Woman faces life sentence for refusing abortion

Missouri Woman Pleads Guilty to Killing Pregnant Woman, Stealing Baby

A Missouri woman, Amber Waterman (44), pleaded guilty to the kidnapping and murder of a pregnant Arkansas woman, Ashley Bush, and the unborn child she intended to claim as her own.

Details:

• Waterman faces life in prison for the kidnapping and death of Bush, who was nearly 31 weeks pregnant.
• The crime took place in Pineville, MO, near the Arkansas state line.
• U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore: “This horrific crime resulted in the tragic deaths of two innocent victims. Today’s guilty plea holds this defendant accountable for her actions and ensures that justice will be served."
• Waterman admitted to luring Bush with a fake job opportunity, using a false name on Facebook.
• They met at the Gravette, AR, library on October 28, 2022, and again on October 31, when Bush was kidnapped.
• Waterman took Bush from Maysville to Pineville, AR, where she lived.
• First responders were called to Waterman's residence for a baby not breathing.
• Waterman initially claimed to have given birth to the child, but admitted it was Bush's, and the death was due to the kidnapping.
• Bush's autopsy: "penetrating trauma of the torso", ruled a homicide.
• Sentencing for Waterman is scheduled for October 15.

Sources:

• US Department of Justice: Pineville Woman Pleads Guilty to Kidnapping and Murder of Pregnant Arkansas Woman and Unborn Child
• Google Maps: Pineville, AR