Ashley Bush, a 33-year-old woman from Arkansas, was eagerly anticipating the arrival of her fourth child, a baby girl named Valkyrie Grace Willis. Despite experiencing gestational hypertension throughout her pregnancy, Ashley was focused on preparing for the new addition to her family, which already included three older siblings aged eight, seven, and two.
In late October 2022, Ashley, who was the primary earner for her family, was concerned about the financial strain of expanding her household. She turned to Facebook to find secondhand baby clothes and connected with a woman named Lucy Barrows, who not only offered baby items but also presented a work-from-home job opportunity at a company outside Arkansas that seemed tailored for Ashley’s situation.
Eager to explore this potential employment opportunity, Ashley met Lucy at a local library in Gravette. She left the meeting feeling optimistic about the job prospect, envisioning a way to earn income while still being present for her children at home.
On Halloween, at 33 weeks pregnant, Joshua, Ashley’s fiancé, dropped her off at a convenience store in Maysville. However, Ashley’s plans took a dark turn when she sent Joshua a text later that day, stating she was on her way back but never returned. Concerned, Joshua reported her missing that evening.
Coincidentally, around the same time, police responded to a distress call in Pineville, Missouri, where they discovered a woman named Amber Waterman holding a baby who tragically did not survive. Amber claimed she had just given birth in a truck en route to the hospital, with her husband by her side.
As the search for Ashley intensified in Arkansas, suspicions arose regarding Lucy’s true identity. Investigations revealed that the woman posing as Lucy was, in fact, Amber Waterman, who had orchestrated a heinous plot to deceive Ashley.
Further revelations unfolded as evidence emerged of Waterman’s involvement in Ashley’s disappearance and tragic demise. Waterman and her husband were arrested and charged after confessing to their crimes, including the abduction, murder, and attempted cover-up of Ashley’s death.
In a shocking turn of events, Waterman pleaded guilty to the charges, leading to a life sentence without parole. Her husband, Jamie Waterman, also admitted to aiding in the cover-up and faces a lengthy prison term.
The devastating loss of Ashley and her unborn child left her family shattered, seeking justice for the heinous acts committed against their loved ones. The court’s stringent sentencing reflected the severity of the crimes, condemning the perpetrators for their abhorrent deeds.