Double Jeopardy Dismissal Leads To Capital Murder Charges

Amber Waterman will face charges that could carry one of the most severe penalties, highlighting the depth of her crimes.

Quick Takes

Amber Waterman had previously been sentenced to two life terms for killing a pregnant woman and attempting to steal her baby.
The Arkansas Supreme Court dismissed her double jeopardy claim, clearing the way for state prosecution.
Waterman lured Ashley Bush under false pretenses, resulting in Bush’s tragic death.
The state seeks the death penalty for Waterman; her trial is set for July 7.

Federal and State Legal Challenges

Amber Waterman, 44, from Pineville, Missouri, faces prosecution under state law after being sentenced to two life terms in the federal system for the murder of Ashley Bush, a pregnant woman. Waterman pleaded guilty to kidnapping and causing the death of both Bush and her unborn child named Valkyrie Willis. In a refusal to protect Waterman from the death penalty, the Arkansas Supreme Court dismissed her double jeopardy appeal, providing Arkansas with the opportunity to pursue additional capital murder charges.

Waterman had contacted Bush using a false identity on Facebook, promising to help her find a job, only to deceive and harm her. Bush was last seen alive with Waterman before her fiancé, Joshua Willis, reported her missing. Her remains were discovered near Waterman’s property in Missouri, and the unborn child was found deceased, an action emphasizing the horrific nature of the crime. Waterman initially maintained she had given birth to the child, later admitting to the heinous crime of extracting Bush’s child.

Amber Waterman, 44, of #Missouri, has been sentenced to two consecutive life terms without parole for the brutal murder of Ashley Bush, 33, and her unborn child in October 2022

Waterman lured the pregnant Bush using a fake Facebook identity, promising a job opportunity

After… pic.twitter.com/c6DehVRGCt

— True Crime Updates (@TrueCrimeUpdat) October 18, 2024

Defense Strategies and State Prosecution

Waterman’s defense argues against references to her federal conviction during the state trial, seeking a mental health evaluation while claiming double jeopardy. However, Benton County prosecutors are adamant, pursuing the death penalty as a response to the severity of her crimes and citing family requests for justice. Benton County Deputy Prosecutor Joshua Robinson noted that “the worst crimes need to carry the worst punishment.” Pretrial hearings are scheduled for July 7.

Despite her ongoing denial of the state trial, Arkansas is determined to seek justice that the state believes aligns with the impact of Waterman’s actions. The case has resonated widely due to the shocking brutality and loss it represents. Her husband, Jamie Waterman, also faces legal consequences for aiding in concealing the crime, admitting guilt as an accessory after the fact.

A Grim Reality and Familial Grief

The heinous nature of Amber Waterman’s crimes brings forth a harsh reality and substantial emotional impact. During courtroom proceedings, family members of Ashley Bush expressed profound grief and anger at the indescribable loss. Bush was 31 weeks pregnant when her life was brutally taken, and her family continues to grapple with the tragedy’s impact. A judge described the crime as a “new level of graphic,” reflecting how deeply the crime breached moral boundaries.

The state’s decision to pursue the death penalty underscores the gravity of Waterman’s actions, with prosecutors determined to ensure substantial penalties align with the public’s and the family’s demand for justice. Waterman’s pretrial hearing will be closely watched as it proceeds, given the significant consequences at stake.