Woman who lured and murdered a pregnant woman, tried to cut fetus from womb and claim unborn child as her own, faces mandatory life sentence in prison without parole

August 1, 2024 Sharon Banks

A Missouri woman has confessed to kidnapping and murder of a pregnant from Arkansas and her unborn child in a botched attempt to steal the baby and claim it as her own.

44-year-old Amber Waterman admitted her guilt in federal court, pleading to one count of kidnapping resulting in death and one count of causing the death of a child in utero, following the tragic deaths of 33-year-old Ashley Bush and her unborn child, Valkyrie Willis, in 2022.

“This horrific crime resulted in the tragic deaths of two innocent victims,” U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore stated. “Today’s guilty plea holds this defendant accountable for her actions and ensures that justice will be served. She is now subject to a mandatory sentence of life in federal prison without parole.”

Federal prosecutors revealed that Amber Waterman used a false name, “Lucy,” to contact Bush via Facebook, pretending to offer a job opportunity. This led to an in-person interview at a public library in Gravette, Arkansas, where Waterman promised a work-from-home position. On October 31, 2022, Bush met Waterman at a convenience store in Maysville under the pretense of meeting a supervisor. Waterman then kidnapped Bush and transported her to the Waterman residence in Pineville.

Later that day, emergency responders were called to Longview store in Pineville for a report of a baby not breathing. Waterman falsely claimed she had given birth en route to the hospital, but the child was actually Bush’s, who died in utero due to the kidnapping.

An autopsy revealed that Bush died from “penetrating trauma of the torso.” Waterman fatally shot Bush then attempted to remove the unborn child with a knife and subsequently trying to burn Bush’s body, according to authorities.

Waterman faces a mandatory life sentence without parole in federal prison, with her sentencing scheduled for October 15, 2024.

Additionally, Benton County Prosecutor Joshua Robinson intends to pursue state charges, seeking the death penalty for Waterman. She faces two counts of capital murder and one count of kidnapping in Benton County.

However, federal authorities have denied Benton County prosecutors access to Waterman. Robinson continues to push for capital punishment in accordance with the wishes of Bush’s family, despite federal opposition to the death penalty.

Jaime Waterman, Amber’s husband also faces charges for aiding his wife in covering up the crime. His trial is set to begin on October 21.