A Missouri woman pleaded guilty Tuesday to the fatal kidnapping of a pregnant woman in a failed plot to claim the victim’s baby as her own, federal officials said.
Amber Waterman admitted to the Oct. 31, 2022, killing of Ashley Bush, who was 31 weeks pregnant with Valkyrie Grace Willis at the time, the federal prosecutor’s office for the Western District of Missouri said in a statement.
Waterman, 44, entered the plea in connection with two counts of kidnapping resulting in death, the statement said.
She was charged in Bush’s killing in November 2022. Seven months later, Waterman was indicted in Valkryie’s death.
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Waterman admitted to luring Bush, 33, from Arkansas to Missouri via Facebook with a fake name and a false promise of a job offer, according to the statement.
They first met at an Arkansas library three days before her death, the statement says. On Oct. 31, shortly before noon, Waterman and Bush met at a convenience store in Maysville, Ark. Waterman — who authorities previously said introduced herself as “Lucy” — said she’d take Bush to meet a supervisor.
Ashley Bush.Benton County Sheriff’s Office via Facebook
At 5 p.m. that day, first responders were dispatched to a store in a nearby Missouri town where Waterman said she had given birth in her truck on the way to the hospital, according to the statement.
Authorities previously said Waterman told investigators the baby was a stillbirth. In reality, the statement said, the child was Bush’s.
An autopsy said that Bush died of “penetrating trauma to the torso,” according to the statement.
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Benton County Prosecuting Attorney Nathan Smith previously told reporters that the bodies of Bush and her baby were found in different locations.
Bush’s body was believed to have burned in a fire pit, authorities have previously said, citing Waterman’s husband.
The husband, Jamie Waterman, was charged with one count of assisting his wife in the kidnapping and preventing her apprehension. It isn’t clear if he has entered a plea.
Lawyers for Amber and Jamie Waterman have not responded to requests for comment.
In a statement, the U.S. Attorney Missouri’s Western District, Teresa Moore, said Amber Waterman’s guilty plea ensures that she will be held accountable. She faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole, Moore said.
Two people were seriously injured in a crash Wednesday morning in Cole County on Route B, south of Spring Ridge Road, near St. Thomas, according to a crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Around 11:50 a.m., a 2020 Honda CRV SUV driven by a 67-year-old woman from Meta attempted to turn southbound onto Route B and traveled into the path of 2018 Freightliner Cascadia semitruck driven by a 71-year-old-man, according to the crash report.
The driver of the Honda and the passenger, a 66-year-old-man from Meta, were not wearing seat belts and were airlifted to University Hospital in Columbia, according to the crash report. Both sustained serious injuries, according to the report.
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The driver of the semitruck was not injured, according to the crash report.
As summer recreation ramps up across Missouri, safety officials are reminding residents that water safety begins long before anyone steps into a lake or river. Understanding the risks of water activities, knowing personal limits, and making responsible choices are the foundation of preventing tragedies on the water.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol and other safety agencies emphasize that natural waterways can present hidden hazards, including strong currents, sudden drop‑offs, and floating debris. Swimmers are urged to stay aware of their surroundings, use life jackets when appropriate, and avoid swimming alone.
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Officials say simple precautions—such as recognizing fatigue, monitoring weather conditions, and watching out for others in your group—can make the difference between a fun day on the water and a dangerous situation. As families head outdoors, authorities encourage everyone to treat water safety as a shared responsibility.
The Missouri Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at June 2, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Mega Millions numbers from June 2 drawing
15-26-43-48-60, Mega Ball: 12
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
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Winning Pick 3 numbers from June 2 drawing
Midday: 6-2-1
Midday Wild: 4
Evening: 0-2-0
Evening Wild: 2
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
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Winning Pick 4 numbers from June 2 drawing
Midday: 4-9-6-4
Midday Wild: 5
Evening: 1-3-6-4
Evening Wild: 9
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
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Winning Cash Pop numbers from June 2 drawing
Early Bird: 13
Morning: 04
Matinee: 04
Prime Time: 08
Night Owl: 12
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Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Show Me Cash numbers from June 2 drawing
01-10-15-19-31
Check Show Me Cash payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
All Missouri Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes over $600, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Missouri Lottery’s regional offices, by appointment only.
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To claim by mail, complete a Missouri Lottery winner claim form, sign your winning ticket, and include a copy of your government-issued photo ID along with a completed IRS Form W-9. Ensure your name, address, telephone number and signature are on the back of your ticket. Claims should be mailed to:
Ticket Redemption
Missouri Lottery
P.O. Box 7777
Jefferson City, MO 65102-7777
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For in-person claims, visit the Missouri Lottery Headquarters in Jefferson City or one of the regional offices in Kansas City, Springfield or St. Louis. Be sure to call ahead to verify hours and check if an appointment is required.
For additional instructions or to download the claim form, visit the Missouri Lottery prize claim page.
When are the Missouri Lottery drawings held?
Powerball: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 3: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
Pick 4: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
Powerball Double Play: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Missouri editor. You can send feedback using this form.
