Amber Dawn Waterman is currently being charged with two counts of capital murder and one count of kidnapping in connection with the deaths of Ashley Bush, a 31-week expectant woman, and her unborn child. Waterman allegedly lured Bush under the guise of a job interview, shot her, and attempted to take her unborn child. Waterman claimed that she had given birth to a stillborn infant, and authorities discovered both Bush and her baby deceased in separate locations. Waterman is currently facing federal charges for captivity that resulted in death, as well as the death penalty in state court. Her defense attorneys contend that the pursuit of state charges following federal convictions constitutes double jeopardy, while prosecutors contend that state and federal charges possess distinct components and do not contravene double jeopardy protections. The Arkansas Supreme Court is currently reviewing the case as part of their "Appeals on Wheels" program, and a decision regarding Waterman's appeal is anticipated in the near future. Waterman could be subject to severe legal repercussions, such as the death penalty, if he is found guilty.
Your a fighter girl, you got this!!!
Amber Waterman. Autographed Letter, Signed. Handwritten, Commercial #10 (4.125 × 9.5 envelope). NE Arkansas, AR. April 21, 2025. Content unknown. SEALED.
In October 2022, Amber Dawn Waterman orchestrated a chilling scheme that led to the brutal murder of 33-year-old Ashley Bush and her unborn daughter, Valkyrie Willis. Using a fabricated online persona, Waterman lured Bush with the promise of employment and baby items. Instead, she abducted and murdered the expectant mother, attempting to claim the unborn child as her own. The heinous act shocked communities and highlighted the dangers of online deception.
Amber Dawn Waterman was born in 1980 in Pineville, Missouri. As of October 2024, she is incarcerated in a federal prison, serving two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole. Her criminal record includes convictions for kidnapping resulting in death and causing the death of a child in utero.
Details about Waterman's early life remain sparse. She resided in Pineville, Missouri, with her husband, Jamie Waterman. There is no public record of her employment history or affiliations. Her actions in 2022 suggest a calculated and premeditated approach to committing a heinous crime.
In late October 2022, Waterman created a fake Facebook profile under the name "Lucy Barrows," offering baby items and job opportunities to expectant mothers. Ashley Bush, 31 weeks pregnant, responded to the post, seeking assistance. They met on October 28 at a public library in Gravette, Arkansas, to discuss a purported job opportunity.
On October 31, Bush met Waterman again at a convenience store in Maysville, Arkansas, believing she was being taken to a job interview. Instead, Waterman abducted her and drove to her residence in Pineville, Missouri. There, she murdered Bush by shooting her and attempted to extract the unborn child from her womb. Waterman then called emergency services, falsely claiming to have given birth to a stillborn baby in her truck.
Authorities quickly grew suspicious of Waterman's story. An autopsy revealed that Bush died from penetrating trauma to the torso and that the baby, Valkyrie Willis, had died in utero. Waterman's husband, Jamie, admitted to assisting in disposing of Bush's body by burning it and hiding the remains.
Waterman was arrested in early November 2022. She was charged with kidnapping resulting in death and causing the death of a child in utero. On July 30, 2024, she pleaded guilty to both charges. Subsequently, on October 15, 2024, she was sentenced to two consecutive life terms without parole.
Jamie Waterman pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact to kidnapping resulting in death. He admitted to knowing about the kidnapping and assisting in covering up the crime. His sentencing is pending, with a potential maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison.
Despite the federal convictions, Benton County, Arkansas, has filed capital murder charges against Amber Waterman. Her attorneys argue that this constitutes double jeopardy, as she has already been convicted for the same acts. The Arkansas Supreme Court is currently reviewing the case to determine if the state prosecution can proceed.
Ashley Bush, a mother of three, was eagerly anticipating the birth of her daughter, Valkyrie. Her brutal murder devastated her family and community. The case garnered national attention, highlighting the dangers of online interactions and the lengths individuals may go to deceive others.
The public outcry led to increased awareness about the importance of verifying online identities and the potential risks associated with meeting strangers from the internet. Law enforcement agencies have since emphasized the need for caution when engaging in online transactions or communications.
Amber Waterman remains incarcerated, serving her life sentences without the possibility of parole. There is no indication of rehabilitation efforts or remorse from her. Given the severity and premeditation of her crimes, she is considered a continued threat to society.
The tragic case of Amber Waterman underscores the potential dangers lurking in online interactions. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need for protective measures when engaging with unknown individuals. Communities must remain alert and supportive, ensuring the safety and well-being of all members.
Given the notoriety of this case, any autographed items from Amber Waterman would be exceedingly rare. While such items may hold value for collectors of true crime memorabilia, it's essential to approach this with sensitivity, considering the profound pain and loss experienced by the victims' families.
VIDEO: She Trusted a STRANGER on Facebook for a Job - 48 Hours Later She Was Found Brutally Murdered | https://youtu.be/ByCGZ80JE88
VIDEO: Federal Affidavits and Confessions of Amber and Jamie Waterman | Ashley Bush Case | https://youtu.be/ds7JnR7FeMc
Archiving Protocol:
• Handled with White Gloves ab initio
• Photo Pages/Sheet Protectors: Heavyweight Clear Sheet Protectors, Acid Free & Archival Safe, 8.5 × 11, Top Load
• White Backing Board – Acid Free
Shipping/Packaging: Rigid Mailer 9.5 × 12.5. White, self-seal, stay-flat, Kraft cardboard, no bend. Each rigid mailer is made of heavy cardboard, which has strong resistance to bending and tearing. Thicker that the USPS mailers. Shipping cost never more than it absolutely has to be to get it from me to you.