Judge orders Pineville couple held without bond in connection with kidnapping, murder of pregnant woman

A Pineville couple will be held without bond while awaiting trial on charges connected to the kidnapping and murder of a pregnant Arkansas woman.

During detention hearings this morning in U. S. District Court in Springfield, Judge David P. Rush ordered Amber Waterman, 42, and Jamie Waterman, 42, held citing the nature of their alleged crimes.

Jamie Waterman's juvenile criminal history was cited among the reasons for keeping him behind bars while Rush noted Amber Waterman's mental health history:

Regarding the potential danger to the community, the Court notes the nature of the instant offense, defendant’s mental health history, and safety concerns for the community. The Court also notes that the charge involves a child and violence and death. Based on all the foregoing, the Courts finds by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant is a danger to the community.

The allegations against the Watermans were detailed in a news release from the U. S. Attorney's office:

Amber Waterman is charged with one count of kidnapping resulting in death. The federal criminal complaint alleges that, between Oct. 31 and Nov. 2, 2022, Amber Waterman kidnapped Ashley Bush, who was approximately 31 weeks pregnant, in order to claim her unborn child as her own. She allegedly transported Ashley Bush from Maysville, Arkansas, to Pineville, resulting in her death.

Jamie Waterman is charged with one count of being an accessory after the fact to kidnapping resulting in death. The federal criminal complaint alleges that he assisted Amber Waterman, in order to hinder and prevent her apprehension, trial, and punishment, knowing she had committed the offense of kidnapping resulting in death.

The Watermans have also been charged in Benton County, Arkansas.