Where is Joanna Hayes Now? 2024 Update & Background

Joanna Hayes, a figure central to a crime that captured national attention, led a life that few could have predicted would end in such tragedy. Details of her early life, professional endeavors, and family dynamics prior to the crime are not extensively documented, but it is known that she resided in Snellville, Georgia, and had a background that included involvement in construction and floral delivery for her daughter-in-law’s company. Hayes was described as being deeply invested in the life of her grandson, Carson, a commitment that would later be scrutinized under the lens of her actions leading to and following the murder of Heather Strube.

Hayes’ life took a dark turn as tensions arose within her family, particularly concerning the custody battle over her grandson following the divorce proceedings between her son, Steven, and Heather Strube. Her desire to maintain a presence in Carson’s life was strong, a motive that prosecutors would later argue fueled her actions on the day of the murder.

The Crime and Investigation

On April 26, 2009, Heather Strube was fatally shot in a Target parking lot in Snellville, Georgia, during a routine custody exchange with her estranged husband, Steven Strube. The murder was executed with chilling precision and audacity, leaving witnesses and the community in shock. The investigation quickly narrowed down potential suspects, with Joanna Hayes emerging as a key figure due to the contentious custody dispute and her known discontent with Heather Strube.

Evidence gathered by law enforcement pointed towards Hayes’ involvement, including surveillance footage from the scene, which depicted the assailant in a disguise that included a wig and mustache, supposedly to mimic a male appearance. Despite initially presenting an alibi, Hayes became the primary suspect after further investigation revealed inconsistencies and motives that aligned with the prosecution’s theory of the crime.

Trial and Conviction

The trial of Joanna Hayes was a closely watched event, drawing attention from both local and national media. The prosecution faced the challenge of building a case primarily on circumstantial evidence, including the distinctive disguise worn by the murderer, the timing of events, and Hayes’ vehement opposition to Heather Strube obtaining custody of Carson. A pivotal moment in the trial was the emotional testimony of Steven Strube, who, despite initial support for his mother, acknowledged her likeness to the person depicted in the surveillance footage from the day of the murder.

In May 2011, Joanna Hayes was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after 30 years. The verdict was a culmination of a case that highlighted the extreme measures one might take out of alleged love and control over familial relationships.

Where Joanna Hayes Stands Today

Following her conviction, Joanna Hayes has pursued legal appeals, challenging the sufficiency of the evidence against her. However, her efforts to overturn the conviction were met with resistance from the judicial system. The Supreme Court of Georgia upheld her life sentence, reiterating the gravity of her actions and the consequences thereof. As of now, Joanna Hayes remains incarcerated, serving a life sentence for the murder of Heather Strube.

The case of Joanna Hayes serves as a stark reminder of the complexities underlying familial disputes and the dark paths that such conflicts can lead to. Her story is one of a grandmother who, in a desperate attempt to assert control over her grandson’s custody, crossed the line into criminality, resulting in irreparable loss and suffering for all involved.