The father of murdered former Kinston resident Laura Ackerson wants to take her suspected killers for all they’ve got.
Wednesday, a battery and wrongful death lawsuit was filed against Grant Ruffin Hayes and Amanda Perry Hayes at the Lenoir County Courthouse. Rodger Ackerson, as administrator of his daughter’s estate, is seeking compensatory and punitive damages on each claim of relief for a combined total of no less than $20,000.
“It’s like this — between the two of them, there are three minor children,” Rodger Ackerson said. “Those three minor children need to be taken care of. If Mr. and Mrs. Hayes have any assets at all, I’m going to seize them — if the court approves that — then use them to support those children and use them to put those children through college.”
The children are currently in the care of Grant Hayes’ mother.
The lawsuit alleges in its first claim that a beating exacted by the Hayeses on Laura Ackerson led to her death.
“That as a result of the intentional assault and battery of decedent by defendants Grant Hayes and Amanda Hayes, decedent sustained serious, painful and debilitating injuries of body and mind,” the lawsuit reads.
In asking for relief on the wrongful death claim, the suit specifically cites Laura Ackerson’s two children as beneficiaries.
“That except for the injuries caused her by the assault and battery on or about July 13, 2011, decedent was of good health, constitution and vigor,” the lawsuit reads. “The beneficiaries of the decedent have lost the services, protection, care and assistance of decedent, together with her society, companionship, comfort, guidance, kindly advice and offices.
“Further, the beneficiaries of decedent have lost the reasonably expected income of decedent.”
The third minor Rodger Ackerson mentioned is the child of Grant and Amanda Hayes.
According to the lawsuit, a jury trial has been requested. Rodger Ackerson is represented locally by Matthew Sullivan of the White and Allen law firm for the case.
As it stands currently, Grant Hayes is to be tried in Wake County Superior Court on Aug. 26 for the murder, which occurred two years ago today. Prosecutors have said Amanda Hayes will be tried at a date to be determined later.
Wes Wolfe can be reached at 252-559-1075 and Wes.Wolfe@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter @WolfeReports.