Jamie Waterman, a Missouri citizen, was charged with being an accessory after the fact in the kidnapping and murder of Ashley Bush, a pregnant lady from Arkansas. Initially unaware of his wife's illicit activities, Waterman helped conceal and dispose of Bush's body after learning of the crime. He pleaded guilty to the crime on October 15, 2024, and faces up to 15 years in federal prison without parole under federal law. The court will determine the actual sentence based on advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory criteria after the United States Probation Office conducts a presentence investigation. Waterman's sentencing hearing will be arranged following the completion of the presentence inquiry. Assistant United States Attorneys Stephanie L. Wan and James J. Kelleher prosecuted the case, which was investigated by several law enforcement agencies.
Amber had the placenta/afterbirth in her pants.
I’ve never seen so much wickedness and evil.
Jamie Waterman. Autographed Postcard, Signed. Handwritten, 4 × 6. October 28, 2024. Springfield, MO.
Jamie Waterman
Background and Charges
Jamie Waterman, a resident of Pineville, Missouri, became involved in a criminal case following the actions of his wife, Amber Waterman. Amber was charged with the kidnapping and murder of Ashley Bush, a pregnant woman from Arkansas, and her unborn child. Jamie Waterman’s involvement came to light as he was accused of being an accessory after the fact to these crimes.
Amber Waterman kidnapped Ashley Bush using a potential job offer on social media. They say she then killed the pregnant woman. They were hoping to claim Ashley's unborn child as her own, but the baby, named Valkyrie Willis, died. Amber's husband, Jamie Waterman, also faces federal charges in connection with those murders.
Role in the Crime
According to what is known, Jamie Waterman was not initially aware of his wife’s criminal activities. It wasn’t until November 1, 2022, that Amber informed him about the murder of Ashley Bush. Initially, she told him that she had killed Bush but later changed her story to claim that someone named “Lucy” was responsible. Despite this confusion, Jamie assisted Amber by helping to conceal Bush’s body.
After learning about the crime, Jamie Waterman helped Amber by hiding and disposing of Ashley Bush’s body. The body was wrapped in a blue tarp and burned in a fire pit on their property before being moved to another location for concealment.
Legal Proceedings
Jamie Waterman faced legal charges for his role as an accessory after the fact to kidnapping resulting in death. This charge implies that he provided assistance to hinder or prevent Amber’s apprehension or punishment after she committed the crime. On October 15, 2024, Jamie pleaded guilty to this charge before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush.
Under federal law, Jamie Waterman could face a sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison without parole for his actions as an accessory after the fact. The actual sentence will be determined by the court based on advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors following a presentence investigation conducted by the United States Probation Office.
Sentencing Context
The sentencing hearing for Jamie Waterman will be scheduled after the completion of this presentence investigation. His plea change came shortly after his wife received consecutive life sentences without parole for her crimes against Ashley Bush and her unborn child.
The case has been prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie L. Wan and James J. Kelleher and investigated by multiple law enforcement agencies including the FBI and local sheriff departments from Benton County, Arkansas, and McDonald County, Missouri.
VIDEO: Federal Affidavits and Confessions of Amber and Jamie Waterman | Ashley Bush Case | https://youtu.be/ds7JnR7FeMc
VIDEO: Ashley Bush: Chilling Info Baby Valkyrie Grace | Coroner, Family & Another Woman Amber Targeted | https://youtu.be/HRizmaTZyd0
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