provide evidence to support this claim, nor could he explain why they deviated from the court-mandated drop-off location.

 

As the detectives continued their investigation, they also began to scrutinize a man named Mike, who had been in contact with Laura.

Although he initially offered to help distribute flyers, investigators found no evidence linking him to her disappearance, clearing him as a suspect.

 

With Mike ruled out, the investigation turned back to Grant. As detectives delved deeper, they uncovered a troubling pattern of behavior.

Grant and his new wife, Amanda Perry Hayes, had left North Carolina shortly after Laura’s disappearance, traveling across several states to Fort Bend County, Texas.

Phone records showed a clear movement from Raleigh to Texas, leading investigators to suspect that the couple might have been involved in Laura’s fate.

Witnesses reported seeing Grant and Amanda in the area shortly after Laura vanished, and their behavior raised red flags.

They exhibited unusual interest in the local environment, particularly in areas near water and outbuildings on Amanda’s sister’s property.

Investigators noted that Grant had asked about access to chemicals and the dangers of approaching shorelines at dusk, which only heightened their suspicions.

 

As the investigation progressed, forensic evidence began to emerge.

Soil samples taken from the property indicated the presence of hydrochloric acid, a chemical that would later become significant in the case.

Surveillance footage captured Amanda unloading containers labeled hydrochloric acid from a truck registered to her family, and investigators found discolored soil near a pig pen on the property, suggesting a chemical spill.

 

The investigation took a crucial turn when human remains were discovered in a nearby river.

Forensic anthropologist Dr. Anne Ross was brought in to analyze the remains, which included a femur believed to belong to Laura.

Her findings revealed clean, precise cuts on the bones, indicating that dismemberment had occurred postmortem, likely using a saw.

 

Dr. Ross’s analysis concluded that Laura had suffered a fatal neck wound, followed by dismemberment in an attempt to conceal the crime.

The evidence pointed to a premeditated act, with Laura being coerced into writing a fraudulent custody agreement before her murder.

The trial of Grant Ruffen Hayes began in the summer of 2013, presenting a tightly woven narrative of deception, violence, and premeditated murder.

Prosecutors highlighted the deviations from the court-ordered visitation schedule, the tracked movements of Grant and Amanda’s phones, and the forensic evidence that linked them to Laura’s death.

 

Grant was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Amanda was tried separately in 2014, where she was convicted of second-degree murder, receiving a sentence of 13 to 16 years.

The court recognized her role in covering up the crime, emphasizing that she was far from a passive participant.

 

Laura’s tragic story left a lasting impact on her family and community. Her two sons were left without their mother, and the repercussions of Grant and Amanda’s actions would reverberate through their lives.

The case serves as a chilling reminder of the potential for violence that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives, and the importance of vigilance in the face of domestic strife.

 

The disappearance and murder of Laura Gene Aerson is a harrowing tale of betrayal, violence, and the tragic consequences of a broken family dynamic.

As the investigation unfolded, it revealed not only the depths of human depravity but also the resilience of those who seek justice for victims.

Laura’s story is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of protecting those we love, even in the face of unimaginable circumstances.

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