Missouri woman pleads guilty to federal charges in killing of pregnant Northwest Arkansas woman and unborn child

Missouri Woman Pleads Guilty to Killing Pregnant Woman and Unborn Child

On July 30, Amber Waterman, 44, of Pineville, Missouri, pleaded guilty to federal charges of kidnapping resulting in death and causing the death of a child in utero, admitting she killed a pregnant woman from Northwest Arkansas and her unborn child.

The U.S. District Court in Springfield heard that Waterman kidnapped Ashley Bush, 33, of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, who was 31 weeks pregnant at the time. Waterman had met Bush through Facebook and promised her a job opportunity, claiming to help Bush obtain employment.

Waterman transported Bush from Benton County to Pineville, where she killed Bush and the unborn baby. Bush’s body was later found, with an autopsy revealing penetrating trauma to the torso as the cause of death. The baby died in utero as a result of the kidnapping.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Wan detailed Waterman’s actions, including giving a false name, “Lucy,” during her interactions with Bush. Waterman’s motive for the crime was to claim Bush’s unborn child as her own.

Waterman faces a mandatory life sentence without parole, with sentencing scheduled for October 15. In addition to the federal charges, she also faces state charges in Benton County, including two counts of capital murder and kidnapping, for which the death penalty is being sought.

Benton County Prosecuting Attorney Joshua Robinson attended the federal hearing and announced that he would continue to pursue state charges against Waterman. Waterman’s husband, Jamie, is also charged as an accessory after the fact for allegedly helping dispose of Bush’s body.

The crime has left a trail of devastation for the families involved. Ashley Bush leaves behind three other children, while Waterman’s actions have led to her own life sentence.

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