SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Amber Waterman, who pleaded guilty earlier this year to kidnapping and murdering Ashley Bush and her unborn child, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on Oct. 15.
Multiple members of Bush's family gave remarks at the sentencing.
"This is the beginning of moving forward, a beginning of a new chapter, and we're just hoping to close it as soon as we can and get back to living our lives without her," cousin Lainey Boone said.
Amber pleaded guilty on July 30 to kidnapping resulting in death and causing the death of an unborn child. She was previously set to go on trial in federal court alongside her husband, Jamie, who is charged with aiding her in the crime.
Jamie is set to have a plea change hearing at 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 15, just hours after his wife received two consecutive life sentences.
As of Oct. 15, Amber still faces charges of kidnapping and murder in the State of Arkansas, to which she has pleaded not guilty.
Benton County Prosecutor Josh Robinson told 5NEWS that the state is seeking the death penalty in the case, but that the case is on hold due to double jeopardy.
The Crime
Ashley Bush, a pregnant mother of three living in Maysville, Arkansas, was reported missing on Oct. 31, 2022. It wasn't until Nov. 3 that the Watermans were arrested after being interviewed by detectives.
According to an indictment, Amber created a fake Facebook account under the name Lucy Barrows. As "Lucy," Amber told Bush that she could help her get a job and that she could drive her to an interview.
Once Bush was dropped off at a gas station in Maysville by family, Amber allegedly kidnapped Bush and drove her to her home in Pineville, Missouri.
On the same day, Amber called 911 and said she went into labor, and ultimately "delivered" a stillborn baby. The county medical examiner later told 5NEWS that it looked like the baby was "cut out" of the mother. Amber allegedly refused medical treatment after EMS arrived at the scene.
On Nov. 3, 2023, the Watermans were arrested. Investigators said Jamie wasn't aware of the crimes his wife had committed until Nov. 1 when Amber told him she had killed Bush, but then quickly changed her story and said “Lucy” had killed her.
After telling Jamie that Bush was killed, Amber led him to her body, which was wrapped in a blue tarp near their home. According to investigators, they burned the body in a fire pit on their property and then drove the body a short distance to hide it.
An autopsy showed that Bush died as a result of trauma to her torso, classifying the death as a homicide.
The Watermans were arrested on Nov. 3 and faced charges related to the deaths of Ashley Bush and her unborn baby girl.
For a full timeline of the case, from Bush's disappearance to Amber Waterman's guilty plea, click here.
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