A Missouri resident, Amber Waterman, pleaded guilty to the kidnapping and murder of Ashley Bush, a pregnant Arkansas woman. Bush was lured to her death with a fake job opportunity offered by Waterman through a Facebook account created under the name of Lucy Barrows. The tragic incident resulted in the death of both Bush and her unborn child, a girl she planned to name Valkyrie Willis.
The autopsy revealed that Bush died from penetrating trauma of the torso, indicating a brutal murder. Waterman intended to claim the baby as her own, leading to this heinous crime. Bush’s fiance revealed that they met with “Lucy” at a public library to discuss job opportunities with a company called Conduent. Subsequently, Bush was driven to Waterman’s home in Pineville, Missouri, under the false pretense of meeting a Conduent supervisor.
Following Bush’s disappearance, first responders were called to assist with an emergency report of a baby not breathing at Waterman’s residence. She initially claimed to have given birth to the child in her truck while en route to the hospital. However, she later admitted that the child belonged to Bush, further implicating her in the crime.
Detectives investigating Bush’s disappearance discovered the truck she was last seen in at Waterman’s home. Additionally, Waterman’s husband confessed to witnessing her cleaning blood from the truck and burning the cleaning rags in a barrel. He eventually revealed the location of Bush’s charred remains, indicating his involvement in the cover-up of the crime.
Waterman’s husband has been charged as an accessory after the fact to kidnapping resulting in death. He maintains his innocence and is scheduled to stand trial in October. This tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of online deception and the devastating consequences it can have on innocent lives.
The brutal murder of Ashley Bush highlights the importance of exercising caution when interacting with strangers online, especially when it comes to job offers and other enticing opportunities. It is crucial to verify the legitimacy of individuals and organizations before meeting them in person, as demonstrated by the tragic outcome of Bush’s encounter with Waterman.
Furthermore, this case sheds light on the need for increased awareness of online safety measures and the importance of reporting suspicious activities to prevent similar tragedies in the future. By staying vigilant and informed, individuals can protect themselves and their loved ones from falling victim to malicious schemes and deceitful tactics employed by criminals like Waterman.
