Body found in Genesee River identified as missing woman Penny Busch, sister charged with murder

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — A body found Wednesday in the Genesee River has been identified as that of missing woman Penny Busch. Her sister has been arrested and charged with murder.

Busch was reported missing last week after an October 11 welfare check. She was last seen at her Honeoye Falls home on October 6.

“It was a routine call even on their initial response until they started looking around the house and found things that were just out of the ordinary,” Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter said.

Baxter said the criminal investigation began at that point, with crews searching Busch’s home and the eight acres of her property. Police received information on October 14 leading them to search the Genesee River in Rush, where her body was eventually found. They did not elaborate on the nature of that information.

Busch’s body was positively identified Friday. Investigators arrested her 53-year-old sister Jamie Busch hours later, charging her with second degree murder and tampering with physical evidence.

Watch the full police briefing

Jamie Busch was immediately placed on leave from her position as a paraprofessional in the Honeoye Falls-Lima Central School District. The district made counseling services available to its community for support.

“Although we have never encountered a situation like this in our district, we are confident that, as a community, we will come together, support one another, and get through this difficult time,” Superintendent Gene Mancuso said in a statement issued Friday. “Please be assured that the safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority, and we are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for everyone.”

Police declined to release information on the method and motive behind the murder.

Read the full statement from the Honeoye Falls-Lima Central School District

Dear HF-L Community,

The recent arrest of a district employee on serious charges has deeply impacted all of us. We are shocked and saddened by the reports.

As a school district that prioritizes the safety of our students, staff, and community, we placed the individual on leave and fully cooperated with law enforcement during their investigation. For any inquiries related to this matter, we direct you to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

We recognize the emotional toll this news may have, and counseling services are available for anyone in our school community who needs support.

Although we have never encountered a situation like this in our district, we are confident that, as a community, we will come together, support one another, and get through this difficult time. Please be assured that the safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority, and we are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for everyone.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support of our school district.

Sincerely,

Gene Mancuso
HF-L Superintendent

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.