Amber Waterman, a 44-year-old Missouri resident, has pleaded guilty to charges of kidnapping and killing a pregnant woman in Arkansas, and attempting to claim the victim’s unborn child as her own. This plea, announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri on July 30, 2024, results in a mandatory life sentence for Waterman.
Incident Overview
The case began with the disappearance of Ashley Bush, a 31-year-old pregnant woman who went missing on October 31, 2022. Bush was reported missing by her fiancé the following day after she failed to respond to calls. Bush, who was 31 weeks pregnant, had last been seen getting into a pickup truck driven by Amber Waterman. The search for Bush and her unborn child led investigators to a series of disturbing discoveries.
Details of the Crime
On the day of her disappearance, Bush met with Waterman, who had previously connected with her through Facebook under the pretense of helping Bush find employment. They met again at a library in Gravette, Arkansas, and on October 31, Bush got into Waterman’s truck. After her disappearance, paramedics in Pineville, Missouri, responded to a call from a woman claiming she had given birth while driving to the hospital. Investigators later discovered that this child was Bush’s unborn son.
Investigations intensified when Bush’s fiancé found her phone on the highway and handed it over to the police. Through Facebook messages, detectives traced Waterman’s location and identified her truck, which matched the description of the vehicle Bush was last seen entering. Bloodstains were found inside Waterman’s truck, raising further suspicions.
Arrest and Confession
Waterman initially denied knowing Bush but later claimed that “Lucy,” a supposed former coworker, was responsible for the crime. Jamie Waterman, Amber’s husband, later testified that Amber had called him on the day of the crime, claiming a miscarriage. Jamie Waterman saw blood in the vehicle and testified that his wife had cleaned up the blood and burned the rags. He was also involved in disposing of Bush’s body.
Amber Waterman eventually confessed to killing Bush and led investigators to her body, which was found wrapped in a tarp and buried. She and her husband then burned the body to conceal the crime. Jamie Waterman was subsequently charged with being an accessory after the fact.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Amber Waterman’s guilty plea to one count of kidnapping resulting in death and one count of causing the death of a child in utero guarantees her a mandatory life sentence without parole. U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore described the crime as “horrific” and emphasized that Waterman’s guilty plea ensures justice for the victims.
Jamie Waterman was charged with accessory after the fact, complicating the legal proceedings surrounding this case. The details of the crime and the subsequent confession have highlighted the extreme nature of Waterman’s actions and the significant emotional and legal ramifications for those involved.
Community Impact and Response
The case has drawn significant attention due to the tragic circumstances and the severity of the crime. The community has been affected by the loss of both Ashley Bush and her unborn son, and the legal system’s response underscores the seriousness with which such crimes are treated.
Conclusion
Amber Waterman’s guilty plea and the resulting life sentence reflect the gravity of her crimes against Ashley Bush and her unborn son. The investigation and subsequent legal actions demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement and the judicial system to ensuring justice and accountability for such heinous acts. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the impact of violent crime on individuals and communities.