27-year-old Laura Jean Ackerson had a really tough start in life. The single mother of two worked hard to build her own small support system in Kinston, North Carolina. Her brother and best friend were the only people she really had. After Laura survived a whirlwind relationship with a charismatic but narcissistic musician, she faced a vicious custody battle with him. Grant Hayes was a glorified bar star and lazy husband and father. But by July 2011, Laura was finally slipping out of his controlling and abusive grasp. She was winning. Her abuser had lost control. The most dangerous time for a woman.

Listen to "213: Erasing Laura Ackerson, Part 1" on Spreaker.

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Show Notes

Hosted and produced by Erica Kelley
Researched and written by Erica Kelley and Andrea Marshbank
Original Graphic Art by Coley Horner
Original Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma Radio
Edited & Mixed by Brandon Schexnayder & Erica Kelley
Case suggested by Marcia

RESOURCES FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

US National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
National Domestic Violence Hotline: thehotline.org
Canada: visit this website to find the hotline in your area
UK Domestic Abuse Hotline: 0808 2000 247
For resources in other countries, visit this website