Missouri Woman Pleads Guilty to Kidnapping and Murder
In a shocking and disturbing case, a Missouri woman has pleaded guilty to the kidnapping and murder of a pregnant Arkansas woman and her unborn child. Amber Waterman, 44, of Pineville, Missouri, admitted to committing these heinous crimes in federal court.
The Crime and Motivation
Waterman contacted her victim, Ashley Bush, 33, on Facebook using a false name. Bush was 31 weeks pregnant at the time. They agreed to meet at an Arkansas convenience store under the guise of Waterman helping Bush find a job. Instead, Waterman drove Bush to her home in Pineville, where the crime took place. Waterman’s motive was to claim Bush’s baby as her own.
The Investigation and Sentence
First responders were called to Waterman’s home, where they found the baby not breathing. Although Waterman initially claimed she had given birth, she later admitted that the baby was Bush’s. Bush’s body was discovered in a separate location, and the cause of her death was a gunshot wound. Waterman’s husband, Jamie, was charged as an accessory after the fact for helping to dispose of Bush’s body. Amber Waterman will spend the rest of her life in prison without parole. Formal sentencing is scheduled for October 15.
The Aftermath
The crime has left a ripple effect on the families involved and has raised concerns about online safety and the motives of criminals. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can lurk beneath the surface of our interconnected world.
