Man accused of helping kidnap, kill pregnant Arkansas woman expected to change plea

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KNWA/KFTA) — A Missouri man charged in federal court with allegedly aiding in the kidnapping and murder of a pregnant Arkansas woman is expected to change his plea.

Jamie Waterman is accused of assisting his wife, Amber Waterman, in the kidnapping and murder of Ashley Bush and her unborn child in 2022.

Amber Waterman was charged with kidnapping resulting in death and the death of an unborn child. Initially pleading not guilty, she changed her plea to guilty during a hearing in Springfield on July 30.

Jamie Waterman, charged as an accessory after the fact to the kidnapping resulting in death, was scheduled for a pretrial hearing on Sept. 25, with a trial planned for October. However, the hearing was canceled the day before, and a plea change hearing has since been scheduled, according to court documents.

This plea change hearing is now set for Oct. 15, coinciding with the expected sentencing of Amber Waterman to life in prison without parole.

Case timeline

October 25, 2022: Investigators believe Amber created a fake Facebook account named “Lucy Barrows” to lure Ashley Bush into a meeting under the pretense of a job offer.

October 28, 2022: Ashley meets “Lucy” at the Gravette Public Library, where “Lucy” offers baby supplies. Ashley’s fiancé, Josh Willis, feels uneasy about the situation.

October 31, 2022: Ashley is dropped off at a store by Willis but goes missing after texting him. Her phone is later found in a ditch. Meanwhile, Amber claims to have gone into labor and delivers a stillborn child that evening, with evidence suggesting the baby was “cut out” of her.

November 1, 2022: Police interview the Watermans and search their home and vehicle, discovering Amber’s lost phone and inconsistencies in her statements.

November 2, 2022: The Watermans hold a memorial service for Amber’s stillborn child. The Benton County Coroner later requests a DNA swab from the baby.

November 3, 2022: Police seize a vehicle from the Watermans and find blood stains. Jamie Waterman confesses that Amber killed Ashley and led him to dispose of her body, which he burned.

After the arrest: The Watermans are arrested and booked into jail. Federal prosecutors request they be held without bond.

November 10, 2022: Benton County Prosecutor Nathan Smith charges Amber with two counts of capital murder and one count of kidnapping, seeking the death penalty. Jamie remains charged federally, lacking evidence for state charges.

December 2, 2022: Jamie Waterman pleads not guilty to the charges against him.

July 30, 2024: Nearly two years after the crime, Amber Waterman pleads guilty to kidnapping resulting in death and causing the death of an unborn child. Her sentencing is scheduled for October 15, where she faces a life sentence without parole.

Stay with KNWA/FOX24 as this story continues to develop.